TOPIC: NHIE Question

During my most recent National Home Inspection examination taken, there were a couple of questions that I am curious about.

1.  There was a picture that was a component of something. The way I can only describe it that is was sort of a oval shape. It appeared that there was fan blades on top. One of them had what appeared to be a hex screw in it. I have observed also that there were two metal plates in the from of this system of which could be a fire unit inside. Lastly, there was a line with a shut off valve. I never saw anything like this. I have been researching on the net but still can not find anything on it. My answer was a oil burner (which I am not sure of).

2.  The second question was that in the Chimney there were two square screen plates/wires embeded. One close to the top and the other at a lower distance.

Would one of you professional Home Inspectors help me on this matter? Please provide me any pictures you may have regarding these two questions. I am so close of passing this NHIE it's pathetic!

What was the actual question for #2, was it askingwhat the squares were?

What was the actual question for #2, was it askingwhat the squares were?

No, Dominic it was asking me to describe the condition. It was some type of screening embeded into the mortar joints. I forget what answers they gave to choose from.

Harvey, it is difficult to know from the descriptions. The screens-Did they run across the chimney? If so, I think they may be to keep animals out or are to catch the embers.

I will assume from the description that they are on the exterior of the chimney. They sound a little like fresh air intakes. The description would make them unconventional ones, but that is all that comes to mind.  ???

I would think that they are some type of spark arrestor if the screening is small enough or as someone else said, possibly to keep animals out, especially birds.