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The FPSA exam has 75 questions and runs 3 hours.
These 10 free FPSA questions are organized by exam domain, so you can see how each part of the Fluid Power Support Associate (FPSA) blueprint is tested. Reveal the answer and explanation under each question.
A hose quotation lists a 3,000 psi working-pressure hose with a 12,000 psi burst rating. Its approved end fittings are rated for 2,500 psi working pressure. The customer's circuit runs at 2,300 psi but has measured peaks of 2,800 psi. All other application requirements match. What belongs in the quotation review?
Correct answer: D - The fittings' 2,500 psi working rating does not cover the 2,800 psi peaks.
A manufacturer's quality notice places seal-kit lot L17 on hold and explicitly clears lot L18 for shipment. Both lots have the same part number, are individually traceable, and are within shelf life. An open customer order specifies the part number but no lot. Which stock disposition follows the notice?
Correct answer: D - Segregate L17 and fill the order from L18.
A hydraulic actuator must supply 3,800 lbf of extension force. Its full piston area is 4.0 in² and its rod-side annular area is 3.0 in². The proposed circuit provides 1,000 psig at the cap end against 200 psig of rod-end backpressure. Neglect friction. Which net-force assessment is correct?
Correct answer: B - 3,400 lbf; below the required force
A sealed gas chamber contains 2.0 L of air at 5.0 bar gauge. A piston reduces the air volume to 1.0 L without leakage, while the temperature stays constant. Local atmospheric pressure is 1.0 bar. Using an ideal-gas approximation, what gauge pressure results?
Correct answer: C - 11.0 bar gauge
An inside-sales representative is helping specify a hydraulic clamp branch. The main circuit must remain available at 1,500 psi, but the clamp needs a controlled supply of 500 psi, including when its cylinder stops moving. Which component provides that lower branch pressure?
Correct answer: B - A pressure-reducing valve
An engineer requests independent meter-out adjustment of a pneumatic cylinder's extension speed, leaving the return stroke unthrottled by that valve. During extension, air enters the cap end and leaves the rod end. What flow function must the one-way speed-control valve provide?
Correct answer: A - Throttle air leaving the rod end, with free reverse flow through the valve.
A customer wants to return a hydraulic filter as blocked. At the same measured flow, its pressure differential is 1.6 bar with oil at 10°C and 0.25 bar with oil at 50°C. Both readings are within the manufacturer's limits for those temperatures, and the bypass valve remains closed. How should these results be interpreted?
Correct answer: C - The higher cold differential is consistent with greater viscosity, not proof of a blocked element.
An equipment manufacturer requires hydraulic oil to have an ISO 4406 cleanliness code no worse than 18/16/13. A valid laboratory report gives 17/15/14. Which assessment of this solid-particle result is correct?
Correct answer: B - It fails because the concentration code for particles at least 14 µm(c) is too high.
A repair report confirms that a double-acting cylinder loses position because oil bypasses internally between its two chambers. The technician has ruled out valve leakage and identified the leak at the piston-to-bore interface. No oil escapes along the rod. Which part on the cylinder's parts list seals the identified path?
Correct answer: A - Piston seal
A coworker feels a sting when a fine jet from a leaking hydraulic hose strikes a finger. There is only a pinprick mark and little pain. The equipment has now been secured. What takes priority?
Correct answer: C - Arrange emergency medical assessment and report suspected fluid injection.
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