Alberta Powerline Technician Journeyperson
Certification Exam Questions And Correct
Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales
2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. The primary purpose of a transformer on a distribution line is to:
A) Increase voltage for transmission
B) Reduce voltage for consumer use
C) Store electrical energy
D) Convert AC to DC
B) Reduce voltage for consumer use
Transformers step down high voltage from distribution lines to a
safer voltage suitable for consumer use.
2. What is the typical voltage range for a standard residential
distribution line in Alberta?
A) 240 V
B) 600 V
C) 7,200 V
D) 25,000 V
C) 7,200 V
Residential distribution lines typically carry medium voltage, often
around 7.2 kV, before stepping down to service voltage.
3. The purpose of a cutout on a distribution pole is to:
A) Ground the line
B) Protect transformers and lines from overcurrent
, C) Increase voltage
D) Measure line current
B) Protect transformers and lines from overcurrent
Cutouts act as fuses to disconnect equipment during faults,
preventing damage.
4. What is the minimum approach distance for a qualified worker to
an energized 25 kV line in Alberta?
A) 1 m
B) 2.5 m
C) 3.5 m
D) 4.5 m
C) 3.5 m
Regulations set minimum approach distances to prevent electrical
shock; for 25 kV, 3.5 m is typical for qualified personnel.
5. When climbing a wooden distribution pole, the first step is to:
A) Inspect pole condition
B) Begin climbing immediately
C) Attach grounding equipment
D) Contact the utility
A) Inspect pole condition
Always inspect the pole for cracks, rot, or damage before climbing
to ensure safety.
6. A primary line carries power at:
A) 120/240 V
B) 600 V
C) 7,200 V or higher
D) 48 V
, C) 7,200 V or higher
Primary lines carry medium to high voltage from substations to
distribution transformers.
7. What type of insulator is commonly used for overhead
distribution lines?
A) Porcelain
B) Glass
C) Composite polymer
D) All of the above
D) All of the above
Different types of insulators are used depending on voltage,
environmental conditions, and cost.
8. The main purpose of a grounding system on a distribution line is
to:
A) Protect workers from shocks
B) Provide a return path for current
C) Stabilize voltage
D) All of the above
D) All of the above
Grounding ensures safety, stabilizes system voltage, and allows
fault current to return safely.
9. Which tool is specifically designed to safely lift and install
crossarms on poles?
A) Climbing spikes
B) Pole saw
C) Gin pole or pole line hardware
D) Voltage tester
, C) Gin pole or pole line hardware
Gin poles are used to lift heavy crossarms and equipment safely
during installation.
10. When operating a bucket truck near energized lines, the
most important safety factor is:
A) Keeping engine running
B) Maintaining minimum approach distance
C) Using rope to secure the bucket
D) Removing gloves
B) Maintaining minimum approach distance
Even with insulated equipment, maintaining proper distance from
energized conductors is critical for safety.
11. What is the function of a sectionalizer in a distribution
system?
A) Increase voltage
B) Automatically isolate faults
C) Measure current flow
D) Ground lines
B) Automatically isolate faults
Sectionalizers work with protective devices to isolate faulted
sections without manual intervention.
12. When replacing a transformer on a pole, the first step is to:
A) Disconnect the primary line
B) Remove the secondary service
C) Notify customers
D) Install grounding equipment
A) Disconnect the primary line
Certification Exam Questions And Correct
Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales
2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. The primary purpose of a transformer on a distribution line is to:
A) Increase voltage for transmission
B) Reduce voltage for consumer use
C) Store electrical energy
D) Convert AC to DC
B) Reduce voltage for consumer use
Transformers step down high voltage from distribution lines to a
safer voltage suitable for consumer use.
2. What is the typical voltage range for a standard residential
distribution line in Alberta?
A) 240 V
B) 600 V
C) 7,200 V
D) 25,000 V
C) 7,200 V
Residential distribution lines typically carry medium voltage, often
around 7.2 kV, before stepping down to service voltage.
3. The purpose of a cutout on a distribution pole is to:
A) Ground the line
B) Protect transformers and lines from overcurrent
, C) Increase voltage
D) Measure line current
B) Protect transformers and lines from overcurrent
Cutouts act as fuses to disconnect equipment during faults,
preventing damage.
4. What is the minimum approach distance for a qualified worker to
an energized 25 kV line in Alberta?
A) 1 m
B) 2.5 m
C) 3.5 m
D) 4.5 m
C) 3.5 m
Regulations set minimum approach distances to prevent electrical
shock; for 25 kV, 3.5 m is typical for qualified personnel.
5. When climbing a wooden distribution pole, the first step is to:
A) Inspect pole condition
B) Begin climbing immediately
C) Attach grounding equipment
D) Contact the utility
A) Inspect pole condition
Always inspect the pole for cracks, rot, or damage before climbing
to ensure safety.
6. A primary line carries power at:
A) 120/240 V
B) 600 V
C) 7,200 V or higher
D) 48 V
, C) 7,200 V or higher
Primary lines carry medium to high voltage from substations to
distribution transformers.
7. What type of insulator is commonly used for overhead
distribution lines?
A) Porcelain
B) Glass
C) Composite polymer
D) All of the above
D) All of the above
Different types of insulators are used depending on voltage,
environmental conditions, and cost.
8. The main purpose of a grounding system on a distribution line is
to:
A) Protect workers from shocks
B) Provide a return path for current
C) Stabilize voltage
D) All of the above
D) All of the above
Grounding ensures safety, stabilizes system voltage, and allows
fault current to return safely.
9. Which tool is specifically designed to safely lift and install
crossarms on poles?
A) Climbing spikes
B) Pole saw
C) Gin pole or pole line hardware
D) Voltage tester
, C) Gin pole or pole line hardware
Gin poles are used to lift heavy crossarms and equipment safely
during installation.
10. When operating a bucket truck near energized lines, the
most important safety factor is:
A) Keeping engine running
B) Maintaining minimum approach distance
C) Using rope to secure the bucket
D) Removing gloves
B) Maintaining minimum approach distance
Even with insulated equipment, maintaining proper distance from
energized conductors is critical for safety.
11. What is the function of a sectionalizer in a distribution
system?
A) Increase voltage
B) Automatically isolate faults
C) Measure current flow
D) Ground lines
B) Automatically isolate faults
Sectionalizers work with protective devices to isolate faulted
sections without manual intervention.
12. When replacing a transformer on a pole, the first step is to:
A) Disconnect the primary line
B) Remove the secondary service
C) Notify customers
D) Install grounding equipment
A) Disconnect the primary line
