New Mexico Pipe Fitter Journeyman (JPF) Practice Exam

What considerations must be taken when tacking two pipe sections together?

1. Maintaining a gap and keeping the two pipes straight

2. Ensuring proper welding speed and temperature

3. Checking environmental conditions

4. Using the right type of welding rod

The correct answer is: Maintaining a gap and keeping the two pipes straight

When tacking two pipe sections together, maintaining a gap and keeping the two pipes straight is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, a proper gap allows for adequate penetration of the weld, ensuring that the two sections bond effectively and securely. If the pipes are too close together or touching, it can lead to inadequate welding at the joints. Keeping the pipes straight is also essential. Misalignment can introduce stresses into the system once it is pressurized or put into service, leading to potential failure at the weld joint. Proper alignment ensures that the forces acting through the pipes are distributed evenly, which helps in maintaining the integrity of the entire piping system. While other considerations like welding speed and temperature, environmental conditions, and the right type of welding rod are important for the overall welding process, the immediate focus when tacking is on ensuring that the sections are properly aligned and have the right gap to facilitate effective welding.