CEA Tools, Equipment & Testing Procedures 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When using a clamp meter to measure AC current, what must the conductor pass through?
- The voltage terminal jacks
- The center of the clamp jaw opening (Correct answer)
- The tip of the probe leads
- The fuse holder compartment
Correct answer: The center of the clamp jaw opening
The conductor must pass through the center of the clamp jaw so the magnetic field is fully captured for an accurate reading.
Question 2: A fish tape made of steel should NOT be used when pulling wire through conduit that contains:
- Rigid metal conduit sections
- Live energized conductors (Correct answer)
- Already-installed low-voltage cables
- PVC sweep elbows
Correct answer: Live energized conductors
Steel fish tape is conductive and using it in conduit with energized conductors creates a serious electrocution hazard.
Question 3: Which tool is used to cut threads on the outside of metal conduit in the field?
- A knockout punch set
- A pipe threader die and ratchet (Correct answer)
- A conduit reamer
- A reciprocating saw with bi-metal blade
Correct answer: A pipe threader die and ratchet
A pipe threader with the correct die size cuts NPT external threads on rigid or IMC conduit for coupling connections.
Question 4: What is the primary purpose of a conduit reamer after cutting conduit?
- To expand the conduit diameter for larger wire
- To remove sharp burrs from the inside edge (Correct answer)
- To apply thread lubricant evenly
- To check conduit wall thickness
Correct answer: To remove sharp burrs from the inside edge
Reaming removes burrs left by cutting to prevent insulation damage on conductors pulled through the conduit.
Question 5: A phase rotation meter (phase sequence tester) is used to verify:
- The voltage magnitude of each phase
- The order in which three-phase voltages peak (Correct answer)
- Whether a transformer is properly grounded
- The resistance of motor windings
Correct answer: The order in which three-phase voltages peak
Phase rotation meters confirm ABC or ACB phase sequence, which is critical for correct motor rotation direction.
Question 6: When operating a hydraulic knockout punch, the ram is driven through the sheet metal by:
- Turning a threaded draw stud with a wrench
- Striking the punch with a hammer
- Applying pneumatic air pressure to a cylinder
- Pumping hydraulic fluid to increase force on the punch (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Pumping hydraulic fluid to increase force on the punch
Hydraulic knockouts use fluid pressure generated by pumping to drive the punch through metal enclosures cleanly.
Question 7: Which meter function would you use to test a capacitor for an open or short circuit?
- DC voltage (VDC)
- Capacitance (F or µF) (Correct answer)
- Frequency (Hz)
- Continuity with audible beep
Correct answer: Capacitance (F or µF)
The capacitance function measures actual capacitance in farads or microfarads, revealing opens (reads near zero) or shorts.
CEA Tools, Equipment & Testing Procedures 2
When using a clamp meter to measure AC current, what must the conductor pass through?