LADWP Electrical Craft Helper Exam 2026/2027 – ACTUAL-Style
Practice Questions & Answers, Los Angeles Department of Water
and Power Civil Service Test Prep, Electrical Fundamentals,
Voltage, Current, Resistance, Ohm’s Law, Series and Parallel
Circuits, Electrical Tools, Wiring, Basic Mathematics, Mechanical
Reasoning, Workplace Safety, Electrical Symbols & Detailed
Explanations
Question 1: What is the primary role of an Electrical Craft Helper during
electrical maintenance and construction activities?
A. Independently diagnose complex electrical faults without supervision
B. Assist journey-level workers by following instructions, handling tools,
and maintaining work areas
C. Approve work plans and authorize system energization
D. Perform high-voltage switching operations without direct oversight
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Assist journey-level workers by following
instructions, handling tools, and maintaining work areas
Rationale: The Electrical Craft Helper is an entry-level classification
designed to support skilled journey-level workers in construction,
maintenance, and repair tasks. The helper’s responsibilities include
passing tools and materials, cleaning work areas, and assisting with
installations under supervision, not performing independent diagnostic or
authorization functions .
Question 2: A helper is instructed to work on equipment that has not
been verified as de-energized. What should the helper do first?
A. Assume the equipment is safe because it appears inactive
B. Begin work while wearing standard work gloves
C. Confirm that proper isolation and safety procedures have been
completed
D. Ask another helper to check the equipment while working
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Confirm that proper isolation and safety
procedures have been completed
Rationale: The absence of visible activity does not establish that electrical
equipment is safe. Proper lockout/tagout and verification of de-
,energization must occur before any work begins to prevent electric shock
or electrocution .
Question 3: Which electrical quantity represents the difference in
electrical potential between two points in a circuit?
A. Current
B. Resistance
C. Voltage
D. Power
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Voltage
Rationale: Voltage is the electrical potential difference that provides the
electromotive force capable of driving current through a circuit. It is
measured in volts .
Question 4: A circuit has a resistance of 15 ohms and a current of 3
amperes. What voltage is present across the resistance?
A. 5 V
B. 15 V
C. 45 V
D. 60 V
CORRECT ANSWER: C. 45 V
Rationale: Ohm’s Law states that voltage equals current multiplied by
resistance (V = I × R). Therefore, 3 A × 15 Ω = 45 V .
Question 5: Which instrument is normally used to measure electrical
current in a circuit?
A. Ohmmeter
B. Voltmeter
C. Ammeter
D. Megohmmeter
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Ammeter
Rationale: An ammeter measures electrical current in amperes. It is
connected in series with the circuit or used as a clamp-on device around a
conductor to measure current flow .
,Question 6: A worker notices that an extension cord has exposed
conductors near the plug. What is the appropriate action?
A. Wrap the damaged area with electrical tape and continue using the cord
B. Remove the damaged cord from service and tag it for repair or
replacement
C. Use the cord only for low-voltage equipment
D. Reduce the load connected to the cord to prevent overheating
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Remove the damaged cord from service and tag
it for repair or replacement
Rationale: Exposed conductors create shock, short-circuit, and fire
hazards. Damaged electrical equipment must be removed from service
and tagged until properly repaired by a qualified person or replaced .
Question 7: What is the primary purpose of a circuit breaker?
A. Increase circuit voltage during peak demand
B. Store electrical energy for later use
C. Interrupt a circuit when abnormal current conditions occur
D. Convert alternating current to direct current
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Interrupt a circuit when abnormal current
conditions occur
Rationale: A circuit breaker is designed to automatically open a circuit
under overcurrent or fault conditions, protecting conductors and
equipment from damage due to excessive current .
Question 8: Which material is commonly used as an electrical
conductor because of its relatively low resistance?
A. Glass
B. Rubber
C. Copper
D. Dry wood
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Copper
Rationale: Copper has high electrical conductivity and low resistance,
making it widely used for electrical conductors in power distribution and
wiring applications .
, Question 9: Before using a portable electrical tool, what should a
helper primarily inspect?
A. The manufacturer’s color scheme
B. The age of the tool only
C. The weight of the tool
D. Damaged cords, plugs, guards, or other unsafe conditions
CORRECT ANSWER: D. Damaged cords, plugs, guards, or other unsafe
conditions
Rationale: A pre-use inspection can identify defects that could create
shock, mechanical, or other workplace hazards. Damaged cords and
missing guards are common causes of electrical accidents .
Question 10: In a simple series circuit, what happens to the current
through each series component?
A. It is different through every component
B. It is the same through each component
C. It becomes zero after the first component
D. It is determined only by the largest resistor
CORRECT ANSWER: B. It is the same through each component
Rationale: Because a series circuit provides only one continuous path for
current flow, the same current passes through every component in the
series loop .
Question 11: What is the principal purpose of electrical insulation
around a conductor?
A. Increase conductor weight for stability
B. Increase current flow through the conductor
C. Reduce unintended contact between the conductor and surrounding
materials
D. Convert AC into DC for equipment operation
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Reduce unintended contact between the
conductor and surrounding materials
Rationale: Insulation separates conductive material from people, other
conductors, and conductive surfaces, helping prevent unintended current
paths that could cause shock or short circuits .
Practice Questions & Answers, Los Angeles Department of Water
and Power Civil Service Test Prep, Electrical Fundamentals,
Voltage, Current, Resistance, Ohm’s Law, Series and Parallel
Circuits, Electrical Tools, Wiring, Basic Mathematics, Mechanical
Reasoning, Workplace Safety, Electrical Symbols & Detailed
Explanations
Question 1: What is the primary role of an Electrical Craft Helper during
electrical maintenance and construction activities?
A. Independently diagnose complex electrical faults without supervision
B. Assist journey-level workers by following instructions, handling tools,
and maintaining work areas
C. Approve work plans and authorize system energization
D. Perform high-voltage switching operations without direct oversight
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Assist journey-level workers by following
instructions, handling tools, and maintaining work areas
Rationale: The Electrical Craft Helper is an entry-level classification
designed to support skilled journey-level workers in construction,
maintenance, and repair tasks. The helper’s responsibilities include
passing tools and materials, cleaning work areas, and assisting with
installations under supervision, not performing independent diagnostic or
authorization functions .
Question 2: A helper is instructed to work on equipment that has not
been verified as de-energized. What should the helper do first?
A. Assume the equipment is safe because it appears inactive
B. Begin work while wearing standard work gloves
C. Confirm that proper isolation and safety procedures have been
completed
D. Ask another helper to check the equipment while working
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Confirm that proper isolation and safety
procedures have been completed
Rationale: The absence of visible activity does not establish that electrical
equipment is safe. Proper lockout/tagout and verification of de-
,energization must occur before any work begins to prevent electric shock
or electrocution .
Question 3: Which electrical quantity represents the difference in
electrical potential between two points in a circuit?
A. Current
B. Resistance
C. Voltage
D. Power
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Voltage
Rationale: Voltage is the electrical potential difference that provides the
electromotive force capable of driving current through a circuit. It is
measured in volts .
Question 4: A circuit has a resistance of 15 ohms and a current of 3
amperes. What voltage is present across the resistance?
A. 5 V
B. 15 V
C. 45 V
D. 60 V
CORRECT ANSWER: C. 45 V
Rationale: Ohm’s Law states that voltage equals current multiplied by
resistance (V = I × R). Therefore, 3 A × 15 Ω = 45 V .
Question 5: Which instrument is normally used to measure electrical
current in a circuit?
A. Ohmmeter
B. Voltmeter
C. Ammeter
D. Megohmmeter
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Ammeter
Rationale: An ammeter measures electrical current in amperes. It is
connected in series with the circuit or used as a clamp-on device around a
conductor to measure current flow .
,Question 6: A worker notices that an extension cord has exposed
conductors near the plug. What is the appropriate action?
A. Wrap the damaged area with electrical tape and continue using the cord
B. Remove the damaged cord from service and tag it for repair or
replacement
C. Use the cord only for low-voltage equipment
D. Reduce the load connected to the cord to prevent overheating
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Remove the damaged cord from service and tag
it for repair or replacement
Rationale: Exposed conductors create shock, short-circuit, and fire
hazards. Damaged electrical equipment must be removed from service
and tagged until properly repaired by a qualified person or replaced .
Question 7: What is the primary purpose of a circuit breaker?
A. Increase circuit voltage during peak demand
B. Store electrical energy for later use
C. Interrupt a circuit when abnormal current conditions occur
D. Convert alternating current to direct current
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Interrupt a circuit when abnormal current
conditions occur
Rationale: A circuit breaker is designed to automatically open a circuit
under overcurrent or fault conditions, protecting conductors and
equipment from damage due to excessive current .
Question 8: Which material is commonly used as an electrical
conductor because of its relatively low resistance?
A. Glass
B. Rubber
C. Copper
D. Dry wood
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Copper
Rationale: Copper has high electrical conductivity and low resistance,
making it widely used for electrical conductors in power distribution and
wiring applications .
, Question 9: Before using a portable electrical tool, what should a
helper primarily inspect?
A. The manufacturer’s color scheme
B. The age of the tool only
C. The weight of the tool
D. Damaged cords, plugs, guards, or other unsafe conditions
CORRECT ANSWER: D. Damaged cords, plugs, guards, or other unsafe
conditions
Rationale: A pre-use inspection can identify defects that could create
shock, mechanical, or other workplace hazards. Damaged cords and
missing guards are common causes of electrical accidents .
Question 10: In a simple series circuit, what happens to the current
through each series component?
A. It is different through every component
B. It is the same through each component
C. It becomes zero after the first component
D. It is determined only by the largest resistor
CORRECT ANSWER: B. It is the same through each component
Rationale: Because a series circuit provides only one continuous path for
current flow, the same current passes through every component in the
series loop .
Question 11: What is the principal purpose of electrical insulation
around a conductor?
A. Increase conductor weight for stability
B. Increase current flow through the conductor
C. Reduce unintended contact between the conductor and surrounding
materials
D. Convert AC into DC for equipment operation
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Reduce unintended contact between the
conductor and surrounding materials
Rationale: Insulation separates conductive material from people, other
conductors, and conductive surfaces, helping prevent unintended current
paths that could cause shock or short circuits .
