CEA Study Guide 2026
Everything you need to pass the CEA exam in one place: the exam format, every topic to study, real practice questions with explanations, flashcards, and full-length practice tests. Free, no sign-up needed.
📋 CEA Exam Format at a Glance
📚 CEA Topics to Study (21)
✍️ Sample CEA Questions & Answers
1. An apprentice is inspecting a long run of conduit with several offsets and notices a 'dog leg' in one of the bends. What does this term describe?
A 'dog leg' is a common bending flaw where multiple bends in a single run, like an offset, are not aligned on the same plane. This creates a crooked or twisted appearance in the conduit run instead of a straight, clean line.
2. An apprentice is tasked with creating a 6-inch offset using 30-degree bends. Using the standard multiplier for a 30-degree bend, what is the required distance between the two bend marks?
The standard multiplier for a 30-degree offset bend is 2.0. To find the distance between the bends, you multiply the offset depth by the multiplier. Therefore, 6 inches (offset depth) x 2.0 (multiplier) = 12 inches.
3. What is transformer inrush current, and when does it occur?
Inrush current is a high transient current that occurs the moment a transformer is energized due to core saturation, and it typically decays within a few cycles.
4. What operating principle allows a transformer to transfer electrical energy between two circuits?
Transformers operate on mutual electromagnetic induction, where a changing magnetic field in the primary winding induces a voltage in the secondary winding.
5. Which color is typically used for grounding conductors?
In electrical wiring, grounding conductors are universally identified by either green insulation or by being bare (uninsulated) copper wire. This standardized color coding ensures that anyone working with electrical systems can easily identify the safety ground, which provides a critical path for fault currents to safely dissipate, preventing electric shock and protecting equipment.
6. While working on a construction site, an apprentice notices an extension cord with a missing grounding prong being used to power a saw. What is the appropriate action to take?
Using damaged electrical equipment, such as an extension cord with a missing grounding prong, poses a serious shock hazard. The grounding prong is a critical safety feature. The proper procedure is to immediately stop using the cord, remove it from service, and inform a supervisor so it can be properly repaired or replaced.