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Level 3 Certificate in Electrotechnical Technology Unit 4 Sample questions answers

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#Unit 4: Electrical maintenance: Inspection, testing and commissioning

Sample questions
Answer guide

1. List six methods of making an area safe before commencing work

Solution
use barriers and tapes
place warning signs in appropriate locations
Inform other workers in the area
isolate the supply
obtain a permit to work
shut down machinery in the area
(6 marks)

2. Describe the following types of maintenance:

a. preventative
b. corrective

Solution
a. Maintenance carried out to a schedule to try to prevent a breakdown of
machinery during normal operation. (3 marks)
b. Corrective maintenance is work carried out when machines or equipment fails
during operation and is not planned. (3 marks)

3. List six elements of a maintenance work plan

Solution
Definition of the task
Estimation of costs
Estimation of times taken
Safety procedures
Shut down arrangements
Permit to work
Access
Need for standby power supplies
(any 6) (6 marks)

4. Describe briefly:
a. a three-phase four-wire distribution system
b. the method of obtaining a single-phase supply from (a)
c. the importance of balancing loads on a three-phase system.

Solution
a. The three-phase four-wire system is taken from the secondary side of a
Delta-Star connected distribution transformer. The star point is connected to
earth and neutral conductor. A four-wire supply provides choice of three-phase and
Neutral, three-phase three-wire and single-phase supplies. Very rarely a
two-phase and neutral supply is used. (2 marks)
b. Single-phase loads are taken from the supply by connecting between any phase
and neutral. (2 marks)
c. A balanced load will i) limit the neutral current, keep the cable size to a
minimum as well as reducing to a minimum the switchgear sizes. (2 marks)

5. For a three-phase cage rotor induction motor describe the STAR-DELTA method of
starting the motor.

Solution
The two ends of each phase are brought out to the starter. On starting, the
windings are connected in star and when the motor reaches a set speed (often
determined by a timer for automatic starting), the winding connections are re-made
in delta for normal running. The main features of Star/Delta starting are
1. the start voltage is reduced to approximately 58% of its full load (run) value
2. the starting current is limited to between two and four times the full load
current, rather than five to ten times for direct on-line starting
3. the motor torque is reduced during the starting �star� period and the system is
not normally suitable for starting against full load
4. there must be a short time interval between breaking the start connection and
making the delta connection.
(6 marks)

State briefly three factors which affect the selection of conductor size.

Solution
Design current, cable must be able to carry current. (2 marks)
Voltage drop, must not exceed 4% of supply voltage. (2 marks)
Thermal constraints and shock protection, cable must not be thermally damaged
during disconnection time. Protective device to disconnect within stated time.
(2 marks)

7. a. A conduit run 8 metres long has two 90 deg bends, calculate the minimum size
required to hold 9 each 2.5mm2 single core conductors. (3 marks)

b. Calculate how many 4mm2 stranded conductors may be installed in a 3m straight

run of 20mm conduit. (3 marks)

Solution
From Table 5c OSG 2.5mm2 factor = 30. 9 x 30 = 270 From Table 5D 25mm
(292)
From Table 5a 4mm2 Factor = 58. Table 5b 20mm = 460
i. Number of cables = 460/58 = 7

State three routine maintenance checks to be carried out on

electric motors and control gear
fluorescent luminaries.

Solution
Lubrication, overload settings, contact wear, airway clearance etc.
Cleaning diffusers, cleaning tubes, replacing old tubes, operation of starters
etc.
9. a. Explain briefly the terms 'earthing ' and 'bonding'.
b. State two reasons for using a Residual current device in an installation.

Solution
a. Earthing means connecting of the exposed conductive parts to the main earthing
terminal of that installation. (2 marks)
Bonding is the connecting together of extraneous metal parts of an installation to
ensure that they are at the same potential. (2 marks)

b) Used where sockets supply equipment out of doors, where the earth loop
impedance value cannot be achieved by other means, to protect against fire (500
mA) in agricultural & horticultural installations. (2 marks)

10. a. List three types of electric motor enclosure.

b. Explain briefly the terms 'synchronous speed' and �rotor speed� as applied to
a three-phase cage induction motor.
c. Identify the term for the difference in (b) above

Solution
a. Semi-enclosed screen protected
Pipe ventilated
Totally enclosed fan ventilated (3 marks)
b. Synchronous speed is the speed of the rotating magnetic field. (2 marks)
Rotor speed is the speed that the rotor turns at.
c. Slip (1 mark)

11. a. State the forms/certificates to be completed after completing an Initial

verification of a new installation
b. State the forms to be completed after completing a periodic inspection of an
electrical installation.

Solution
Electrical Installation Certificate, Schedule of Inspections, Schedule of Test
Results. (3 marks)
Periodic Inspection Report, Schedule of Inspections, Schedule of Test Results.
(3 marks)

12 a. Describe how to confirm continuity of a Main Supplementary Bonding

Conductor.
b. Describe how to test the value of Zs at a socket outlet.

Solution
Isolate the supply, disconnect bonding conductor at one end. Use a low reading
meter and a long lead to test between the two ends of the conductor.
(3 marks)
Select ELZ tester and set to correct range. Plug in, switch on and check safe to
test. All Bonding conductors to be connected. Take reading, check reading complies
with BS 7671. Disconnect instrument. (3 marks)

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Level 3 Certificate in Electrotechnical Technology Unit 4 Sample questions 2
answers
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#Unit 4: Electrical maintenance: Inspection, testing and commissioning

Sample questions 2
Answer guide

1. For each of the following identify regular maintenance activities

a. Gear box
b. Three-phase induction motor
c. Fluorescent fitting
d. V belt drive
e. Oil cooled transformer
f. Electrical contacts/terminations.

Solution
a. Check level of oil, check filters etc
b. Check airways, check ventilation and lubrication
c. Clean and or replace Fluorescent tubes
d. Check tension of belts and wear and tear
e. Check level and contamination of oil
f. Check contact surfaces/pressure, check terminals are tight. (6 marks)

2. List three expected outcomes of electrical maintenance.

Solution
a. ensuring equipment and systems function efficiently (2 marks)
b. ensuring equipment and systems operate safely (2 marks)
c. obtaining maximum value from assets and reducing down time. (2 marks)

Or similar alternatives.

3. A piece of oil filled electrical plant is subject to a maintenance programme.

Identify how each of the following regulatory requirements may affect the process.
a. Environmental
b. Health and safety
c. Electrical regulations

Solution
a. Environmental would affect the disposal of oils, greases, packaging, cables
etc.
(2 marks)
b. Safety of others, use of barriers, lifting, movement of plant, PPE would be
covered by health and safety. (2 marks)
c. Safe isolation, terminations and connection of cables, testing after completion
and report writing would be covered by the electrical regulations. (2 marks)