Certified Power Lineman Journeyman Licensing Exam
Questions with Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales
Question 1: When working on an energized 12.47 kV distribution line from
an insulated aerial lift device, which of the following personal protective
equipment combinations provides the minimum required protection against
electrical contact hazards according to OSHA and standard utility practices?
A. Leather gloves and hard hat only
B. Class 2 rubber gloves with leather protectors, hard hat, safety
glasses, and flame-resistant clothing
C. Cotton gloves, face shield, and rubber boots
D. Class 00 rubber gloves without protectors and a non-conductive hard
hat
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Class 2 rubber gloves with leather protectors,
hard hat, safety glasses, and flame-resistant clothing
Rationale: For voltages up to 17 kV phase-to-phase, Class 2 rubber
insulating gloves rated for 17 kV maximum use voltage are required
when working from an insulated boom. Leather protectors prevent
mechanical damage to the rubber gloves, while the hard hat, safety
glasses, and FR clothing address impact, arc-flash, and thermal
hazards respectively.
Question 2: A journeyman lineman is tasked with replacing a damaged
primary insulator on a three-phase 34.5 kV circuit. Before approaching
the conductor with a hot stick, what is the critical first step that must be
completed to ensure worker safety?
A. Immediately apply a temporary jumper across the insulator
B. Verify the circuit is de-energized by visual inspection only
C. Confirm proper grounding and bonding of the aerial device and
establish minimum approach distances
D. Climb the pole without a fall-arrest system because the line is
presumed dead
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Confirm proper grounding and bonding of the
aerial device and establish minimum approach distances
Rationale: Even when intending to work with live-line tools, the aerial
device must be properly grounded or bonded according to utility
procedures, and MAD (minimum approach distance) tables must be
Page 1 of 110
,strictly observed. Visual inspection alone never confirms de-
energization, and fall protection is mandatory on poles.
Question 3: Which transformer connection configuration produces a 30-
degree angular displacement between the primary and secondary
voltages and is
commonly used on distribution systems to serve both three-phase
and single-phase loads?
A. Delta-delta
B. Wye-wye
C. Delta-wye
D. Open-delta
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Delta-wye
Rationale: A delta-wye connection inherently creates a 30-degree phase
shift. This configuration is widely applied on distribution circuits
because the grounded wye secondary provides a neutral for single-
phase loads while the delta primary blocks zero-sequence currents
from the source.
Question 4: During a storm restoration, a lineman discovers a broken
primary conductor lying on the ground. What is the correct
sequence of actions before attempting any repair?
A. Immediately pick up the conductor with rubber gloves and re-tie it
B. Establish an exclusion zone, notify the control center, test for voltage,
and apply personal protective grounds on both sides of the break
C. Assume the line is dead because the recloser has operated and begin
splicing
D. Use a wooden stick to lift the conductor and leave it hanging until
daylight
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Establish an exclusion zone, notify the control
center, test for voltage, and apply personal protective grounds on both
sides of the break
Rationale: A downed conductor must be treated as energized until
proven otherwise. Establishing an exclusion zone protects the public,
communication with the control center prevents re-energization,
voltage testing confirms status, and equipotential grounding protects
workers from induction or accidental re-energization.
Page 2 of 110
,Question 5: What is the primary purpose of a system neutral on
a multi-grounded wye distribution system?
A. To carry only fault current during phase-to-phase faults
B. To provide a continuous low-impedance return path for
unbalanced load currents and a reference for protective relays
C. To serve exclusively as a communication conductor for SCADA
D. To eliminate the need for grounding transformers
CORRECT ANSWER: B. To provide a continuous low-impedance return
path for unbalanced load currents and a reference for protective relays
Rationale: On multi-grounded wye systems the neutral conductor
carries the vector sum of the three phase currents under unbalanced
conditions and provides a stable voltage reference for overcurrent and
ground-fault protection schemes.
Question 6: When installing a new wood pole in a high-wind coastal
area, which treatment and class combination offers the greatest
resistance to decay and mechanical loading for a 45-foot distribution
pole?
A. Untreated Class 5 pine
B. CCA-treated Class 2 southern yellow pine
C. Creosote-treated Class 4 Douglas fir
D. Penta-treated Class 6 western red cedar
CORRECT ANSWER: B. CCA-treated Class 2 southern yellow pine
Rationale: Class 2 poles have larger circumference and higher
ground-line strength ratings required for coastal wind loading. CCA
treatment provides superior resistance to fungal decay and insect
attack in wet environments compared with the other listed options for
the same height.
Question 7: A crew is preparing to replace a 100 kVA pole-mounted
transformer. After isolating the primary and secondary, what is the
proper method to discharge residual energy stored in the transformer
windings and capacitors?
A. Leave the transformer open-circuited for 30 minutes
B. Apply temporary protective grounds across the primary and
secondary bushings and wait the required discharge time
Page 3 of 110
, C. Strike the tank with a hammer to dissipate static charge
D. Connect only the secondary neutral to ground
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Apply temporary protective grounds across the
primary and secondary bushings and wait the required discharge time
Rationale: Transformers can retain lethal capacitive charge after de-
energization. Applying equipotential grounds on both primary and
secondary sides ensures complete discharge of residual energy before
workers contact any conductive parts.
Question 8: Which of the following describes the correct use of a
shotgun stick (load-break tool) when opening a fused cutout under
load?
A. Always open the cutout under full load without regard to current
magnitude
B. Use the tool only on cutouts rated for load-break operation and
never exceed the tool’s continuous current rating
C. Use the shotgun stick solely for closing operations
D. Insert the stick into the cutout without first verifying the fuse rating
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Use the tool only on cutouts rated for load-
break operation and never exceed the tool’s continuous current rating
Rationale: Not all cutouts are designed for load interruption. Load-break
tools and cutouts must be matched to the expected continuous current
and interrupting duty; exceeding ratings can cause violent failure and
injury.
Question 9: According to the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC),
what is the minimum vertical clearance required for a 12.47 kV primary
conductor over a public roadway at maximum sag?
A. 12 feet
B. 15 feet
C. 18.5 feet
D. 22 feet
CORRECT ANSWER: C. 18.5 feet
Rationale: NESC Table 232-1 specifies a basic clearance of 18.5 feet for
supply conductors of 750 V to 22 kV over roads subject to truck traffic
when measured at maximum final sag.
Question 10: A lineman is using a hydraulic compression tool to
Page 4 of 110
Questions with Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales
Question 1: When working on an energized 12.47 kV distribution line from
an insulated aerial lift device, which of the following personal protective
equipment combinations provides the minimum required protection against
electrical contact hazards according to OSHA and standard utility practices?
A. Leather gloves and hard hat only
B. Class 2 rubber gloves with leather protectors, hard hat, safety
glasses, and flame-resistant clothing
C. Cotton gloves, face shield, and rubber boots
D. Class 00 rubber gloves without protectors and a non-conductive hard
hat
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Class 2 rubber gloves with leather protectors,
hard hat, safety glasses, and flame-resistant clothing
Rationale: For voltages up to 17 kV phase-to-phase, Class 2 rubber
insulating gloves rated for 17 kV maximum use voltage are required
when working from an insulated boom. Leather protectors prevent
mechanical damage to the rubber gloves, while the hard hat, safety
glasses, and FR clothing address impact, arc-flash, and thermal
hazards respectively.
Question 2: A journeyman lineman is tasked with replacing a damaged
primary insulator on a three-phase 34.5 kV circuit. Before approaching
the conductor with a hot stick, what is the critical first step that must be
completed to ensure worker safety?
A. Immediately apply a temporary jumper across the insulator
B. Verify the circuit is de-energized by visual inspection only
C. Confirm proper grounding and bonding of the aerial device and
establish minimum approach distances
D. Climb the pole without a fall-arrest system because the line is
presumed dead
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Confirm proper grounding and bonding of the
aerial device and establish minimum approach distances
Rationale: Even when intending to work with live-line tools, the aerial
device must be properly grounded or bonded according to utility
procedures, and MAD (minimum approach distance) tables must be
Page 1 of 110
,strictly observed. Visual inspection alone never confirms de-
energization, and fall protection is mandatory on poles.
Question 3: Which transformer connection configuration produces a 30-
degree angular displacement between the primary and secondary
voltages and is
commonly used on distribution systems to serve both three-phase
and single-phase loads?
A. Delta-delta
B. Wye-wye
C. Delta-wye
D. Open-delta
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Delta-wye
Rationale: A delta-wye connection inherently creates a 30-degree phase
shift. This configuration is widely applied on distribution circuits
because the grounded wye secondary provides a neutral for single-
phase loads while the delta primary blocks zero-sequence currents
from the source.
Question 4: During a storm restoration, a lineman discovers a broken
primary conductor lying on the ground. What is the correct
sequence of actions before attempting any repair?
A. Immediately pick up the conductor with rubber gloves and re-tie it
B. Establish an exclusion zone, notify the control center, test for voltage,
and apply personal protective grounds on both sides of the break
C. Assume the line is dead because the recloser has operated and begin
splicing
D. Use a wooden stick to lift the conductor and leave it hanging until
daylight
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Establish an exclusion zone, notify the control
center, test for voltage, and apply personal protective grounds on both
sides of the break
Rationale: A downed conductor must be treated as energized until
proven otherwise. Establishing an exclusion zone protects the public,
communication with the control center prevents re-energization,
voltage testing confirms status, and equipotential grounding protects
workers from induction or accidental re-energization.
Page 2 of 110
,Question 5: What is the primary purpose of a system neutral on
a multi-grounded wye distribution system?
A. To carry only fault current during phase-to-phase faults
B. To provide a continuous low-impedance return path for
unbalanced load currents and a reference for protective relays
C. To serve exclusively as a communication conductor for SCADA
D. To eliminate the need for grounding transformers
CORRECT ANSWER: B. To provide a continuous low-impedance return
path for unbalanced load currents and a reference for protective relays
Rationale: On multi-grounded wye systems the neutral conductor
carries the vector sum of the three phase currents under unbalanced
conditions and provides a stable voltage reference for overcurrent and
ground-fault protection schemes.
Question 6: When installing a new wood pole in a high-wind coastal
area, which treatment and class combination offers the greatest
resistance to decay and mechanical loading for a 45-foot distribution
pole?
A. Untreated Class 5 pine
B. CCA-treated Class 2 southern yellow pine
C. Creosote-treated Class 4 Douglas fir
D. Penta-treated Class 6 western red cedar
CORRECT ANSWER: B. CCA-treated Class 2 southern yellow pine
Rationale: Class 2 poles have larger circumference and higher
ground-line strength ratings required for coastal wind loading. CCA
treatment provides superior resistance to fungal decay and insect
attack in wet environments compared with the other listed options for
the same height.
Question 7: A crew is preparing to replace a 100 kVA pole-mounted
transformer. After isolating the primary and secondary, what is the
proper method to discharge residual energy stored in the transformer
windings and capacitors?
A. Leave the transformer open-circuited for 30 minutes
B. Apply temporary protective grounds across the primary and
secondary bushings and wait the required discharge time
Page 3 of 110
, C. Strike the tank with a hammer to dissipate static charge
D. Connect only the secondary neutral to ground
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Apply temporary protective grounds across the
primary and secondary bushings and wait the required discharge time
Rationale: Transformers can retain lethal capacitive charge after de-
energization. Applying equipotential grounds on both primary and
secondary sides ensures complete discharge of residual energy before
workers contact any conductive parts.
Question 8: Which of the following describes the correct use of a
shotgun stick (load-break tool) when opening a fused cutout under
load?
A. Always open the cutout under full load without regard to current
magnitude
B. Use the tool only on cutouts rated for load-break operation and
never exceed the tool’s continuous current rating
C. Use the shotgun stick solely for closing operations
D. Insert the stick into the cutout without first verifying the fuse rating
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Use the tool only on cutouts rated for load-
break operation and never exceed the tool’s continuous current rating
Rationale: Not all cutouts are designed for load interruption. Load-break
tools and cutouts must be matched to the expected continuous current
and interrupting duty; exceeding ratings can cause violent failure and
injury.
Question 9: According to the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC),
what is the minimum vertical clearance required for a 12.47 kV primary
conductor over a public roadway at maximum sag?
A. 12 feet
B. 15 feet
C. 18.5 feet
D. 22 feet
CORRECT ANSWER: C. 18.5 feet
Rationale: NESC Table 232-1 specifies a basic clearance of 18.5 feet for
supply conductors of 750 V to 22 kV over roads subject to truck traffic
when measured at maximum final sag.
Question 10: A lineman is using a hydraulic compression tool to
Page 4 of 110
