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cereal gal
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| Joined: | Thu Mar 29th, 2007 |
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| Posts: | 187 |
| Exams Taken: | PD, GS, LF, ME, BD/MM, CD, SP, BP, BT | | Exams Passed: | PD, GS, LF, ME, BD/MM, CD, SP, BP, BT | | Describes Me: | At 1 year and 2 months, from the time I ... |
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Posted: Thu Nov 8th, 2007 11:35 pm |
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Obviously the most important thing is to browse this forum. I was living on this forum for a couple weeks browsing and familiarizing myself with all the stuff people are contributing. Thank you forum!
The forum really throws an overwhelming amount of information at you, and I think it's good to be overwhelmed which forces you to adequently prepare for this exam.
I have 2.5 years of working experience, did a little MEP coordination but not much. Here's how i studied: To begin, I read Lechner's "Heating, Cooling, and LightingHeating, Cooling, and Lighting" on 1 weekend. I spent the following week reading kaplan, did the Q&A book, the test bank. I spent another weekend "reading" MEEB. While almost everybody here swears by MEEB I didn't read it cover to cover. I read the few chapters that were suggested (Fire Protection, Lighting Fundametals, HVAC) and flipped through the diagrams. I also did the MEEB online quizes (all of them even the chapters I didn't read, and when I run into something i didn't know I look for it in the book). I also skimmed through the archiflash. My friend also gave me his copy of the NCARB practice exam (which is useful).
Over all though, the exam (or at least my version) was not as hard as I'd imagine. Sure, on the first pass I was VERY confused by their phrasing of the questions. I took the advice of skipping all the calculations and leaving them for last. I marked more than half of the exam for review (yikes), had a chance to go back and review all the mark questions, but I didn't have time to review the unmarked ones. Walking out of the exam, I was feeling so-so about it. I didn't think I completely and utterly failed but i wasn't sure that i'd pass either. I had maybe 6-7 calculations (most of them silly, and don't even require you to look at the reference tab), 2 history questions.
Here are some of the topics i encountered:
- Air Filters
- Reading sun charts at sunrise and sunset locations
- skylight
- know the building section of electrical wiring/grounding/meter
- Calculate R value
- Calculate fixture units
- waste water treatment
- Electric locks
- Picking the right HVAC system
- ADA bathroom code
- Gas pipes locations
- Electrical Cable locations
- Calculate electrical charges
- Building types of (hot, cold etc climates)
- Passive Solar
- Cogeneration
- delta, wye voltage configuration
- Fire Alarm Systems
- Intrusion Security Systems
- lighting diagrams (direct, indirect, semi-direct etc)
- Lighting Level for certain building types
- coefficient of utilization
- how to reduce sound transmittance
- Pantheon
- Degree Days
- Remote fire supervision system
- Something about Canadian Plumbing Code (I think the Canadian part of the question is just there to throw you off)
- Escalator Calculation
- Elevator machine room
- How is STC computed
- structural bourn noise transmission
- Code that affects plumbing fixtures
- Lightning Protection
- Use of steel conduit
- Different lamp types
- Standpipe component
That's it! Good luck everybody 
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Will
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| Joined: | Sat Nov 12th, 2005 |
| Location: | Austin, Texas USA |
| Posts: | 30 |
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Posted: Fri Nov 9th, 2007 03:38 am |
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Just curious if you might elaborate just a little on how in-depth we should go with the delta/wye transformer configurations?
The Kaplan study guide spends what seems to be a ridiculous amount of time on the subject (about 2 pages total), but MEEB doesn't even mention it as far as I know. It just doesn't strike me as a pertinent topic, so I'm not sure why there is anything at all about it.
Thanks
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cereal gal
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| Joined: | Thu Mar 29th, 2007 |
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| Posts: | 187 |
| Exams Taken: | PD, GS, LF, ME, BD/MM, CD, SP, BP, BT | | Exams Passed: | PD, GS, LF, ME, BD/MM, CD, SP, BP, BT | | Describes Me: | At 1 year and 2 months, from the time I ... |
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Posted: Fri Nov 9th, 2007 01:37 pm |
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it's been awhile and I don't exactly remember the question. But it was very basic. Just know the difference b/w the delta and whye connections, where it is applied and the voltages.
here's a link i used:
http://www.elec-toolbox.com/usefulinfo/xfmr-3ph.htm
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arkachic
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| Joined: | Sat Jun 9th, 2007 |
| Location: | Brooklyn |
| Posts: | 35 |
| Exams Taken: | PD, ME, BD/MM, CD | | Exams Passed: | PD, ME, BD/MM, CD | | Describes Me: | |
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Posted: Fri Nov 9th, 2007 02:10 pm |
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thanks cereal gal.
this website is MUCH easier to understand than the Kaplan material. My brother is an engineer and i had to call him up to explain it to me. BTW I have 10 years experience and that didnt help me one bit with these electrical diagrams. Its not something that you typically encounter as an architect (unless you REALLY try!)
good luck w/ your results.
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bigapple
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| Joined: | Sat Mar 31st, 2007 |
| Location: | New York, New York USA |
| Posts: | 551 |
| Exams Taken: | PD, GS, LF, ME, BD/MM, CD, SP, BP, BT | | Exams Passed: | PD, GS, LF, BD/MM, CD, SP, BP, BT | | Describes Me: | |
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Posted: Fri Nov 9th, 2007 03:59 pm |
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cereal gal wrote: it's been awhile and I don't exactly remember the question. But it was very basic. Just know the difference b/w the delta and whye connections, where it is applied and the voltages.
here's a link i used:
http://www.elec-toolbox.com/usefulinfo/xfmr-3ph.htm
Thanks for the link. But unfortunately I can't understand from the first pharagraph.
"1.Three phase transformers are used throughout industry to change values of three phase voltage and current. Since three phase power is the most common way in which power is produced, transmitted, an used, an understanding of 2.how three phase transformer connections are made is essential. In this section 3.it will discuss different types of three phase transformers connections, and present examples of how values of voltage and current for these connections are computed."
Q1. For some reason the power company send us three phase power. Why do we need to change them again with transformers?
Q2. Do those diagrams show actual connection of electric wires or show invisible electric flow?
Q3.There are four types of connections. Regarding Wye-delta and Delta-wye connection, What does primary and secondary winding mean? Why there is no connection between them? Why LOAD is on secondary side?
Sorry for the dumb questions. I even don't know why I need to know all these stuff but I can't remember anything without understanding.
Last edited on Fri Nov 9th, 2007 04:02 pm by bigapple
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cereal gal
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| Joined: | Thu Mar 29th, 2007 |
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| Posts: | 187 |
| Exams Taken: | PD, GS, LF, ME, BD/MM, CD, SP, BP, BT | | Exams Passed: | PD, GS, LF, ME, BD/MM, CD, SP, BP, BT | | Describes Me: | At 1 year and 2 months, from the time I ... |
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Posted: Sat Nov 10th, 2007 05:05 pm |
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I'll try to answer ur questions, please correct me if anyone's got better answer:
Q1:
The power company sends us voltages that's too high for building use, hence we need the transformer to step down the voltages the power company provide us for the building. Depending on how large/ type of building is, u will use a different delta/ wye connection. For example, you would use a delta to wye connection for a small commercial development because a wye connection will give u smaller voltages (120/ 208) and you would use a delta to delta connection for industrial/ large buildings because a delta connection will give you 277/480 voltages. Basically that's all you need to know. Familiarize yourself with the figures 1-3 and 1-4 (on the link i provided above) and you're good to go.
Q2:
the delta, wye configuration that you see on kaplan is merely symbols, they don't really look like that in real life, they are just coils of wire (winding). They actually look more like this (first diagram) : http://www.federalpacific.com/university/transbasics/chapter3.html
Q3:
The primary is the input and the secondary is the output. Typically, all primary windings will be delta because this connection provides equal voltages. I think the "connection" b/w the windings is based on the "invisible" electromagnetic forces... (this is just my guess...) I think all you need to know is that the input is primary and then the output is secondary and watever happens in b/w doesn't really matter.
hope this helps. I read up on it for quite some time cuz i was having trouble understanding it as well... the kaplan explaination confused the hell outta me...
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15hsha
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| Joined: | Wed Apr 6th, 2005 |
| Location: | A-R-C-H-I-T-E-C-T, Texas USA |
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Posted: Mon Nov 12th, 2007 06:28 pm |
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Did you have any fill-in-the-blank or check all that apply?
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bigapple
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| Joined: | Sat Mar 31st, 2007 |
| Location: | New York, New York USA |
| Posts: | 551 |
| Exams Taken: | PD, GS, LF, ME, BD/MM, CD, SP, BP, BT | | Exams Passed: | PD, GS, LF, BD/MM, CD, SP, BP, BT | | Describes Me: | |
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Posted: Mon Nov 12th, 2007 06:37 pm |
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Thanks for the great answer, cereal gal!!!
The diagrams were same as the abstract art to me so far. I'm finally getting to understand it. Thanks.
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cereal gal
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| Joined: | Thu Mar 29th, 2007 |
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| Posts: | 187 |
| Exams Taken: | PD, GS, LF, ME, BD/MM, CD, SP, BP, BT | | Exams Passed: | PD, GS, LF, ME, BD/MM, CD, SP, BP, BT | | Describes Me: | At 1 year and 2 months, from the time I ... |
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Posted: Mon Nov 12th, 2007 07:00 pm |
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15hsha wrote: Did you have any fill-in-the-blank or check all that apply?
Nope! not on mine!
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zrw-58
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| Joined: | Tue Sep 11th, 2007 |
| Location: | LEED AP, Florida USA |
| Posts: | 8 |
| Exams Taken: | PD, ME, BD/MM, CD, SP, BP, BT | | Exams Passed: | PD, ME, BD/MM, CD, SP, BP, BT | | Describes Me: | |
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Posted: Tue Nov 13th, 2007 07:53 pm |
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| Took the exam Oct. 18th, no fill in the blanks and only 2-3 calculations on my test
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newlyARE
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| Joined: | Thu Apr 26th, 2007 |
| Location: | Florida USA |
| Posts: | 257 |
| Exams Taken: | PD, GS, LF, ME, BD/MM, CD, SP, BT | | Exams Passed: | PD, GS, LF, ME, BD/MM, CD, BT | | Describes Me: | Only 1 more...Next BP... Can't believe it!!!!! |
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Posted: Sun Apr 27th, 2008 04:38 am |
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I got the same exact exam as you! how funny... everybody need to read the forum luckily i had read your post and studied most of it!
I hope I pass!!!!!!!!!!!!
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drdray74
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| Joined: | Fri Jul 29th, 2005 |
| Location: | South Beach, Florida USA |
| Posts: | 66 |
| Exams Taken: | PD, ME, BD/MM, CD, SP, BP, BT | | Exams Passed: | PD, BD/MM, CD, SP, BP, BT | | Describes Me: | |
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Posted: Mon Jun 9th, 2008 01:39 am |
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I wish i read this thread earlier... i took my test today and was stumped by some of the questions. I prepared and prepared, and i have to say, i need a miracle to have passed.
I am very disappointed because I knew the material, but just dont think i was able to associate the stuff i knew and come up with the answer.
Good luck to everyone and YES, i had the same test you mentioned.
Anyone reading this, pay attention to each item that she listed. IT'S ALL IN THERE!!!!!
D.
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newlyARE
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| Joined: | Thu Apr 26th, 2007 |
| Location: | Florida USA |
| Posts: | 257 |
| Exams Taken: | PD, GS, LF, ME, BD/MM, CD, SP, BT | | Exams Passed: | PD, GS, LF, ME, BD/MM, CD, BT | | Describes Me: | Only 1 more...Next BP... Can't believe it!!!!! |
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Posted: Mon Jun 9th, 2008 12:26 pm |
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| I passed!!!!!! I got my pass letter last friday... thank you!
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flats
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| Joined: | Tue Jul 10th, 2007 |
| Location: | Cleveland, Ohio USA |
| Posts: | 422 |
| Exams Taken: | PD, ME, BD/MM, CD, SP, BP, BT | | Exams Passed: | PD, ME, BD/MM, CD, BP, BT | | Describes Me: | In Sicily, women are more dangerous than shotguns. |
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Posted: Mon Jun 9th, 2008 12:57 pm |
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newlyARE wrote: I passed!!!!!! I got my pass letter last friday... thank you!
Way to go!! Congrats!!!!
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LibraLogic
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| Joined: | Wed May 14th, 2008 |
| Location: | West Palm Beach, FL, USA |
| Posts: | 136 |
| Exams Taken: | GS, ME, CD, BT | | Exams Passed: | GS, CD, BT | | Describes Me: | Determined |
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Posted: Thu Jun 12th, 2008 09:03 pm |
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newlyARE wrote: I passed!!!!!! I got my pass letter last friday... thank you!
First I must Congratulate newlyARE and CerealGirl...
Im trying to accomplish this thing and am coming into with a lot of questions. So as not to pick your brain, I think One main question Id like to ask is....
Ive been studying mostly from the MEEB 9th ed. and while reading the text runs you through LOTS of of these far-fetched calculations dealing with heat loss, and ventilation etc. These calcs get pretty darn complex, and honestly I dont follow most of them, since Im still trying to get familiar with understanding the terms and components of the equations.
Therefore my question being....how in depth did you look into these? Ive read in the posts the recollection of the calculations found on the exams...and I will certainly focus on those, but I think it would help if I understand your approach, as Id really like the same outcome as you!
Thanks for any feedback..
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newlyARE
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| Joined: | Thu Apr 26th, 2007 |
| Location: | Florida USA |
| Posts: | 257 |
| Exams Taken: | PD, GS, LF, ME, BD/MM, CD, SP, BT | | Exams Passed: | PD, GS, LF, ME, BD/MM, CD, BT | | Describes Me: | Only 1 more...Next BP... Can't believe it!!!!! |
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Posted: Thu Jun 12th, 2008 09:14 pm |
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I think MEEB is too much !!! I used it as a complement to Kaplan study guides.
If there was a subject that I didn't understand in kaplan or I wanted more info I would use the MEEB book.
But the most important thing of MEEB, that you
MUST MUST MUST study
are all the graphics or drawings, figures... all of them,
I had some that were exactly the same
so if you at least look at them, and understand them you wil probably know some of exam questions.
Also NCARB has the practice exams free online, you just need to download them.
http://www.ncarb.org/publications/arestudyguides.html
I downloaded the 4.0 too, and used it to test and time myself. do that exam and you will understand when I say, you must go over all the figures in MEEB
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LibraLogic
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| Joined: | Wed May 14th, 2008 |
| Location: | West Palm Beach, FL, USA |
| Posts: | 136 |
| Exams Taken: | GS, ME, CD, BT | | Exams Passed: | GS, CD, BT | | Describes Me: | Determined |
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Posted: Thu Jun 12th, 2008 09:20 pm |
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Wow...fast response, thank you. I was thinking ( shes already passed this one last thing she wants to do is check back in the forum) ha so thanks..
So I guess you are saying to skip the complex equations but really study the charts....right? Since Im just starting to study...Ive only come across things dealing with environmental issues... so Ive come across the psychometric chart and...well i think thats it. but thanks to you I will spend extra attention.
BTW, do you want to sell your Kaplan material for this part? I dont have access to it...thats why im resorting to MEEB (old classroom textbook from school)
Thanks
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newlyARE
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| Joined: | Thu Apr 26th, 2007 |
| Location: | Florida USA |
| Posts: | 257 |
| Exams Taken: | PD, GS, LF, ME, BD/MM, CD, SP, BT | | Exams Passed: | PD, GS, LF, ME, BD/MM, CD, BT | | Describes Me: | Only 1 more...Next BP... Can't believe it!!!!! |
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Posted: Fri Jun 13th, 2008 09:08 pm |
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my husband is taking the test too, so I need to keep the books. sorry...
make sure you know how to read the psychometric chart and the sun path charts
good luck!
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riba
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| Joined: | Tue Jun 26th, 2007 |
| Location: | Vancouver, British Columbia Canada |
| Posts: | 196 |
| Exams Taken: | PD, GS, LF, ME, BD/MM, CD, SP | | Exams Passed: | PD, LF, ME, BD/MM, CD, SP | | Describes Me: | |
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Posted: Wed Jul 2nd, 2008 02:17 pm |
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I have my exam in four days, would you please let me know where to I find information regarding the gas pipe and electrical cable location? and regarding the item no. 4 in your list, would you please let me know where to look for information.
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