AEP Inspection & Quality Control 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: During a visual inspection of a transformer bushing, you notice oil staining around the base flange. What is the most appropriate immediate action?
- Continue operation and log it for the next scheduled maintenance
- Tag the unit out of service and notify the supervisor for further evaluation (Correct answer)
- Wipe the staining clean and recheck after one hour
- Increase the oil level to compensate for the leakage
Correct answer: Tag the unit out of service and notify the supervisor for further evaluation
Oil staining around a transformer bushing base may indicate a seal failure and poses a fire and equipment damage risk, requiring the unit to be taken out of service for evaluation.
Question 2: What does a 'hold point' in a quality inspection plan require?
- The crew holds a safety briefing before continuing work
- Work must stop and an authorized inspector must verify the work before proceeding (Correct answer)
- The crew holds all materials on-site until inspection is complete
- The project manager must sign off on the daily log
Correct answer: Work must stop and an authorized inspector must verify the work before proceeding
A hold point is a mandatory stop in a work process where an authorized inspector must verify and approve the work before the next phase can begin.
Question 3: Which of the following is the correct method for inspecting a wood utility pole for internal decay?
- Visual inspection of the pole surface only
- Sounding the pole with a hammer and listening for a hollow tone (Correct answer)
- Measuring the pole's height above ground
- Checking the pole's paint or preservative coating color
Correct answer: Sounding the pole with a hammer and listening for a hollow tone
Sounding a pole with a hammer and listening for a hollow tone is a standard field method for detecting internal decay that may not be visible on the exterior.
Question 4: When inspecting newly installed underground cable, what test is most commonly used to verify insulation integrity?
- Infrared thermography
- DC hi-pot (high potential) test (Correct answer)
- Power factor test only
- Continuity test with a standard multimeter
Correct answer: DC hi-pot (high potential) test
A DC hi-pot test applies a high voltage to the cable to stress-test the insulation and reveal any weaknesses or faults before the cable is energized.
Question 5: An inspector finds that a contractor used the wrong grade of hardware on a transmission structure. The non-conforming hardware has already been installed. What should happen next?
- Leave it in place since it is already installed and document the deviation
- Issue a Non-Conformance Report (NCR) and require the contractor to replace the hardware (Correct answer)
- Approve it conditionally pending a future re-inspection
- Have the crew supervisor sign a waiver
Correct answer: Issue a Non-Conformance Report (NCR) and require the contractor to replace the hardware
A Non-Conformance Report (NCR) formally documents the deviation and requires the responsible party to correct the deficiency before the work can be accepted.
Question 6: What is the purpose of performing an infrared (IR) thermographic scan on electrical switchgear?
- To measure the ambient temperature of the switchgear room
- To identify hot spots caused by loose connections, overloads, or failing components (Correct answer)
- To verify that the switchgear is properly grounded
- To measure the switchgear's insulation resistance
Correct answer: To identify hot spots caused by loose connections, overloads, or failing components
IR thermography detects elevated temperatures caused by loose connections, overloaded circuits, or failing equipment before they cause outages or fires.
Question 7: During a substation equipment inspection, you notice that the oil level sight glass on a circuit breaker shows a level below the minimum mark. What is the correct action?
- Top off the oil immediately using any available dielectric fluid
- Tag the breaker for maintenance and notify the appropriate personnel before operating it (Correct answer)
- Operate the breaker to test its function before deciding on action
- Record it in the log and check again at the next quarterly inspection
Correct answer: Tag the breaker for maintenance and notify the appropriate personnel before operating it
Low oil in a circuit breaker can impair its ability to interrupt fault current safely, requiring it to be removed from service and inspected by qualified personnel.
AEP Inspection & Quality Control 2
During a visual inspection of a transformer bushing, you notice oil staining around the base flange.
What is the most appropriate immediate action?