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Question 1. Which of the following equations correctly represents Ohm’s Law? A) P = V × I B) V = I × R C) I = V / P D) R = V + I Answer: B Explanation: Ohm’s Law states that voltage (V) equals current (I) multiplied by resistance (R). Question 2. In a three-phase wye system, the line-to-neutral voltage is ___ the line-to-line voltage. A) equal to B) √2 times larger than C) √3 times smaller than D) √3 times larger than Answer: C Explanation: Line-to-neutral voltage = line-to-line voltage ÷ √3. Question 3. Which device is used to protect a system from over-voltage caused by lightning? A) Fuse B) Circuit breaker C) Surge arrester D) Recloser Answer: C Explanation: Surge arresters clamp transient over-voltages to safe levels. Question 4. The primary purpose of a lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedure is to: A) Prevent unauthorized use of tools B) Ensure equipment is de-energized and cannot be re-energized accidentally C) Record maintenance activities
D) Reduce noise levels on the job site Answer: B Explanation: LOTO isolates energy sources to protect workers from accidental start-up. Question 5. Which PPE item must be inspected for cracks, holes, or moisture before each use? A) Hard hat B) Rubber insulating gloves C) Steel-toed boots D) High-visibility vest Answer: B Explanation: Insulating gloves lose dielectric strength if damaged or wet. Question 6. A hot stick is primarily used for: A) Cutting conductors B) Lifting heavy equipment C) Performing work on energized lines from a safe distance D) Measuring voltage Answer: C Explanation: Hot sticks are insulated tools that allow line work while maintaining clearance from live parts. Question 7. In a delta-connected transformer, the line voltage is: A) Equal to the phase voltage B) √2 times the phase voltage C) √3 times the phase voltage D) Half the phase voltage Answer: A Explanation: In delta, line voltage = phase voltage because each line is connected across a transformer winding.
A) Attach belt, ascend, then secure the safety line B) Secure safety line, attach belt, then ascend C) Ascend, attach belt, then secure safety line D) Attach belt, secure safety line, then ascend Answer: D Explanation: The belt must be worn first, then the safety line attached before climbing. Question 12. Which of the following best describes a “banked” transformer configuration? A) Two transformers connected in parallel to increase capacity B) Three single-phase transformers connected to provide three-phase power C) A transformer with a built-in tap changer D) A transformer mounted on a concrete pad Answer: B Explanation: Banking combines three single-phase units to supply a three-phase system. Question 13. In a live-line work scenario, the term “secondary protection” refers to: A) Ground fault protection on the primary side B) Protective devices installed on the secondary circuit of a transformer C) Lockout devices on the primary feeder D) Personal protective equipment for the worker Answer: B Explanation: Secondary protection safeguards the downstream circuit after the transformer. Question 14. Which instrument is used to detect the presence of hazardous gases in a confined space? A) Multimeter B) Infrared thermometer
C) Gas detector (combustible gas monitor) D) Clamp-on ammeter Answer: C Explanation: Gas detectors alert workers to flammable or toxic gases. Question 15. The term “equal potential grounding” (EPG) primarily aims to: A) Increase system voltage B) Ensure all grounded points have the same electrical potential to reduce step and touch voltages C) Provide a path for fault current to flow to neutral only D) Isolate the neutral from earth Answer: B Explanation: EPG reduces the risk of shock by equalizing potentials across the grounding grid. Question 16. When a breaker trips on a three-phase circuit due to an overload, which of the following is true? A) All three poles must trip simultaneously B) Only one pole trips, leaving the other two energized C) The breaker will never trip on overload, only on short circuit D) The breaker will lock open and must be manually reset Answer: A Explanation: In a three-phase overload, the breaker must open all phases to clear the fault. Question 17. Which of the following is NOT a typical feature of a bucket truck’s outrigger system? A) Leveling the vehicle on uneven terrain B) Providing a stable base for the boom C) Supplying power to the boom’s hydraulic system D) Preventing the truck from tipping during lifts
Explanation: ACSR (Aluminum Conductor Steel-Reinforced) adds steel core for tensile strength. Question 21. In a one-line diagram, a circle with the letter “T” inside typically represents: A) A transformer B) A switchgear unit C) A tower D) A recloser Answer: A Explanation: Standard symbols use “T” for transformer in one-line schematics. Question 22. Which of the following statements about “shell rot” in wooden poles is correct? A) It only occurs on the top of the pole B) It weakens the pole’s structural integrity and may require replacement C) It can be repaired by painting the pole D) It is caused by insects only Answer: B Explanation: Shell rot is internal decay that compromises strength and often necessitates pole removal. Question 23. For a 12 kV distribution line, the recommended minimum clearance between the conductors and the ground is: A) 5 ft B) 10 ft C) 15 ft D) 20 ft Answer: C Explanation: Clearance requirements increase with voltage; 12 kV typically requires at least 15 ft.
Question 24. The correct way to test a live-line hot stick for insulation integrity is to: A) Visually inspect for cracks B) Perform a continuity test with a multimeter C) Use a megohmmeter (insulation tester) at the rated voltage D) Submerge it in water and check for bubbles Answer: C Explanation: A megohmmeter applies a high voltage to verify insulation resistance. Question 25. Which of the following best describes the function of a “tap changer” on a transformer? A) Adjusts the voltage ratio by changing winding connections B) Provides a path for fault current to ground C) Increases the transformer’s physical size D) Controls the transformer’s cooling system Answer: A Explanation: Tap changers modify turns ratio to regulate output voltage. Question 26. When performing a rope rescue from a pole, the primary advantage of using a “descender” device is: A) Faster ascent speed B) Controlled, friction-based lowering of the victim C) Automatic cutting of the rope in emergencies D) Ability to lift heavy loads upward Answer: B Explanation: Descenders provide smooth, regulated descent. Question 27. In a three-phase delta system, the phase current is: A) √3 times the line current B) Equal to the line current C) √3 times the line voltage
Explanation: Wind creates drag forces perpendicular to the conductor, increasing tension. Question 31. The purpose of a “grounding electrode” is to: A) Provide a high-resistance path for fault currents B) Connect the system neutral to the earth to limit voltage during faults C) Isolate the system from earth D) Increase the system voltage Answer: B Explanation: Ground electrodes create a low-resistance path to dissipate fault energy safely. Question 32. Which of the following is the most accurate method for determining the temperature of a hot conductor? A) Visual inspection of color change B) Infrared thermometer aimed at the conductor surface C) Measuring ambient air temperature D) Using a standard thermometer placed near the conductor Answer: B Explanation: Infrared thermometers can read the surface temperature of energized conductors without contact. Question 33. The term “touch voltage” refers to: A) Voltage induced on a worker’s body by induction B) Voltage difference between a grounded object and the earth C) Voltage that can be felt when a person contacts an energized part while standing on the ground D) Voltage across an open circuit Answer: C Explanation: Touch voltage is the potential a person experiences when contacting a live part and the ground simultaneously.
Question 34. Which of the following is a primary advantage of using a “telescopic hot stick” versus a fixed-length hot stick? A) Lower cost B) Adjustable reach for different clearances C) Greater electrical resistance D) Easier to store in a toolbox Answer: B Explanation: Telescopic sticks can be extended to match the required working distance. Question 35. In a substation, the “bus” is: A) A protective relay B) A large conductors that distribute power to outgoing feeders C) A type of transformer D) The grounding system Answer: B Explanation: Buses are metallic conductors that collect incoming power and feed it to outgoing circuits. Question 36. When rigging a load with a sling, the recommended angle between the sling and the load to minimize tension is: A) 30° B) 45° C) 60° D) 90° Answer: B Explanation: At 45°, the load is shared equally and sling tension is minimized (≈1.4 × load). Question 37. Which of the following is true about “phase sequence” in a three-phase system? A) It determines the voltage magnitude only
D) 12.47 kV Answer: B Explanation: Most residential service transformers are rated at 4.16 kV primary. Question 41. When measuring resistance with a digital multimeter, the most accurate reading is obtained by: A) Measuring across the entire circuit including loads B) Removing the component from the circuit or ensuring it is isolated C) Using the highest voltage range on the meter D) Connecting the leads in reverse polarity Answer: B Explanation: Isolation eliminates parallel paths that would affect the resistance measurement. Question 42. Which of the following is the correct order of operations for de-energizing a line using LOTO? A) Verify isolation, apply lock, tag, then test for voltage B) Apply lock, tag, verify isolation, then test for voltage C) Verify isolation, test for voltage, apply lock and tag, then notify crew D) Test for voltage, apply lock, verify isolation, then tag Answer: C Explanation: First confirm the line is isolated, then verify no voltage, then lock and tag. Question 43. The mechanical advantage of a block and tackle system is determined by: A) The length of the rope used B) The number of rope sections supporting the load C) The diameter of the pulleys D) The material of the rope Answer: B
Explanation: Each additional rope segment sharing the load increases the mechanical advantage. Question 44. In a sub-hour outage response, which GIS (Geographic Information System) function is most valuable? A) Calculating transformer impedance B) Locating the exact GPS coordinates of the faulted line segment C) Determining the color of pole markings D) Measuring line sag Answer: B Explanation: GIS provides precise location data to dispatch crews efficiently. Question 45. Which of the following statements about “neutral grounding” is correct? A) It eliminates all fault currents B) It limits the voltage rise during a ground fault by providing a low-impedance path C) It is only required on high-voltage transmission systems D) It disconnects the neutral from the earth at all times Answer: B Explanation: Grounding the neutral stabilizes system voltage during single-line-to- ground faults. Question 46. The most appropriate tool for tightening a bolt to a specific torque on a pole hardware assembly is: A) Adjustable wrench B) Torque wrench C) Pliers D) Screwdriver Answer: B Explanation: Torque wrenches ensure bolts are tightened to the required specification.
C) Calcium gluconate gel for chemical burns D) Epinephrine auto-injector Answer: B Explanation: AEDs are essential for responding to cardiac arrest, which can occur after severe electrical shock. Question 51. The purpose of a “shunt reactor” in a transmission system is to: A) Increase line voltage B) Compensate for capacitive reactive power, reducing voltage rise at light loads C) Provide short-circuit protection D) Store kinetic energy for load shedding Answer: B Explanation: Shunt reactors absorb reactive power, stabilizing voltage. Question 52. Which of the following statements about “breaker coordination” is true? A) All breakers in a system must have the same interrupting rating B) Downstream breakers must operate before upstream breakers for selective isolation C) Coordination is only required for protective relays, not breakers D) Upstream breakers are always set to trip faster than downstream breakers Answer: B Explanation: Proper coordination ensures only the nearest breaker clears a fault. Question 53. The most common method for locating underground primary conductors is: A) Visual inspection of the ground surface B) Using a cable locator (low-frequency signal) C) Digging a trial trench every 10 ft D) Relying on utility maps only Answer: B
Explanation: Cable locators detect signals induced onto conductors, allowing accurate location without excavation. Question 54. Which of the following best defines “conductor ampacity”? A) The maximum current a conductor can carry continuously without exceeding its temperature rating B) The resistance of the conductor per foot C) The voltage drop across the conductor at rated load D) The mechanical strength of the conductor under tension Answer: A Explanation: Ampacity is the current-carrying capacity limited by thermal considerations. Question 55. A “ground-fault interrupter” (GFI) is primarily used to protect against: A) Over-current due to overloads B) Voltage spikes from lightning C) Leakage currents that could cause electric shock D) Phase-to-phase short circuits Answer: C Explanation: GFIs detect imbalances between hot and neutral currents and disconnect quickly. Question 56. When a pole is marked with a “red band” near its base, this typically indicates: A) The pole is a primary distribution line B) The pole is slated for removal or replacement C) The pole contains a buried cable D) The pole is a communications line only Answer: B Explanation: Red markings often denote a pole scheduled for de-commissioning.
B) Only verify the color of the sling matches the load tag C) Test the sling by lifting a small weight first, then proceed D) Measure the sling length to ensure it is longer than the pole height Answer: A Explanation: Visual inspection and load rating verification ensure safe hoisting. Question 61. The most common failure mode for rubber insulating gloves after repeated use is: A) Loss of tensile strength B) Development of micro-cracks reducing dielectric strength C) Change in color D) Increased flexibility Answer: B Explanation: Micro-cracks allow leakage currents, compromising insulation. Question 62. In a three-phase, four-wire wye system, the neutral conductor carries current when: A) The system is balanced B) The system is unbalanced C) No load is connected D) Only single-phase loads are present on two phases Answer: B Explanation: Unbalanced loads cause current to flow in the neutral. Question 63. Which of the following best describes the function of a “dead-end” pole in a distribution line? A) It terminates the line and does not carry load beyond the pole B) It is used to splice two conductors together C) It houses a transformer for step-down voltage D) It provides a grounding point for the line
Answer: A Explanation: A dead-end pole marks the end of a line segment. Question 64. When using a “torque wrench” on a bolted joint, the torque setting should be based on: A) The length of the bolt only B) The bolt diameter, thread pitch, and material strength C) The color of the bolt head D) The temperature of the environment Answer: B Explanation: Proper torque ensures joint integrity without overtightening. Question 65. The “skin effect” in AC conductors results in: A) Uniform current distribution across the conductor cross-section B) Current concentrating near the surface, increasing effective resistance at higher frequencies C) Decreased inductance of the conductor D) Improved thermal conductivity Answer: B Explanation: At AC, alternating currents migrate toward the surface, raising resistance. Question 66. Which of the following is the most effective method to prevent “arc flash” injuries during live-line work? A) Wearing flame-resistant (FR) clothing and using insulated tools B) Working only in low-light conditions C) Using higher voltage equipment to reduce current D) Standing on a wooden pallet Answer: A Explanation: FR clothing and insulated tools reduce exposure to arc flash energy.
