PLU-PLU7015 - Backflow Assembly Tester Certification
Course Description
This class is designed to help students develop entry level skills and working knowledge of the causes and principles of backflow and backflow prevention. Student will be able to recognize the proper backflow prevention assembly application, installation, and operation. Students will practice accurate record keeping and demonstrate a working knowledge of the backflow program responsibilities. Student will learn to apply hydraulic principles and laws and recite applicable and relevant plumbing code requirements.
Course Outline
1. Code and Regulationso Safe Drinking Water Act - 1974/86
o North Carolina Dept. of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources
o North Carolina State Building Code Volume II
o Charlotte Water Backflow Prevention Program
2. Agency's Responsibilities and Actions in a Cross-Connection Control Program
o Water Purveyor
o Health Authority
o Plumbing Inspector
o Tester/Contractor
o Consumer
3. Hydraulic and Backflow Principles
o Pressure
o Venturi effect
o Aspirator effect
o Backflow
o Cross-Connections
o Degree of Hazard
o Service Protection
o Internal Protection
4. Theory of Backflow and Cross-Connections
o Hydraulics of water in piping
o How backflow occurs
o Types of actual cross-connections
o Degree of hazard
5. Mechanical Equipment for Cross-Connection Control and Field Testing
o History of cross-connection control development
o Assembly approval and the approval process
o Air Gap
o Atmospheric Vacuum Breaker (AVB)
o Pressure Vacuum Breaker Assembly (PVB)
o Double Check Valve Assembly (DCVA) and Double Check Detector Assembly (DCDVA)
o Reduced Pressure Principle Assembly (RPA) and Reduced Pressure Principle Detector Assembly (RPDA)
o Special conditions that can effect operation of assemblies
o Unapproved devices
o Field test equipment
o Tester responsibility
Learner Outcomes
• Student will perform accepted field-test procedures for the pressure vacuum breaker assembly, double check valve assembly and the reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assembly• Student will demonstrate accurate record keeping
• Student will discuss backflow program responsibilities
Notes
A passing grade on the final written examination and a satisfactory completion of the "hands on" practical performance test is required to gain tester certification. No student will be allowed to take the "hands on" practical performance portion of the test until successful completion of the written test. Those who attend 100% of the instruction portion of the course will be awarded with Continuing Education Units (CEU's) from CP. Also those who successfully complete the evaluation portion of the course will be awarded Certificates of Completion from Charlotte Water (CLT Water).Prerequisites
The student must complete all registration requirements of the Central Piedmont Community College. In addition to fees paid to CP for registration, the student is responsible for purchasing the course instruction manual (Backflow Prevention Theory and Practice, Third Edition ISBN 978-1-5249-9258-3) available from the CP Bookstore, on or before the first meeting date on the schedule. Students will be required to bring a flathead screwdriver, clipboard, and a 3 ring binder for 8-1/2" X 11" paper (1" capacity). The student should dress for a wet lab/field environment. The student should have knowledge of basic hydraulic principles and laws, along with plumbing code requirements. Reading, math, and mechanical skills are also needed.