Free NICET Electrical Power Testing, Level II Practice Questions

Sample Practice Questions

Try these 10 sample questions from the NICET Electrical Power Testing, Level II practice bank. Each includes the answer and explanation. Continue with the interactive practice above to review the full question set.

1. 1Before disconnecting fixed electrical equipment for maintenance, when must its safe deenergizing procedure be determined?

   1. A.Before deenergizing beginsCorrect answer: A
   2. B.After disconnecting but before applying locks
   3. C.After applying locks but before voltage testing
   4. D.After voltage testing but before maintenance

   Explanation: The rule says “before circuits or equipment are deenergized.” A is the required planning point. B, C and D each postpone that planning until after the action it must govern.

   Reference: OSHA — Selection and use of work practices — 29 CFR 1910.333(b)(2)(ii)(A)

2. 2During commissioning of a medium-voltage disconnect in a generator cubicle, what does checking blade alignment and penetration primarily verify?

   1. A.Mechanical engagement and operation of the switch contactsCorrect answer: A
   2. B.Electrical resistance of the closed contact interface
   3. C.Insulation strength across the open contact gap
   4. D.Electrical correspondence of the auxiliary position signal

   Explanation: The specified checks establish "blade alignment, blade penetration and operation". A is the mechanical engagement judgment. Contact resistance, open-gap dielectric testing, and an auxiliary-contact indication test assess B, C and D respectively; blade alignment alone does not establish those electrical results.

   Reference: Bureau of Reclamation — FIST 4-7 Commissioning Guide for Hydroelectric Facilities — p. 96 / 6.1.30 Generator Neutral Cubicle / disconnect-switch tests

3. 3A 20-hp motor has a nameplate service factor of 1.15. Under the conditions specified for that factor, what power loading does the multiplier indicate?

   1. A.20.15 hp
   2. B.17.39 hp
   3. C.3 hp
   4. D.23 hpCorrect answer: D

   Explanation: The guide calls service factor a "multiplier" applied to rated power. Thus 20 × 1.15 = 23 hp. 20.15 adds unlike quantities; 17.39 divides instead of multiplying; 3 hp is only the increment. This does not recommend routine operation above rated horsepower.

   Reference: U.S. Department of Energy — Premium Efficiency Motor Selection and Application Guide — Glossary, service factor

4. 4An ideal 24-V DC source is connected across an 8-ohm resistor. What current flows?

   1. A.192 A
   2. B.0.333 A
   3. C.16 A
   4. D.3 ACorrect answer: D

   Explanation: The handbook states, "Current is equal to the applied voltage divided by the circuit resistance." I = V/R = 24/8 = 3 A. 192 multiplies V by R; 0.333 reverses the division; 16 subtracts unlike quantities.

   Reference: U.S. Department of Energy — DOE-HDBK-1011/1-92 Electrical Science — ES-01, p. 14, Ohm’s Law

5. 5An electrically powered test stand has a STOP push button and a separate supply disconnect. For work requiring deenergization under OSHA, which statement about the STOP button is correct?

   1. A.It replaces the supply disconnect if its lamp is off
   2. B.It may stop operation but cannot be the sole means of deenergizationCorrect answer: B
   3. C.It replaces lockout when held in the stopped position
   4. D.It proves absence of voltage when the motor stops

   Explanation: OSHA says control devices “may not be used as the sole means for deenergizing.” B separates stopping from energy isolation. A mistakes an indicator for isolation; C substitutes a control for lockout; D treats stopped motion as a voltage test.

   Reference: OSHA — Selection and use of work practices — 29 CFR 1910.333(b)(2)(ii)(B)

6. 6A medium-voltage disconnect operates correctly, but its remote position indication is reversed. Which switch check most directly addresses this discrepancy?

   1. A.Compare the auxiliary-contact state with the actual switch positionCorrect answer: A
   2. B.Measure resistance across the closed main contacts
   3. C.Measure insulation resistance across an open pole
   4. D.Inspect the blade's mechanical penetration

   Explanation: The auxiliary contact must indicate the "correct position of the disconnect switch." A checks the electrical position signal directly. B assesses conduction, C insulation, and D mechanical engagement; none directly verifies the auxiliary indication.

   Reference: Bureau of Reclamation — FIST 4-7 Commissioning Guide for Hydroelectric Facilities — p. 96 / 6.1.30 Generator Neutral Cubicle / disconnect-switch tests

7. 7What does a motor's standardized frame size principally identify?

   1. A.Its insulation's maximum thermal class
   2. B.Its instantaneous starting-current waveform
   3. C.Physical dimensions needed for interchangeabilityCorrect answer: C
   4. D.Its actual operating power factor

   Explanation: The source states, "frame size – A set of physical dimensions of motors as established by National Electrical Manufacturers Association for interchangeability between manufacturers." The physical frame designation supports checks of mounting and shaft dimensions. Power factor, insulation class, and starting-current characteristics are separate electrical data.

   Reference: U.S. Department of Energy — Premium Efficiency Motor Selection and Application Guide — Glossary, frame size

8. 8Three resistors of 6, 9, and 15 ohms are connected in series. What equivalent resistance does the source see?

   1. A.15 ohms
   2. B.10 ohms
   3. C.30 ohmsCorrect answer: C
   4. D.2.90 ohms

   Explanation: The handbook states, "The total resistance in a series circuit is equal to the sum of all the parts of that circuit" R = 6 + 9 + 15 = 30 ohms. 2.90 applies the parallel reciprocal rule; 15 selects only the largest resistor; 10 averages the three instead of summing them.

   Reference: U.S. Department of Energy — DOE-HDBK-1011/1-92 Electrical Science — ES-02, p. 23, Series Resistance

9. 9A disconnected high-capacitance element retains electrical energy that could endanger the testing crew. Which preparation is required before treating it as safe?

   1. A.Open its supply disconnect and rely on the open gap
   2. B.Operate the control switch and rely on the stopped indication
   3. C.Discharge it, then short-circuit and ground itCorrect answer: C
   4. D.Ground only its enclosure and retain the stored charge

   Explanation: OSHA requires high-capacitance elements to be “short-circuited and grounded” after hazardous stored energy is released. C performs those actions. A and B do not remove retained charge; D grounds the enclosure rather than controlling the stored energy in the element.

   Reference: OSHA — Selection and use of work practices — 29 CFR 1910.333(b)(2)(ii)(C)

10. 10Which measurement directly evaluates the conductive path across the closed blade contacts of a medium-voltage disconnect?

    1. A.Contact resistance across the closed bladeCorrect answer: A
    2. B.Insulation resistance across the open contact gap
    3. C.Insulation resistance from a phase to the enclosure
    4. D.Resistance of the position-indication control coil

    Explanation: The guide calls for "contact resistance across each blade". A measures the closed current-carrying interface. B and C measure insulating paths, while D measures a control coil rather than the main-contact interface.

    Reference: Bureau of Reclamation — FIST 4-7 Commissioning Guide for Hydroelectric Facilities — p. 96 / 6.1.30 Generator Neutral Cubicle / disconnect-switch tests