ICC Commercial Building Inspector Practice Test

Interior spaces intended for human occupancy shall have a space heating system capable of maintaining what temperature?

1. 70 degrees F at floor level

2. 68 degrees F, 36" above the floor

3. 65 degrees F

4. 72 degrees F

The correct answer is: 68 degrees F, 36" above the floor

The correct answer is based on building codes that set specific indoor temperature requirements to ensure the comfort and safety of occupants in residential and commercial spaces. The requirement for maintaining a temperature of 68 degrees Fahrenheit, measured at a height of 36 inches above the floor level, addresses the need for effective heating and thermal comfort within the occupied space. This measurement point is important because it aligns with the average height of a seated person's head, thereby reflecting the temperature experienced by the majority of occupants. Using a standard reference point helps ensure that heaters are effective in maintaining a comfortable environment in areas where people are likely to spend time. Other options, while seemingly reasonable, do not conform to the established standards used within building codes. For instance, specifying 70 degrees Fahrenheit at floor level could lead to overheating near the ground while not adequately reflecting the temperature experienced at typical seating height. Similarly, lower temperatures like 65 degrees Fahrenheit do not meet the recognized standards for comfort in human-occupied spaces, and a higher temperature of 72 degrees Fahrenheit exceeds standard requirements and can contribute to energy inefficiencies. Therefore, the requirement of 68 degrees Fahrenheit, measured at 36 inches above the floor, strikes the right balance for heating systems in areas intended for human occupancy.