Visual Testing (VT) Practice Exam

What is the device called that transmits the load from a piping system to the building structure?

1. Pipe clamp

2. Riser clamp

3. Component support

4. Integral attachment

The correct answer is: Pipe clamp

The correct choice refers to a pipe clamp, which is specifically designed to secure piping and effectively transmit the load of the piping system to the building's structure. This component is essential in ensuring that pipes are properly supported, maintaining structural integrity while enabling safe installation and operation. Pipe clamps help distribute the weight of the pipes evenly and provide stability, which is critical for the functionality of the piping system. They are used in various applications, from plumbing to HVAC systems, to reduce stress on both the piping and the structure to which they are attached. The other options, while related to supporting systems, do not focus primarily on the function of transmitting loads from piping to the building structure as effectively as pipe clamps. For example, riser clamps are typically used to support vertical piping runs but may not provide the same functionality in load transmission compared to the broader application of pipe clamps. Component supports are more general and may not specifically refer to the context of piping loads, while integral attachments usually involve equipment or appurtenances that are fixed directly to the structure. Thus, the pipe clamp is the most appropriate device for this particular function.