Technician Exam Questions
and Correct Answers (Verified Answers)
Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant
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1. Before performing insulation resistance testing on medium-
voltage equipment, what is the most important safety step?
A. Connect the equipment to ground after testing only
B. Increase the test voltage gradually
C. Verify the equipment is de-energized, isolated, locked out/tagged
out, and properly grounded
D. Disconnect only the neutral conductor
Rationale: Electrical safety is the highest priority during acceptance and
maintenance testing. Before insulation resistance testing begins, the
equipment must be completely de-energized, isolated from all power
sources, verified with an approved test instrument, protected through
lockout/tagout (LOTO), and grounded where appropriate. This
minimizes the risk of electrical shock, arc flash, and equipment damage.
, 2. A polarization index (PI) test primarily evaluates:
A. Contact resistance
B. Transformer turns ratio
C. The condition and dryness of insulation systems
D. Circuit breaker trip time
Rationale: The polarization index compares insulation resistance values
at one minute and ten minutes during a DC insulation resistance test.
Healthy, clean, and dry insulation typically exhibits increasing resistance
over time, producing a higher PI value, while contaminated or moisture-
laden insulation results in lower PI values.
3. Which instrument is commonly used to perform primary current
injection testing?
A. Digital multimeter
B. Clamp-on ammeter
C. High-current test set
D. Power quality analyzer
Rationale: A high-current test set provides the large currents required to
verify protective relay operation, circuit breaker trip characteristics, and
current transformer performance under actual operating conditions.
4. The primary purpose of a contact resistance test on a circuit
breaker is to determine:
A. Coil voltage
B. The integrity of current-carrying connections
,C. Relay pickup current
D. Dielectric strength
Rationale: Contact resistance testing identifies excessive resistance
caused by worn contacts, oxidation, contamination, or loose
connections. High resistance increases heat generation and may
indicate impending failure.
5. During transformer turns ratio (TTR) testing, a significant deviation
from the nameplate ratio may indicate:
A. Excessive oil level
B. High ambient temperature
C. Shorted turns or winding damage
D. Proper transformer operation
Rationale: TTR testing compares the measured turns ratio with the
design ratio. Large deviations may indicate winding deformation,
shorted turns, incorrect tap position, or internal damage requiring
further investigation.
6. Which test is most appropriate for evaluating transformer
insulation moisture content?
A. Contact resistance test
B. Current injection test
C. Power factor (dissipation factor) test
D. Frequency response test
, Rationale: Power factor testing measures dielectric losses within
transformer insulation. Elevated values often indicate moisture,
contamination, insulation deterioration, or aging.
7. During circuit breaker timing tests, excessive contact closing time
may indicate:
A. Proper lubrication
B. Mechanical wear or inadequate operating mechanism performance
C. Correct relay coordination
D. Low insulation resistance
Rationale: Circuit breaker timing tests evaluate the mechanical
performance of operating mechanisms. Slow operation may result from
worn components, insufficient lubrication, weak springs, or mechanical
binding.
8. A current transformer should never be operated with its
secondary winding:
A. Connected to a relay
B. Short-circuited during maintenance
C. Open-circuited while energized
D. Connected to a meter
Rationale: Opening the secondary of an energized current transformer
allows dangerously high voltages to develop across the secondary
terminals, posing severe hazards to personnel and equipment.