Food Safety Certification Practice Test

Vertical air space that separates potable and non-potable systems is known as what?

1. Air lock

2. Air valve

3. Air gap

4. Air barrier

The correct answer is: Air gap

The correct answer is the term used to refer to the vertical air space that separates potable (safe drinking) water systems from non-potable (unsafe) water systems. An air gap is a critical feature in preventing contamination, serving as a physical barrier that eliminates the risk of backflow. When fluids are siphoned or drawn back into a water supply, the air gap ensures that there is a sufficient distance between the two systems, thereby maintaining the purity of the potable water supply and preventing any potential health hazards associated with contaminated water. This is particularly important in plumbing and wastewater systems, where the risk of material transfer can pose significant public health risks. The other options do not accurately describe this specific function. An air lock usually refers to a space used to prevent the escape of air while allowing the transfer of liquids, air valves are mechanisms used to control air pressure or flow in systems, and air barriers are generally related to building construction to prevent air leakage. None of these effectively serve the critical role of distinguishing potable from non-potable water systems like an air gap does.