LADWP ELECTRICAL CRAFT HELPER
EXAM 2026/2027 – PRACTICE
QUESTIONS, VERIFIED ANSWERS &
DETAILED RATIONALES
1. Before assisting an electrician with maintenance on de-energized equipment,
what is the FIRST action a helper must take to ensure safety?
A. Visually inspect the equipment for damage
B. Verify the circuit is de-energized using an approved tester
C. Put on rubber insulating gloves
D. Check that lockout/tagout tags are in place
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: OSHA and LADWP safety protocols mandate that the first step before
touching any equipment is to test for the absence of voltage with an approved,
calibrated tester. Visual inspection (A) and checking tags (D) are secondary checks.
Gloves (C) are PPE but do not replace the need for voltage verification.
2. A helper finds an extension cord with exposed copper wires at a worksite. What
is the proper response?
A. Wrap it with electrical tape and continue using it
B. Use it only for low-voltage tools
C. Remove it from service and report the hazard immediately
D. Leave it for the next shift to handle
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Exposed conductors present an immediate shock and fire hazard. Electrical
tape (A) is a temporary insulation that does not restore the cord's integrity for heavy-
duty use. Using it for low voltage (B) is still unsafe, and leaving it (D) endangers others.
The only correct action is immediate removal from service and reporting.
,3. What is the PRIMARY purpose of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in
electrical work?
A. To increase work speed
B. To protect workers from injury and health hazards
C. To identify a worker's trade classification
D. To comply with uniform requirements
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The fundamental purpose of PPE (gloves, hard hats, arc-rated clothing) is
hazard mitigation—protecting the worker from arc flash, shock, and impact. It does not
increase speed (A), identify trade (C), or serve as a uniform (D).
4. Which class of fire extinguisher is SAFE to use on energized electrical
equipment?
A. Class A (water-based)
B. Class B (foam)
C. Class C (non-conductive agent)
D. Class D (dry powder for metals)
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Class C extinguishers contain non-conductive agents (like CO2 or dry
chemical) that will not conduct electricity. Water (A) and foam (B) are conductive and
create a severe shock hazard. Class D (D) is for combustible metals, not electrical fires.
5. The main function of an equipment grounding conductor is to:
A. Carry normal operating current
B. Provide a low-impedance path for fault current
C. Serve as the neutral return path
D. Increase the voltage available to loads
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The grounding conductor is a safety wire. If a fault occurs (hot wire touches
metal case), it provides a low-impedance path back to the source, allowing the breaker
,to trip instantly. It does not carry normal current (A)—that is the neutral/hot. It does not
serve as neutral (C) or increase voltage (D).
6. When working from a ladder, the helper should always:
A. Stand on the top rung for maximum reach
B. Face the ladder and maintain three points of contact
C. Lean sideways to extend reach without climbing down
D. Use a metal ladder near electrical panels
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Three points of contact (two feet and one hand, or two hands and one foot)
is the standard for ladder safety. The top rung (A) is prohibited as it is not a step.
Leaning sideways (C) compromises the center of gravity. Metal ladders (D) are
conductive and prohibited near electrical work.
7. An arc flash hazard analysis is performed to determine:
A. The color of PPE to wear
B. The incident energy level and required PPE category
C. The voltage drop in conductors
D. The proper conduit size
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: This analysis calculates the thermal energy (incident energy) that could be
released during an arc flash. The result dictates which PPE category (0–4) must be worn.
It does not determine color (A), voltage drop (C), or conduit size (D).
8. A helper is about to dig near a marked underground utility line. The minimum
safe approach distance by hand is:
A. 6 inches
B. 12 inches
C. 18 inches
D. 24 inches
, Correct Answer: D
Rationale: OSHA and utility standards require that hand digging within 24 inches of a
marked utility line is done with extreme caution, but 24 inches is the standard minimum
exposure distance to prevent damaging the line. 6 inches, 12 inches, and 18 inches are
too close and risk contact.
9. Rubber insulating gloves must be electrically tested at what maximum interval?
A. Every day before use
B. Every 6 months
C. Every 12 months
D. Only when they show visible damage
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: ASTM standards require rubber insulating gloves to be electrically retested
every 6 months to ensure dielectric integrity. Daily inspection (A) is visual, not electrical.
12 months (C) is too long. Waiting for visible damage (D) is unacceptable because
damage can be invisible.
10. When using a portable generator at a job site, the frame MUST be:
A. Painted to prevent rust
B. Grounded to prevent shock
C. Covered with a tarp
D. Elevated on wooden blocks
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The generator frame must be connected to a grounding electrode (ground
rod) to provide a path for fault current, preventing the frame from becoming energized.
Paint (A), tarps (C), and wooden blocks (D) do not address electrical shock hazards.
11. The term "approach boundary" in electrical safety refers to:
A. The distance to the nearest restroom
B. The safe distance from energized parts based on voltage
EXAM 2026/2027 – PRACTICE
QUESTIONS, VERIFIED ANSWERS &
DETAILED RATIONALES
1. Before assisting an electrician with maintenance on de-energized equipment,
what is the FIRST action a helper must take to ensure safety?
A. Visually inspect the equipment for damage
B. Verify the circuit is de-energized using an approved tester
C. Put on rubber insulating gloves
D. Check that lockout/tagout tags are in place
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: OSHA and LADWP safety protocols mandate that the first step before
touching any equipment is to test for the absence of voltage with an approved,
calibrated tester. Visual inspection (A) and checking tags (D) are secondary checks.
Gloves (C) are PPE but do not replace the need for voltage verification.
2. A helper finds an extension cord with exposed copper wires at a worksite. What
is the proper response?
A. Wrap it with electrical tape and continue using it
B. Use it only for low-voltage tools
C. Remove it from service and report the hazard immediately
D. Leave it for the next shift to handle
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Exposed conductors present an immediate shock and fire hazard. Electrical
tape (A) is a temporary insulation that does not restore the cord's integrity for heavy-
duty use. Using it for low voltage (B) is still unsafe, and leaving it (D) endangers others.
The only correct action is immediate removal from service and reporting.
,3. What is the PRIMARY purpose of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in
electrical work?
A. To increase work speed
B. To protect workers from injury and health hazards
C. To identify a worker's trade classification
D. To comply with uniform requirements
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The fundamental purpose of PPE (gloves, hard hats, arc-rated clothing) is
hazard mitigation—protecting the worker from arc flash, shock, and impact. It does not
increase speed (A), identify trade (C), or serve as a uniform (D).
4. Which class of fire extinguisher is SAFE to use on energized electrical
equipment?
A. Class A (water-based)
B. Class B (foam)
C. Class C (non-conductive agent)
D. Class D (dry powder for metals)
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Class C extinguishers contain non-conductive agents (like CO2 or dry
chemical) that will not conduct electricity. Water (A) and foam (B) are conductive and
create a severe shock hazard. Class D (D) is for combustible metals, not electrical fires.
5. The main function of an equipment grounding conductor is to:
A. Carry normal operating current
B. Provide a low-impedance path for fault current
C. Serve as the neutral return path
D. Increase the voltage available to loads
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The grounding conductor is a safety wire. If a fault occurs (hot wire touches
metal case), it provides a low-impedance path back to the source, allowing the breaker
,to trip instantly. It does not carry normal current (A)—that is the neutral/hot. It does not
serve as neutral (C) or increase voltage (D).
6. When working from a ladder, the helper should always:
A. Stand on the top rung for maximum reach
B. Face the ladder and maintain three points of contact
C. Lean sideways to extend reach without climbing down
D. Use a metal ladder near electrical panels
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Three points of contact (two feet and one hand, or two hands and one foot)
is the standard for ladder safety. The top rung (A) is prohibited as it is not a step.
Leaning sideways (C) compromises the center of gravity. Metal ladders (D) are
conductive and prohibited near electrical work.
7. An arc flash hazard analysis is performed to determine:
A. The color of PPE to wear
B. The incident energy level and required PPE category
C. The voltage drop in conductors
D. The proper conduit size
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: This analysis calculates the thermal energy (incident energy) that could be
released during an arc flash. The result dictates which PPE category (0–4) must be worn.
It does not determine color (A), voltage drop (C), or conduit size (D).
8. A helper is about to dig near a marked underground utility line. The minimum
safe approach distance by hand is:
A. 6 inches
B. 12 inches
C. 18 inches
D. 24 inches
, Correct Answer: D
Rationale: OSHA and utility standards require that hand digging within 24 inches of a
marked utility line is done with extreme caution, but 24 inches is the standard minimum
exposure distance to prevent damaging the line. 6 inches, 12 inches, and 18 inches are
too close and risk contact.
9. Rubber insulating gloves must be electrically tested at what maximum interval?
A. Every day before use
B. Every 6 months
C. Every 12 months
D. Only when they show visible damage
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: ASTM standards require rubber insulating gloves to be electrically retested
every 6 months to ensure dielectric integrity. Daily inspection (A) is visual, not electrical.
12 months (C) is too long. Waiting for visible damage (D) is unacceptable because
damage can be invisible.
10. When using a portable generator at a job site, the frame MUST be:
A. Painted to prevent rust
B. Grounded to prevent shock
C. Covered with a tarp
D. Elevated on wooden blocks
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The generator frame must be connected to a grounding electrode (ground
rod) to provide a path for fault current, preventing the frame from becoming energized.
Paint (A), tarps (C), and wooden blocks (D) do not address electrical shock hazards.
11. The term "approach boundary" in electrical safety refers to:
A. The distance to the nearest restroom
B. The safe distance from energized parts based on voltage
