012 practice questions (A)

In order to undertake the inspection and testing of an electrical installation a person must, in law be a

• Competent person

• Principle person

• Duty person

• Registered person

Answer explanation

In law, a person undertaking the inspection and testing of an electrical installation must be a 'Competent person'. This designation ensures that the individual has the necessary skills and knowledge to perform the tasks safely and effectively.

The term ‘Dutyholder’ used in the Electricity at Work Regulations refer to a person:

• Making the final payment on completion of the work

• Responsible for the electrical installation

• Reviewing the documents

• Ordering the work

Answer explanation

The term 'Dutyholder' in the Electricity at Work Regulations specifically refers to the person responsible for the electrical installation, ensuring safety and compliance with regulations.

Which of the following identifies the correct process for safe isolation of a circuit protected by a circuit breaker?

• Switch off, post notices

• Switch off, lock off, post notices

• Switch off, confirm isolation, post notices

• Switch off, lock off, confirm isolation, post notices

Answer explanation

The correct process for safe isolation includes switching off the circuit, locking it to prevent re-energization, confirming isolation to ensure safety, and posting notices to inform others. Thus, 'Switch off, lock off, confirm isolation, post notices' is correct.

Work is to be carried out on an installation which includes a solar PV supply system. Which of the following must be carried out before isolating the DNO’s supply to the installation?

• Isolate the Solar PV supply

• Disconnect the installation loads

• Close all switches

• Disconnect the bonding conductors

Answer explanation

Before isolating the DNO's supply, it's crucial to isolate the Solar PV supply to prevent back-feeding electricity, ensuring safety during maintenance. This step protects both personnel and equipment.

A test of fault loop impedance is to be carried out in an area which is accessible to the public. Which of the following is not a suitable method of protecting the public from risk of electric shock?

• Barriers

• Warning signs

• Safe isolation

• Restricting access

Answer explanation

Safe isolation is not suitable for protecting the public from electric shock, as it involves working on live circuits. In contrast, barriers, warning signs, and restricting access effectively prevent public exposure to electrical hazards.

Work is to be carried out at the distribution board supplying a multi story office building. Which of the following must be placed out of service, to ensure the safety of users, before the safe isolation of the distribution board is carried out?

• General lighting circuits

• Air conditioning system

• Lifts to all floors

• Burglar alarms

Answer explanation

Lifts to all floors must be placed out of service to ensure user safety during work at the distribution board. This prevents any risk of users being trapped or injured while the power is isolated.

Who is most at risk when an inspector fails to isolate a lighting circuit before removing a luminaire cover to carry out inspection?

• The inspector

• Other operatives

• The general public

• The client

Answer explanation

The inspector is most at risk when failing to isolate a lighting circuit, as they could be exposed to live electrical components while removing the luminaire cover, leading to potential injury or electrocution.

Which publication specifically identifies the need for electrical installations to be safe for use and maintained in that condition?

• HSE Guidance GS38

• Electricity at Work Regulations

• The Health and Safety at Work (etc) Act

• Electricity Safety, Quality and Continuity Regulations

Answer explanation

The Electricity at Work Regulations specifically mandate that electrical installations must be safe for use and properly maintained, ensuring safety in electrical systems.

Which publication specifically identifies the requirements for test leads and probes to be used when carrying out tests at 230V?

• BS7671

• HSE Guidance GS 38

• Electricity at Work Regulations

• Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations

Answer explanation

HSE Guidance GS 38 specifically outlines the requirements for test leads and probes used in testing at 230V, ensuring safety and compliance during electrical testing.

Which test would be used to confirm that exposed conductive parts are connected to the main earthing terminal?

• Insulation resistance

• Prospective fault current

• Earth fault loop impedance

• Continuity of protective conductors

Answer explanation

The test for confirming that exposed conductive parts are connected to the main earthing terminal is the 'Continuity of protective conductors'. This ensures that all protective conductors are properly connected.