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Alaska Electrical Journeyman
Examination Journeyman Electrician
Exam Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026
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- What is the primary purpose of a circuit breaker in an electrical system? A) Increase voltage B) Store electrical energy C) Protect against overcurrent D) Measure resistance Correct Answer: C) Protect against overcurrent Rationale: A circuit breaker is a protective device designed to automatically interrupt electrical flow when excessive current is detected. This prevents overheating, fire hazards, and equipment damage by opening the circuit during overload or short-circuit conditions.
- Ohm’s Law is expressed as: A) P = IV B) V = IR C) I = PR D) R = VI² Correct Answer: B) V = IR Rationale: Ohm’s Law defines the relationship between voltage (V), current (I), and resistance (R). It states that voltage equals current
multiplied by resistance, forming the foundation for most electrical calculations in circuit analysis.
- What does a GFCI primarily protect against? A) Overvoltage B) Short circuits C) Ground faults D) Lightning strikes Correct Answer: C) Ground faults Rationale: A Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter detects differences between hot and neutral conductors, indicating current leakage to ground. It quickly shuts off power to prevent electric shock, especially in wet or hazardous environments.
- The standard frequency of electrical power in Alaska is: A) 25 Hz B) 50 Hz C) 60 Hz D) 100 Hz Correct Answer: C) 60 Hz Rationale: In the United States, including Alaska, the standard alternating current frequency is 60 Hz. This means the current alternates direction 60 times per second, ensuring compatibility with electrical systems and equipment.
- What is the function of a transformer? A) Convert AC to DC B) Change voltage levels C) Store electrical charge D) Increase resistance
Correct Answer: A) Fuse Rationale: A fuse contains a metal element that melts when current exceeds safe levels, interrupting the circuit and preventing damage to wiring and equipment.
- What is the unit of electrical power? A) Volt B) Ohm C) Watt D) Ampere Correct Answer: C) Watt Rationale: Electrical power is measured in watts, representing the rate of energy transfer. It is calculated as voltage multiplied by current in a circuit. 10.What does a multimeter measure? A) Only voltage B) Voltage, current, and resistance C) Only resistance D) Only current Correct Answer: B) Voltage, current, and resistance Rationale: A multimeter is a versatile diagnostic tool used by electricians to measure multiple electrical properties, including voltage, current, and resistance in circuits. 11.A short circuit occurs when: A) Resistance increases B) Current flows through unintended path C) Voltage drops to zero permanently D) Power increases safely
Correct Answer: B) Current flows through unintended path Rationale: A short circuit happens when electricity bypasses the normal load, creating a low-resistance path that causes excessive current flow and potential hazards. 12.What is grounding primarily used for? A) Increase voltage B) Protect against electrical shock C) Reduce resistance D) Store electricity Correct Answer: B) Protect against electrical shock Rationale: Grounding provides a safe path for fault current to flow into the earth, reducing the risk of electric shock and stabilizing electrical systems. 13.What is resistance measured in? A) Volts B) Watts C) Ohms D) Amps Correct Answer: C) Ohms Rationale: Resistance is measured in ohms (Ω) and represents opposition to current flow in a conductor. 14.Which law relates voltage, current, and resistance? A) Kirchhoff’s Law B) Faraday’s Law C) Ohm’s Law D) Joule’s Law Correct Answer: C) Ohm’s Law
18.What is the function of a capacitor? A) Store electrical charge B) Increase resistance C) Convert AC to DC D) Reduce voltage Correct Answer: A) Store electrical charge Rationale: Capacitors store energy in an electric field and release it when needed, commonly used in filtering and timing circuits. 19.Electrical current is measured in: A) Ohms B) Watts C) Volts D) Amperes Correct Answer: D) Amperes Rationale: Current represents the flow of electric charge and is measured in amperes (amps). 20.What is the function of a relay? A) Store energy B) Control high current with low current C) Measure voltage D) Increase resistance Correct Answer: B) Control high current with low current Rationale: A relay is an electrically operated switch that allows a low- power signal to control a higher-power circuit. 21.The purpose of insulation on wires is to: A) Increase current B) Prevent current leakage
C) Store electricity D) Increase voltage Correct Answer: B) Prevent current leakage Rationale: Insulation surrounds conductors to prevent unintended contact, electrical shock, and short circuits. 22.What does AC stand for? A) Active Current B) Alternating Current C) Automatic Charge D) Applied Circuit Correct Answer: B) Alternating Current Rationale: AC is a type of electrical current that periodically reverses direction, commonly used in power distribution systems. 23.DC stands for: A) Direct Current B) Dynamic Circuit C) Dual Charge D) Distributed Current Correct Answer: A) Direct Current Rationale: DC flows in one constant direction, commonly used in batteries and electronic devices. 24.What is the main function of a distribution panel? A) Generate power B) Divide electrical power into circuits C) Increase resistance D) Store energy Correct Answer: B) Divide electrical power into circuits
28.What is a load in an electrical circuit? A) Power source B) Device that consumes electrical energy C) Wiring system D) Fuse box Correct Answer: B) Device that consumes electrical energy Rationale: A load is any device that uses electrical energy to perform work, such as lights or motors. 29.What does a breaker trip indicate? A) Normal operation B) Overcurrent condition C) Increased voltage stability D) Low resistance Correct Answer: B) Overcurrent condition Rationale: A breaker trips when excessive current flows, protecting the circuit from damage or fire. 30.The purpose of a ground rod is to: A) Increase resistance B) Provide earth connection C) Store electricity D) Reduce voltage Correct Answer: B) Provide earth connection Rationale: Ground rods connect electrical systems to earth, providing a safe discharge path for fault current. 31.What is the purpose of a motor starter? A) Increase motor speed B) Protect and control motor operation
C) Store electrical energy D) Convert AC to DC Correct Answer: B) Protect and control motor operation Rationale: A motor starter is designed to safely start and stop electric motors while providing overload protection. It prevents excessive current draw during startup and protects motor windings from damage. 32.What is the NEC requirement for grounding electrode conductor material? A) Must be aluminum only B) Must be copper or suitable corrosion-resistant material C) Must be steel only D) Must be insulated only Correct Answer: B) Must be copper or suitable corrosion-resistant material Rationale: The NEC requires grounding electrode conductors to be made of materials that resist corrosion and maintain conductivity, commonly copper or approved alternatives. 33.What is the main function of a fuse in a circuit? A) Increase voltage B) Break circuit during overcurrent C) Store charge D) Regulate frequency Correct Answer: B) Break circuit during overcurrent Rationale: A fuse protects circuits by melting its internal element when excessive current flows, interrupting the circuit to prevent damage or fire. 34.What is the purpose of color coding in electrical wiring? A) Increase resistance B) Identify conductor function
Rationale: Voltage drop occurs due to resistance in conductors, and longer distances increase resistance, reducing voltage at the load. 38.What is the purpose of a junction box? A) Generate power B) Protect wire connections C) Increase voltage D) Store energy Correct Answer: B) Protect wire connections Rationale: Junction boxes safely enclose wire splices and connections, preventing accidental contact and reducing fire hazards. 39.What does polarity refer to in DC circuits? A) Resistance direction B) Direction of current flow C) Voltage stability D) Power output Correct Answer: B) Direction of current flow Rationale: Polarity indicates the direction of current flow in a direct current system, identifying positive and negative terminals. 40.What is the purpose of a thermal overload relay? A) Measure voltage B) Protect motors from overheating C) Increase speed D) Store current Correct Answer: B) Protect motors from overheating Rationale: Thermal overload relays detect excessive heat caused by overcurrent conditions and disconnect power to protect motor windings.
41.What is the primary purpose of a grounding system? A) Increase resistance B) Provide fault current path C) Store electricity D) Convert voltage Correct Answer: B) Provide fault current path Rationale: Grounding systems safely direct fault current into the earth, protecting people and equipment from electrical hazards. 42.What is the main advantage of parallel circuits? A) Higher resistance B) Independent operation of loads C) Lower voltage D) Reduced current flow Correct Answer: B) Independent operation of loads Rationale: In parallel circuits, each load operates independently, so failure of one does not affect others. 43.What is the purpose of a neutral bus in a panel? A) Carry hot current B) Connect neutral conductors C) Increase voltage D) Store energy Correct Answer: B) Connect neutral conductors Rationale: The neutral bus provides a common connection point for neutral conductors returning current to the source. 44.What is the function of a clamp meter? A) Measure insulation resistance B) Measure current without disconnecting circuit
Rationale: Demand factor helps determine expected load demand compared to total installed load, improving system efficiency. 48.What is a PLC used for? A) Power storage B) Automated control of processes C) Voltage increase D) Resistance measurement Correct Answer: B) Automated control of processes Rationale: Programmable Logic Controllers automate industrial processes by controlling machines and systems based on programmed logic. 49.What is the purpose of a lightning arrester? A) Store electricity B) Protect against lightning surges C) Increase voltage D) Reduce current Correct Answer: B) Protect against lightning surges Rationale: Lightning arresters divert high-voltage surges safely to ground, protecting electrical systems from lightning damage. 50.What is the main function of a capacitor in AC circuits? A) Store charge permanently B) Improve power factor C) Increase resistance D) Convert AC to DC Correct Answer: B) Improve power factor Rationale: In AC systems, capacitors help correct power factor by offsetting inductive loads, improving system efficiency.
QUESTIONS 51– 100
51.What is the function of a frequency converter (VFD)? A) Increase voltage B) Control motor speed C) Store power D) Reduce resistance Correct Answer: B) Control motor speed Rationale: Variable Frequency Drives adjust motor speed by changing supply frequency and voltage, improving efficiency and control. 52.What is the purpose of lockout/tagout procedures? A) Increase voltage safety B) Prevent accidental energization C) Store energy D) Improve grounding Correct Answer: B) Prevent accidental energization Rationale: Lockout/tagout ensures equipment is de-energized and cannot be turned on during maintenance, preventing accidents. 53.What is the function of a surge arrester? A) Increase current B) Limit transient voltage C) Store electricity D) Increase resistance Correct Answer: B) Limit transient voltage Rationale: Surge arresters protect electrical systems from sudden voltage spikes by diverting excess energy to ground.
C) Ungrounded wire D) Control wire Correct Answer: B) Neutral wire connected to ground Rationale: A grounded conductor (neutral) is intentionally connected to earth to stabilize voltage and provide return path. 58.What is the purpose of an equipment grounding conductor? A) Carry load current B) Provide fault path C) Increase voltage D) Store energy Correct Answer: B) Provide fault path Rationale: Equipment grounding conductors provide a safe path for fault current, ensuring protective devices operate quickly. 59.What is the effect of inductive loads? A) Increase power factor B) Cause lagging current C) Eliminate resistance D) Reduce voltage drop Correct Answer: B) Cause lagging current Rationale: Inductive loads like motors cause current to lag behind voltage, reducing power factor efficiency. 60.What is the purpose of a transformer tap changer? A) Store energy B) Adjust output voltage C) Increase resistance D) Convert DC to AC Correct Answer: B) Adjust output voltage
Rationale: Tap changers adjust transformer winding ratios to regulate output voltage levels under varying load conditions. 61.What is the purpose of an arc flash study? A) Increase system power B) Assess electrical hazard risk C) Reduce resistance D) Store energy Correct Answer: B) Assess electrical hazard risk Rationale: Arc flash studies determine potential energy release during faults to ensure proper safety measures and PPE. 62.What is the function of a ground fault relay? A) Increase voltage B) Detect leakage current C) Store electricity D) Convert AC to DC Correct Answer: B) Detect leakage current Rationale: Ground fault relays detect unintended current flow to ground and disconnect the circuit for safety. 63.What is the purpose of a control transformer? A) Power lighting circuits B) Reduce voltage for control circuits C) Increase resistance D) Store energy Correct Answer: B) Reduce voltage for control circuits Rationale: Control transformers step down voltage to safe levels for control systems and automation equipment.
