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Electrotechnical

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1. Which of the following does the Electricity at Work (EAW) regulations apply to? Give one answer
A All persons engaged for work purposes
B Employees only
C Employers only
D Self employed persons only
Correct Answer: A All persons engaged for work purposes
Explanation: The EAW Regulations impose duties on employers, employees and the self employed.
2. The Electricity at Work Regulations require that: Give one answer
A A training course is necessary before anyone can work with electricity
B Anyone supervised can work with electricity
C Only electricians can work with electricity
D Persons working with electricity must have the appropriate level of knowledge and experience
Correct Answer: D Persons working with electricity must have the appropriate level of knowledge and experience
Explanation: Competency is a requirement of r.16 of the EAW Regulations.
3. The Electricity at Work Regulations apply to: Give one answer
A All voltage systems
B Only extra-low voltage systems
C Only high voltage systems
D Only low voltage systems
Correct Answer: A All voltage systems
Explanation: The EAW Regulations cover the safe use of electricity in work activities, irrespective of voltage.
4. Which of the following should be used to prove a circuit or equipment is dead after isolation? Give one answer
A A lamp holder with a length of flex attached
B A multimeter
C A proprietary test lamp or two-pole voltage detector
D A voltage stick
Correct Answer: C A proprietary test lamp or two-pole voltage detector
Explanation: Accident history has shown that using incorrectly set multimeters or makeshift devices for voltage detection has often caused accidents. The use of non-contact voltage indicators (voltage sticks) is also not advised as the sole means of proving dead.
5. Which of the following is not a suitable means of isolating a circuit? Give one answer
A Fitting a padlocked circuit breaker lockout
B Padlocking the isolating switch
C Putting insulating tape over the circuit breaker
D Removing a fuse and locking the distribution board
Correct Answer: C Putting insulating tape over the circuit breaker
Explanation: The isolating device should be switched off or the fuse removed. The switch, circuit breaker or enclosure should then be locked and the key removed. A notice or label should also be posted to warn that someone is working on the circuit or apparatus.
6. Which of the following work procedures on electrical systems will always require a permit-to-work to be issued? Give one answer
A Dead working on high-voltage systems
B Dead working on low-voltage systems
C Live working on high-voltage systems
D Live working on low-voltage systems
Correct Answer: A Dead working on high-voltage systems
Explanation: An electrical permit-to-work should state what circuit or equipment has been made safe, how that has been achieved and what work is to be done. A permit should not, therefore, be used for live working. Such a permit is always required for work on high-voltage systems, but can also be used for low-voltage systems.
7. Optical fibre cable remnants should not be left lying around on site because: Give one answer
A Laser beams still exist in the cut pieces
B They are toxic
C They can be hot and burn upon contact
D They can pierce the skin or eyes
Correct Answer: D They can pierce the skin or eyes
Explanation: Fibre fragments can enter the bloodstream and cause infections in the skin or eyes. All fibre waste, particularly small pieces, should be placed in suitable receptacles.
8. Why should the end of an optical fibre cable never be pointed towards your own or anyone else's eyes? Give one answer
A The beam can bore a hole through the skin
B The beam can damage the eyes
C The beam can transfer a strong electric current
D The colour of the beam is very hypnotic
Correct Answer: B The beam can damage the eyes
Explanation: Exposure to light sources such as lasers or highly concentrated visible or infrared light beams, associated with the testing or use of optical fibres, can cause damage to the eyes, or even blindness.
9. The use of a multi-lock hasp with the appropriate number of padlocks is a recommended method of safe isolation where: Give one answer
A Individual circuit breaker locking off devices are not available
B Individual circuit breakers are not identified at the distribution board
C More than one person will be working on circuits supplied from the same distribution board
D You know the health and safety inspector is in the area
Correct Answer: C More than one person will be working on circuits supplied from the same distribution board
Explanation: A multi-lock hasp can be used to prevent operation of the isolator until such time that all persons working on the electrical installation have completed their work and removed their padlocks from the hasp.
10. Which of the following procedures should be used when more than one person will be working on circuits supplied from a distribution board which has been switched off? Give one answer
A Blowing a horn before the power is switched on again
B Giving each operative a volt stick
C Telling everyone what time the power will be switched on again
D The use of a multi-lock hasp on the isolator with a padlock for each operative
Correct Answer: D The use of a multi-lock hasp on the isolator with a padlock for each operative
Explanation: A multi-lock hasp can be used to prevent operation of the isolator until such time that all persons working on the electrical installation have completed their work and removed their padlocks from the hasp.
11. The nominal single phase voltage in the UK is? Give one answer
A 230 volts
B 240 volts
C 400 volts
D 415 volts
Correct Answer: A 230 volts
Explanation: This is the nominal voltage for public electricity supply systems within Europe.
12. When is live working permissible? Give one answer
A When it is unreasonable in all circumstances for the equipment to be made dead and suitable precautions are taken
B When the means of isolation cannot be identified
C When the person carrying out the work is a competent person
D When the person working on the equipment is wearing rubber gloves
Correct Answer: A When it is unreasonable in all circumstances for the equipment to be made dead and suitable precautions are taken
Explanation: This is a requirement under r.14 of the EAW Regulations. However, it does not mean that live working is then 'safe'
13. Which of the following is not a requirement of low voltage safe isolation practice? Give one answer
A A caution notice should be applied at the point of isolation
B Ensuring that the correct point of isolation is identified
C The conductors are proved to be dead at the point of work
D The person carrying out the work is issued with insulating gloves
Correct Answer: D The person carrying out the work is issued with insulating gloves
Explanation: Safe isolation practice refers to dead working. The use of insulating gloves will generally only be applicable to live working.
14. The specific effects on the human body of a major electric shock are one of the following: Give one answer
A Broken bones
B Burns and cardiac arrest
C Chest pains
D Dermatitis
Correct Answer: B Burns and cardiac arrest
15. The lowest level of electrical current which can harm the human body is normally measured in: Give one answer
A Amps
B Kiloamps
C Microamps
D Milliamps
Correct Answer: D Milliamps
Explanation: Research has shown that a person is in serious danger of a fatal electric shock at, or above, approximately 30 milliamps.
16. With regard to the effect of electrical current on the human body, one of the following is correct: Give one answer
A A 3 amp fuse should prevent a person receiving a fatal electric shock
B A 30mA Residual Current Device (RCD) should prevent a person receiving a fatal electric shock.
C A 5 amp rewireable fuse should prevent a person receiving a fatal electric shock
D A 6 amp circuit breaker should prevent a person receiving a fatal electric shock
Correct Answer: B A 30mA Residual Current Device (RCD) should prevent a person receiving a fatal electric shock.
Explanation: An RCD is a mechanical switching device intended to cause the opening of the contacts when the residual current attains a given value under specified conditions.
17. Where mains voltage is used to supply portable equipment on a construction site, what additional protection is required? Give one answer
A Cable avoidance tool
B Residual current device (RCD)
C Step-down generator
D Step-down transformer
Correct Answer: B Residual current device (RCD)
Explanation: Reduced low voltage systems (e.g. 110 volt centre point earthed) are strongly preferred in such circumstances. Where only mains voltage (230 V) equipment is available, however, a 30 mA RCD will give additional protection against fatal electric shock.
18. What colour cable USUALLY signifies 110 volt power supply on site? Give one answer
A Black
B Blue
C Red
D Yellow
Correct Answer: D Yellow
Explanation: Yellow is the usual colour of cables, socket outlets, plugs and transformers etc which are used with a 110 volt supply.
19. A portable electric generator on site has two power outlets, 110 volts and 230 volts. What colour would the 110 volt outlet be? Give one answer
A Black
B Blue
C Red
D Yellow
Correct Answer: D Yellow
Explanation: Yellow is the usual colour of cables, socket outlets, plugs and transformers etc which are used with a 110 volt supply.
20. Where there is no local means of isolation for equipment or circuits to be worked on, which of the following is the preferred method of isolation? Give one answer
A Disconnecting the individual circuit from the DB
B Isolation of the individual circuit breaker or fuse
C Isolation of the main switch or DB switch- disconnector
D Pulling out the distributor's cut-out fuse
Correct Answer: C Isolation of the main switch or DB switch- disconnector
Explanation: Isolating the whole installation or distribution board is the safest method.
21. What action should you take if a workmate gets an electric shock? Give one answer
A Cut off the power and call for help
B Dial 999 and ask for the fire brigade
C Phone the electricity board immediately
D Try to pull them to safety
Correct Answer: A Cut off the power and call for help
Explanation: If you can switch the power off, the electric hazard will be removed. First aid assistance will then probably be required. Do not touch someone who is still in contact with live electrical cables as you could also receive an electric shock.
22. A residual current device is designed to operate in the event of one of the following: Give one answer
A Earth fault
B Lightning strike on the supply
C Overload
D Short-circuit
Correct Answer: A Earth fault
Explanation: An RCD provides additional protection against the risk of electric shock.
23. Electrical installations on construction sites should be periodically inspected and tested: Give one answer
A Every 3 months
B Every 6 months
C Every month
D Every year
Correct Answer: A Every 3 months
Explanation: Three monthly inspections of construction site installations are recommended in IEE Guidance Note 3.
24. The maximum AC voltage which the human body can withstand without long term physiological effects in dry conditions is: Give one answer
A 110 volts
B 230 volts
C 400 volts
D 50 volts
Correct Answer: D 50 volts
Explanation: Regarded as a non-fatal voltage level.
25. Which of the following statements is true with regard to the dangers of electricity? Give one answer
A Electricity is dangerous at any time because you cannot tell by looking at a cable whether or not it is live
B Electricity is only dangerous if you are not wearing wellington boots
C Electricity is only dangerous in wet weather
D Electricity is perfectly safe so long as you wear cotton gloves
Correct Answer: A Electricity is dangerous at any time because you cannot tell by looking at a cable whether or not it is live
Explanation: The features which make electricity so dangerous are that you cannot see, hear or smell it. It can give you a very unpleasant surprise. Always assume that cables are live.
26. What is the most serious effect that electric shock can have if you come into contact with a live part? Give one answer
A The electric current can cause a slight tingling in the fingers
B The electric current can cause burn marks on the fingers
C The electric current can cause the finger muscles to twitch
D The electric current can cause the heart to stop, resulting in death
Correct Answer: D The electric current can cause the heart to stop, resulting in death
Explanation: Contact with live electrical parts can be fatal. If you do not know otherwise, always assume that electrical parts are live.
27. Your job involves you working near to hanging electrical cables which have bare ends. What should you do? Give one answer
A Attempt to push the cables back into the ceiling void so that you can start work
B Carry on working, as there shouldn't be a problem
C Inform your supervisor and keep well away
D Touch the cables to see if they are live
Correct Answer: C Inform your supervisor and keep well away
Explanation: You must always assume that exposed cables are live until you know they are not. Contact with live electrical cables can kill.
28. For all live working activities it is necessary to: Give one answer
A Be accompanied
B Carry out a risk assessment as required by the EAW Regulations.
C Keep your fingers crossed
D Wear rubber gloves only
Correct Answer: B Carry out a risk assessment as required by the EAW Regulations.
29. An electrical Permit to Work is primarily a statement that: Give one answer
A Certain instructions need to be followed
B Someone else has taken responsibility for the work
C The circuit or equipment has been isolated and is safe to work on
D The circuit or equipment is live
Correct Answer: C The circuit or equipment has been isolated and is safe to work on
Explanation: Permits to work describe the procedures that prevent a major hazard, such as electricity or moving machinery, from causing harm, usually by isolation to effectively ensure (in the case of electricity) 'dead' working with no chance of it going 'live'.
30. The probes of voltage detectors and test instruments used on electrical systems should be: Give one answer
A Accompanied by a calibration certificate
B Coloured red
C Manufactured in the UK
D Shaped or have barriers to prevent finger contact with the tips
Correct Answer: D Shaped or have barriers to prevent finger contact with the tips
Explanation: In addition, to protect against damage by overcurrent whilst in use, the probes or instrument should incorporate suitable high breaking capacity (hbc) fuses with a low current rating (usually not exceeding 500 mA), or current-limiting resistors.
31. In accordance with the Electricity at Work regulations, when considering whether to work live a responsible person should: Give one answer
A Carry out a risk assessment
B Do as the client demands
C Only work dead
D Only work live
Correct Answer: A Carry out a risk assessment
Explanation: To identify and assess the risks involved and the methods of controlling them.
32. The normal procedure for working on electrical equipment should be which one of the following? Give one answer
A Dead working
B Live working
C Using insulated tools
D Wearing insulated gloves
Correct Answer: A Dead working
Explanation: Dead working should be considered as the norm and work on or near live conductors should rarely be permitted
33. Test instruments used for working on electrical systems should: Give one answer
A Be less than 10 years old
B Be yellow in colour
C Have insulated test probes
D Have non-insulated test probes
Correct Answer: C Have insulated test probes
Explanation: To protect the user from electric shock whilst using the instrument, i.e. handling the probes.
34. Under the Electricity at Work Regulations, live working is considered: Give one answer
A As entirely acceptable
B Never to be allowed
C Only to be allowed in exceptional circumstances
D To be normally permitted
Correct Answer: C Only to be allowed in exceptional circumstances
Explanation: Extra controls must be employed, including training, supervision and use of suitable tools and protective equipment.
35. Which of the following would you use to replace the fuse in a plug if fuses were NOT available? Give one answer
A A bit of wire
B A nail
C A piece of silver paper
D None of the options listed
Correct Answer: D None of the options listed
Explanation: A fuse is often the main safety device in an electrical circuit. A blown fuse must only be replaced by a fuse of the correct type and rating.
36. To prove a circuit or equipment is dead after isolation what is the FIRST activity in the sequence of events? Give one answer
A Check between line and earth
B Check between line and neutral
C Check that the voltage detector is working on a proving device, known live source or in- built test feature
D Make sure equipment is not working
Correct Answer: C Check that the voltage detector is working on a proving device, known live source or in- built test feature
Explanation: This will prove that that the voltage detector (such as a two-pole voltage detector or proprietary test lamp) is working, i.e. indicating voltage.