CFESA ELECTRICAL PRACTICE TEST EXAM 2026/2027
200 ACTUAL EXAM-STYLE QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT ANSWERS AND
RATIONALES
1. How does a GFCI operate?
A. It compares voltage between hot and ground
B. It compares amperage out on the hot line and return current on the
neutral; if the difference exceeds 5 mA it trips
C. It monitors temperature rise in the circuit
D. It detects overload conditions only
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A GFCI operates by comparing the current leaving on the hot
line with the current returning on the neutral. If the difference exceeds
5 mA, it trips the breaker off.
2. What is the advantage of a breaker over a fuse?
A. Breakers are less expensive
B. Breakers can be reset
C. Breakers respond faster
D. Breakers never fail
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The primary advantage of a circuit breaker over a fuse is that
a breaker can be reset after tripping, whereas a fuse must be replaced.
,3. Weak circuit breakers are a result of what?
A. Old age only
B. Overheating, bad wire connections on the breaker, and using the
breaker for a switch
C. Low voltage conditions
D. Moisture exposure
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Weak circuit breakers are caused by overheating, poor wire
connections on the breaker terminals, and repeatedly using the breaker
as a switch.
4. What is the switch arrangement on a Robertshaw EA thermostat?
A. DPST
B. SPDT
C. SPST
D. DPDT
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The Robertshaw EA thermostat features a Single Pole Single
Throw (SPST) switch arrangement.
5. What is a PSC motor?
A. Permanent Split Capacitor motor
B. Positive Start Control motor
C. Primary Series Circuit motor
D. Power Supply Capacitor motor
,Correct Answer: A
Rationale: PSC stands for Permanent Split Capacitor, a type of motor
that uses a capacitor continuously during operation.
6. What are the three different kinds of temperature sensors that can
be used with a solid state control?
A. Bimetal, mercury, and bellows
B. Thermocouple, thermistor, and RTD
C. Diastat, bulb, and capillary
D. Optical, infrared, and ultrasonic
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Solid state temperature controls can use thermocouples,
thermistors, and RTDs (Resistance Temperature Detectors) as
temperature sensors.
7. Why are thermistors the most popular of all the temperature
sensors?
A. They are the most accurate
B. They are less expensive
C. They respond the fastest
D. They last the longest
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Thermistors are the most popular temperature sensors
primarily because they are less expensive than other options.
, 8. What is the major downfall of a single probe electro-mechanical
liquid level control?
A. It is too expensive
B. It fails to detect low water conditions
C. Fast cycling as soon as the water uncovers the probe
D. It requires frequent calibration
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The single probe electro-mechanical liquid level control
causes fast cycling because the control cycles as soon as the water
uncovers the probe.
9. Contacts that are melted or welded together indicate what?
A. Overload condition
B. Short circuit
C. Open circuit
D. Normal wear
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Contacts that are melted or welded together indicate a short
circuit condition that caused excessive current flow and heat.
10. What is the usual cause for a burned out contactor coil?
A. Overvoltage
B. Warped movable contact carrier
C. Old age
D. Moisture
200 ACTUAL EXAM-STYLE QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT ANSWERS AND
RATIONALES
1. How does a GFCI operate?
A. It compares voltage between hot and ground
B. It compares amperage out on the hot line and return current on the
neutral; if the difference exceeds 5 mA it trips
C. It monitors temperature rise in the circuit
D. It detects overload conditions only
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A GFCI operates by comparing the current leaving on the hot
line with the current returning on the neutral. If the difference exceeds
5 mA, it trips the breaker off.
2. What is the advantage of a breaker over a fuse?
A. Breakers are less expensive
B. Breakers can be reset
C. Breakers respond faster
D. Breakers never fail
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The primary advantage of a circuit breaker over a fuse is that
a breaker can be reset after tripping, whereas a fuse must be replaced.
,3. Weak circuit breakers are a result of what?
A. Old age only
B. Overheating, bad wire connections on the breaker, and using the
breaker for a switch
C. Low voltage conditions
D. Moisture exposure
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Weak circuit breakers are caused by overheating, poor wire
connections on the breaker terminals, and repeatedly using the breaker
as a switch.
4. What is the switch arrangement on a Robertshaw EA thermostat?
A. DPST
B. SPDT
C. SPST
D. DPDT
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The Robertshaw EA thermostat features a Single Pole Single
Throw (SPST) switch arrangement.
5. What is a PSC motor?
A. Permanent Split Capacitor motor
B. Positive Start Control motor
C. Primary Series Circuit motor
D. Power Supply Capacitor motor
,Correct Answer: A
Rationale: PSC stands for Permanent Split Capacitor, a type of motor
that uses a capacitor continuously during operation.
6. What are the three different kinds of temperature sensors that can
be used with a solid state control?
A. Bimetal, mercury, and bellows
B. Thermocouple, thermistor, and RTD
C. Diastat, bulb, and capillary
D. Optical, infrared, and ultrasonic
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Solid state temperature controls can use thermocouples,
thermistors, and RTDs (Resistance Temperature Detectors) as
temperature sensors.
7. Why are thermistors the most popular of all the temperature
sensors?
A. They are the most accurate
B. They are less expensive
C. They respond the fastest
D. They last the longest
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Thermistors are the most popular temperature sensors
primarily because they are less expensive than other options.
, 8. What is the major downfall of a single probe electro-mechanical
liquid level control?
A. It is too expensive
B. It fails to detect low water conditions
C. Fast cycling as soon as the water uncovers the probe
D. It requires frequent calibration
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The single probe electro-mechanical liquid level control
causes fast cycling because the control cycles as soon as the water
uncovers the probe.
9. Contacts that are melted or welded together indicate what?
A. Overload condition
B. Short circuit
C. Open circuit
D. Normal wear
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Contacts that are melted or welded together indicate a short
circuit condition that caused excessive current flow and heat.
10. What is the usual cause for a burned out contactor coil?
A. Overvoltage
B. Warped movable contact carrier
C. Old age
D. Moisture
