Red Seal Interprovincial Examination
Powerline Technician Questions And Correct
Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales
2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. What is the primary purpose of a capacitor in a power distribution
system?
a) Increase resistance
b) Reduce current
c) Improve power factor
d) Step up voltage
Capacitors are used to improve the power factor by supplying
reactive power to the system, reducing the phase difference
between voltage and current.
2. Which type of conductor is commonly used for high-voltage
transmission lines?
a) Copper wire only
b) Aluminum conductor steel-reinforced (ACSR)
c) PVC-coated copper
d) Bare copper wire
ACSR combines aluminum’s conductivity with steel’s strength,
making it ideal for high-voltage overhead transmission.
3. When climbing a pole, the first safety step is:
a) Use insulated gloves
b) Inspect pole for defects
c) Attach climbing belt
, d) Test the line for voltage
Inspecting the pole ensures it is structurally safe before climbing,
preventing accidents from rotten or damaged poles.
4. What is the standard grounding method for a distribution
transformer?
a) Double insulation
b) Series grounding
c) Floating neutral
d) Direct grounding of the neutral
Grounding the neutral of a distribution transformer directly
ensures fault currents have a path to earth, improving safety.
5. Which device protects a powerline from overcurrent conditions?
a) Recloser
b) Fuse
c) Capacitor bank
d) Surge arrester
Fuses melt when current exceeds their rating, breaking the circuit
and protecting equipment from overcurrent damage.
6. What is the main purpose of a pole brace?
a) Insulate the pole
b) Increase pole stability
c) Support conductors electrically
d) Reduce sag
Pole braces provide mechanical support to poles, preventing
leaning or collapse under load or wind.
7. Which voltage level is typical for primary distribution in urban
areas?
, a) 120 V
b) 240 V
c) 12 kV – 25 kV
d) 500 kV
Primary distribution voltages in urban areas commonly range
between 12 kV and 25 kV.
8. What is the primary function of a recloser?
a) Step down voltage
b) Automatically restore power after temporary faults
c) Ground the line
d) Measure line voltage
Reclosers interrupt current during faults and automatically reclose,
restoring service if the fault was temporary.
9. Which tool is designed to safely remove energized conductors?
a) Hot stick
b) Hot line clamp
c) Lineman’s pliers
d) Cable cutter
Hot sticks allow linemen to manipulate energized conductors at a
safe distance, reducing the risk of electric shock.
10. How often should pole inspections typically occur in a
distribution system?
a) Every 6 months
b) Every 3–5 years
c) Every 10 years
d) Only after storms
Powerline Technician Questions And Correct
Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales
2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. What is the primary purpose of a capacitor in a power distribution
system?
a) Increase resistance
b) Reduce current
c) Improve power factor
d) Step up voltage
Capacitors are used to improve the power factor by supplying
reactive power to the system, reducing the phase difference
between voltage and current.
2. Which type of conductor is commonly used for high-voltage
transmission lines?
a) Copper wire only
b) Aluminum conductor steel-reinforced (ACSR)
c) PVC-coated copper
d) Bare copper wire
ACSR combines aluminum’s conductivity with steel’s strength,
making it ideal for high-voltage overhead transmission.
3. When climbing a pole, the first safety step is:
a) Use insulated gloves
b) Inspect pole for defects
c) Attach climbing belt
, d) Test the line for voltage
Inspecting the pole ensures it is structurally safe before climbing,
preventing accidents from rotten or damaged poles.
4. What is the standard grounding method for a distribution
transformer?
a) Double insulation
b) Series grounding
c) Floating neutral
d) Direct grounding of the neutral
Grounding the neutral of a distribution transformer directly
ensures fault currents have a path to earth, improving safety.
5. Which device protects a powerline from overcurrent conditions?
a) Recloser
b) Fuse
c) Capacitor bank
d) Surge arrester
Fuses melt when current exceeds their rating, breaking the circuit
and protecting equipment from overcurrent damage.
6. What is the main purpose of a pole brace?
a) Insulate the pole
b) Increase pole stability
c) Support conductors electrically
d) Reduce sag
Pole braces provide mechanical support to poles, preventing
leaning or collapse under load or wind.
7. Which voltage level is typical for primary distribution in urban
areas?
, a) 120 V
b) 240 V
c) 12 kV – 25 kV
d) 500 kV
Primary distribution voltages in urban areas commonly range
between 12 kV and 25 kV.
8. What is the primary function of a recloser?
a) Step down voltage
b) Automatically restore power after temporary faults
c) Ground the line
d) Measure line voltage
Reclosers interrupt current during faults and automatically reclose,
restoring service if the fault was temporary.
9. Which tool is designed to safely remove energized conductors?
a) Hot stick
b) Hot line clamp
c) Lineman’s pliers
d) Cable cutter
Hot sticks allow linemen to manipulate energized conductors at a
safe distance, reducing the risk of electric shock.
10. How often should pole inspections typically occur in a
distribution system?
a) Every 6 months
b) Every 3–5 years
c) Every 10 years
d) Only after storms
