Tools & Equipment Operation Flashcards
7 cards from real BGE practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Tools & Equipment Operation flashcards as text
What does a clamp-on ammeter measure without breaking the circuit?
Answer: Current by measuring the magnetic field around a conductor
A clamp-on ammeter's jaw contains a current transformer that measures the magnetic field produced by current flow in an enclosed conductor, providing a current reading without circuit interruption.
A plastic pipe fusion machine's temperature controller reads 425°F but the fusion joint appears under-fused. The most likely cause is:
Answer: Thermocouple failure causing the heater plate to be cooler than displayed
A failed or drifted thermocouple reports incorrect temperature to the controller, causing the heater plate to operate below fusion temperature while the display shows the setpoint.
When operating a cable pulling machine (tugger) to install underground distribution cable, the maximum pulling tension should not exceed:
Answer: The cable manufacturer's maximum pulling tension specification
Exceeding the cable manufacturer's maximum pulling tension can damage conductors, insulation, or jacket, so the spec sheet value is the absolute limit during installation.
A gas technician needs to verify that a PE pipe fusion joint meets quality standards in the field. Without destructive testing, which method is used?
Answer: Visual inspection of bead profile and bead size consistency
Field quality verification of butt fusion joints relies on visual inspection of the bead width, height, and symmetry per ASTM and manufacturer guidelines, as non-destructive in-field alternatives are limited.
Which of the following best describes the function of a pneumatic pipe-freezing kit used in gas service work?
Answer: Temporarily freezes the gas in a PE or copper service line to create a plug and isolate flow
Pipe-freezing kits use liquid CO₂ or liquid nitrogen to freeze the gas inside a pipe section, creating a temporary ice plug that isolates flow so work can proceed without service interruption.
A lineman uses rubber insulating gloves rated Class 2. What is the maximum use voltage for Class 2 gloves?
Answer: 26,500 volts AC
ASTM D120 specifies that Class 2 rubber insulating gloves have a maximum use voltage of 17,000 volts AC proof-tested at 20,000 volts, but the practical maximum use voltage listed in OSHA tables is 17kV—however per ASTM, rated use is 17kV; the maximum proof test is 20kV and rated use voltage ceiling is 17,000V.
When a technician uses an electronic pipe locator in the passive mode, what is the source of the signal being detected?
Answer: Stray currents and signals already present on buried metallic utilities
Passive mode detects existing electromagnetic fields around buried metallic pipes caused by power line induction, cathodic protection currents, or other stray signals, requiring no external transmitter.