BGE Tools & Equipment Operation 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When using a hydraulic crimping tool on a high-voltage cable lug, what is the correct sequence of steps?
- Insert lug, apply pressure, inspect crimp, release
- Inspect lug, insert cable, crimp, release pressure, verify die marks
- Apply lubricant, insert cable, crimp twice, release
- Select die, insert lug, crimp, inspect, release pressure (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Select die, insert lug, crimp, inspect, release pressure
Proper crimping sequence requires selecting the correct die for the conductor size, inserting the lug, applying crimping pressure until the tool cycles, inspecting the crimp, then releasing pressure.
Question 2: A gas utility technician needs to purge air from a newly installed 2-inch PE service line. Which tool is most appropriate for this task?
- Nitrogen purge kit with regulator (Correct answer)
- Soap bubble test kit
- Electronic combustible gas detector
- Pipe proving wand with flow control valve
Correct answer: Nitrogen purge kit with regulator
A nitrogen purge kit with a regulator safely displaces air from new PE service lines before introducing natural gas, preventing explosive air-gas mixtures.
Question 3: Which excavation tool is preferred for exposing buried utilities within 18 inches of a marked gas line?
- Backhoe with GPS bucket
- Vacuum excavator (hydrovac) (Correct answer)
- Pneumatic jackhammer
- Rotary drum trencher
Correct answer: Vacuum excavator (hydrovac)
Vacuum excavation (hydrovac or air-vac) is the industry-standard safe digging method within the tolerance zone of marked utilities, eliminating strike risk.
Question 4: A Digital Multimeter (DMM) is set to measure AC voltage on a 480V circuit. Which terminal should the red probe be inserted into?
- COM terminal
- 10A terminal
- VΩmA terminal (Correct answer)
- mA terminal
Correct answer: VΩmA terminal
The VΩmA terminal is used for voltage, resistance, and milliamp measurements; the COM terminal receives the black probe for all standard measurements.
Question 5: What is the primary purpose of a pipe locator (receiver) when used with a signal transmitter in gas distribution work?
- To measure pipe wall thickness
- To detect gas leaks along buried mains
- To trace the path and depth of buried metallic pipe (Correct answer)
- To verify cathodic protection current levels
Correct answer: To trace the path and depth of buried metallic pipe
A pipe locator receiver detects the electromagnetic signal induced in metallic pipe by a transmitter, allowing technicians to trace routing and estimate burial depth.
Question 6: When operating an electric chain saw for overhead vegetation management near distribution lines, the minimum safe approach distance for a qualified employee on a 15kV line is:
- 1 foot
- 2 feet
- 2 feet 2 inches (Correct answer)
- 3 feet
Correct answer: 2 feet 2 inches
OSHA 1910.269 and ANSI Z133 specify a minimum approach distance of 2 feet 2 inches for qualified employees working near energized conductors at distribution voltages up to 17.5kV.
Question 7: A technician uses a pipe threading machine to thread a 1-inch steel gas service riser. After threading, what is the immediate next step before applying pipe dope?
- Pressure test the thread
- Blow out chips with compressed air and inspect the thread (Correct answer)
- Apply PTFE tape to the threads
- Ream the inside of the pipe
Correct answer: Blow out chips with compressed air and inspect the thread
Metal chips and cutting oil from the threading process must be cleared with compressed air and the thread visually inspected for completeness before any sealant is applied.
BGE Tools & Equipment Operation 2
When using a hydraulic crimping tool on a high-voltage cable lug, what is the correct sequence of steps?