ICC Commercial Mechanical Practice Exam

What is required for each cooling or evaporator coil or fuel-fired appliance that produces condensate to prevent damage from overflow?

1. An inline dryer unit

2. A heated collector unit

3. A secondary drain or auxiliary drain pan

4. A universal dryer unit

The correct answer is: A secondary drain or auxiliary drain pan

For any cooling or evaporator coil or fuel-fired appliance that generates condensate, a secondary drain or auxiliary drain pan is necessary to prevent potential overflow damage. This requirement ensures that in the event the primary drainage system fails or becomes clogged, there is an additional means of collecting and directing the condensate safely away from sensitive areas or equipment. Condensate can accumulate quickly, especially in high humidity conditions or with equipment that operates frequently. If not properly managed, overflowing condensate can lead to water damage, mold growth, and deterioration of surrounding structural elements. The installation of a secondary drain pan acts as a safety measure, providing peace of mind and protecting investments in the mechanical systems and buildings. The other options do not serve the same purpose. An inline dryer unit and a universal dryer unit mainly focus on drying or dehumidifying, which does not address the specific issue of managing condensate overflow. A heated collector unit is typically used in specialized applications to keep fluids from freezing but is not designed to manage overflow from condensate production. Therefore, the secondary drain or auxiliary drain pan is the correct choice to safeguard against overflow and its potential complications.