EEI TECH Test — Questions and Answers

Question 1: What does the acronym PPE stand for in workplace safety?

Protective Panel Enclosure
Personal Protective Equipment (Correct answer)
Power Plant Equipment
Primary Protection Engineering

Correct answer: Personal Protective Equipment

PPE stands for Personal Protective Equipment, including hard hats, gloves, safety glasses, and arc flash suits.

Question 2: In the formula P = V × I, what does 'P' represent?

Potential difference
Phase angle
Power in watts (Correct answer)
Pressure

Correct answer: Power in watts

P = V × I is the power formula where P is electrical power measured in watts.

Question 3: A 'confined space' in utility work is defined as a space that:

Has limited entry/exit and is not designed for continuous occupancy (Correct answer)
Is above ground level
Has natural ventilation
Contains only electrical equipment

Correct answer: Has limited entry/exit and is not designed for continuous occupancy

A confined space has limited means of entry/exit, is large enough for a worker to enter, and is not intended for continuous occupancy.

Question 4: Before working near overhead power lines, a utility worker should:

Work quickly to minimize exposure time
Verify minimum approach distances per OSHA standards (Correct answer)
Turn off all personal electronics
Estimate a safe distance by eye

Correct answer: Verify minimum approach distances per OSHA standards

OSHA requires workers to observe minimum approach distances from energized overhead lines before any work.

Question 5: Increasing the number of coils in an electromagnet will generally:

Have no effect
Reverse the polarity
Strengthen the magnetic field (Correct answer)
Weaken the magnetic field

Correct answer: Strengthen the magnetic field

More coils increase the magnetic field strength of an electromagnet.

Question 6: What unit measures electrical resistance?

Volt
Watt
Ohm (Correct answer)
Ampere

Correct answer: Ohm

Electrical resistance is measured in ohms (Ω), named after Georg Simon Ohm.

Question 7: Ground fault protection is designed to protect against:

Unintended current paths to ground that can cause shock (Correct answer)
Overvoltage
Frequency fluctuations
Low power factor

Correct answer: Unintended current paths to ground that can cause shock

Ground fault protection detects unintended current paths to ground, preventing electrical shock and fire.

Question 8: In AC power systems, what does 'power factor' measure?

Total energy stored
Efficiency of real power use vs. apparent power (Correct answer)
Frequency variation
Maximum voltage peak

Correct answer: Efficiency of real power use vs. apparent power

Power factor is the ratio of real power (watts) to apparent power (VA), indicating how efficiently power is used.

Question 9: What is the function of a transformer in an electrical system?

Store electricity
Measure current
Change voltage levels (Correct answer)
Convert DC to AC

Correct answer: Change voltage levels

A transformer steps voltage up or down using electromagnetic induction between coils.

Question 10: In the number series 2, 6, 12, 20, 30, what comes next?

42 (Correct answer)
44
40
36

Correct answer: 42

The differences increase by 2 each time (4,6,8,10,12), so 30 + 12 = 42.

Question 11: A man is looking westward. He rotates 45 degrees clockwise, then 180 degrees counterclockwise, and finally 270 degrees anticlockwise. Determine which direction he is now facing.

West
North
South- West (Correct answer)
Nnorth-West

Correct answer: South- West

To determine the final direction, track the cumulative angular displacement from the starting point. Starting westward (270 degrees from North), the man rotates 45 degrees clockwise (270 + 45 = 315 degrees, or North-West). Then, he rotates 180 degrees counterclockwise (315 - 180 = 135 degrees, or South-East). Finally, he rotates 270 degrees anticlockwise (135 - 270 = -135 degrees, which is equivalent to -135 + 360 = 225 degrees). 225 degrees corresponds to South-West. Options B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not reflect the accurate cumulative angular changes.

Question 12: A conduit must be bent at a 45° angle. If the run is 10 feet, how long is the diagonal section? (Use √2 ≈ 1.41)

15.00 ft
11.41 ft
14.10 ft (Correct answer)
12.41 ft

Correct answer: 14.10 ft

A 45° bend over 10 ft means the diagonal = 10 × 1.41 = 14.1 ft.

Question 13: When must a worker apply a personal lock during LOTO?

Only when a supervisor is absent
Before beginning any maintenance on energized equipment (Correct answer)
After completing maintenance
When working on low-voltage circuits only

Correct answer: Before beginning any maintenance on energized equipment

Each worker must apply their personal lock before beginning maintenance to ensure the equipment cannot be re-energized.

Question 14: On a graphic arithmetic chart, a line rises steeply between two points. What does this steep slope indicate?

A rapid rate of change between those values (Correct answer)
No change in the values
A constant value over time
A measurement error

Correct answer: A rapid rate of change between those values

A steeper slope on a graph represents a faster rate of change between the plotted points.

Question 15: A manual states: 'Conductors must be rated for 125% of the continuous load.' If the continuous load is 40 amps, what is the minimum conductor rating?

50 A (Correct answer)
40 A
45 A
55 A

Correct answer: 50 A

40 × 1.25 = 50 amps minimum conductor rating.

Question 16: On a floor plan, a door is shown as a quarter-circle arc attached to a rectangle. The arc represents:

A ventilation opening
The swing path of the door (Correct answer)
A wall junction
A window

Correct answer: The swing path of the door

The quarter-circle arc on a floor plan shows the path swept by the door as it opens.

Question 17: A document reads: 'Insulation is rated Class H (180°C). Operating above this temperature will degrade the insulation.' What happens if you exceed 180°C?

Insulation degrades (Correct answer)
Insulation improves
Temperature resets automatically
Voltage increases

Correct answer: Insulation degrades

The document directly states that operating above the rated temperature will degrade the insulation.

Question 18: Which simple machine is best represented by a ramp used to roll a barrel onto a truck?

Screw
Wheel and axle
Pulley
Inclined plane (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Inclined plane

A ramp is an inclined plane that reduces the force needed to raise a load.

Question 19: When a moving object collides and stops, its kinetic energy is mainly converted into:

Heat, sound, and deformation (Correct answer)
Electrical energy
Magnetic energy
More kinetic energy

Correct answer: Heat, sound, and deformation

Energy is conserved and converts mostly to heat, sound, and material deformation on impact.

Question 20: A notice reads: 'Equipment tagged 'Out of Service' must NOT be operated under any circumstances.' A technician needs to test a tagged motor. What should they do?

Get supervisor clearance before proceeding (Correct answer)
Remove the tag first
Ignore the tag if qualified
Test it briefly

Correct answer: Get supervisor clearance before proceeding

The notice says 'under any circumstances,' meaning authorization/clearance is required before operating tagged equipment.

Question 21: A motor runs for 8 hours consuming 3.5 kW. How many kWh does it use?

24 kWh
32 kWh
36 kWh
28 kWh (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 28 kWh

Energy = 3.5 kW × 8 hr = 28 kWh.

Question 22: A pipe enters a wall from the left and exits on the right. If you look at the pipe from directly above, what shape do you see?

A triangle
An oval
A rectangle (Correct answer)
A circle

Correct answer: A rectangle

Viewed from above, a horizontal pipe appears as a long narrow rectangle.

Question 23: Two gears mesh together. The driver gear has 10 teeth and the driven gear has 30 teeth. If the driver turns at 300 RPM, how fast does the driven gear turn?

100 RPM (Correct answer)
900 RPM
300 RPM
30 RPM

Correct answer: 100 RPM

Speed is inversely proportional to teeth count: 300 × (10/30) = 100 RPM.

Question 24: If a wire costs $0.45 per foot, how much do 240 feet cost?

$96.00
$108.00 (Correct answer)
$84.00
$120.00

Correct answer: $108.00

0.45 × 240 = $108.00.

Question 25: A report says: 'Output declined by 15% following the storm due to debris accumulation on solar panels.' What is the most likely cause of the output decline?

A blown fuse
Increased demand
Equipment theft
Debris on solar panels (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Debris on solar panels

The passage explicitly links the output decline to debris accumulation on solar panels following the storm.

Question 26: Two wires are shown crossing on a schematic with a small dot at the intersection. The dot indicates:

The wires are insulated from each other
A break in the circuit
A measuring point
The wires are electrically connected (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The wires are electrically connected

A dot at a wire intersection on a schematic indicates the wires are electrically connected (a junction).

Question 27: Which decimal is equivalent to 7/8?

0.875 (Correct answer)
0.778
0.785
0.750

Correct answer: 0.875

7 ÷ 8 = 0.875.

Question 28: A notice states: 'Employees must wear appropriate PPE at all times in designated hazard zones.' 'Appropriate PPE' most likely means:

Personal protective equipment suited to the hazard (Correct answer)
Clothes that feel comfortable
Equipment chosen by coworkers
Any available equipment

Correct answer: Personal protective equipment suited to the hazard

PPE stands for Personal Protective Equipment; 'appropriate' means selected to match the specific hazard.

Question 29: If you unfold a cube, how many faces does the resulting flat pattern have?

8
4
5
6 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 6

A cube has exactly 6 faces, which appear as 6 connected squares when unfolded.

Question 30: A lever has its fulcrum at the center, with equal arm lengths. To lift a 50 lb load, how much effort force is needed at the other end?

12.5 lb
100 lb
25 lb
50 lb (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 50 lb

With equal arm lengths the mechanical advantage is 1, so effort equals load.

Question 31: A safety tag on equipment reads 'DO NOT OPERATE.' An operator needs to start the machine. What should the operator do?

Remove the tag and start the machine
Contact the person who placed the tag before proceeding (Correct answer)
Start it briefly for a test
Use the machine on the next shift

Correct answer: Contact the person who placed the tag before proceeding

Only the authorized person who placed the tag (or their supervisor) can authorize removal; the operator must contact them.

Question 32: What does Ohm's Law state?

Voltage equals current multiplied by resistance (Correct answer)
Current equals resistance divided by voltage
Power equals voltage divided by resistance
Voltage equals power divided by current

Correct answer: Voltage equals current multiplied by resistance

Ohm's Law states V = I × R (Voltage = Current × Resistance).

Question 33: A safety manual states: 'All personnel must de-energize equipment before performing maintenance.' What does 'de-energize' most likely mean?

Test voltage output
Boost power levels
Replace fuses
Remove electrical power (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Remove electrical power

In an electrical context, 'de-energize' means to disconnect or remove power from the equipment.

Question 34: Needle-nose pliers are especially useful for:

Cutting heavy-gauge wire
Crimping large cable lugs
Loosening corroded bolts
Gripping and bending wire in tight or confined spaces (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Gripping and bending wire in tight or confined spaces

The long, tapered jaws of needle-nose pliers allow technicians to reach into confined areas and precisely manipulate small wires, pins, or components.

Question 35: When a switch is open in a simple series circuit, the light bulb will:

Glow brighter
Not light (Correct answer)
Glow dimmer
Flicker

Correct answer: Not light

An open switch breaks the circuit, so no current flows and the bulb stays off.

Question 36: A 200 lb load sits on a frictionless inclined plane 10 ft long with a vertical rise of 2 ft. What is the ideal mechanical advantage?

2
0.2
10
5 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 5

Ideal mechanical advantage equals length divided by height: 10/2 = 5.

Question 37: Henry is shorter than Luis. Henry is taller than Cris but not as tall as Luis. Kevin is taller than Cris but not as tall as Henry. Who is the tallest?

Cris
Luis (Correct answer)
Kevin
Henry

Correct answer: Luis

To determine the tallest person, we establish a hierarchy based on the given comparisons. 'Henry is shorter than Luis' means Luis > Henry. 'Henry is taller than Cris' means Henry > Cris. 'Kevin is taller than Cris but not as tall as Henry' means Henry > Kevin > Cris. Combining these, the order from tallest to shortest is Luis > Henry > Kevin > Cris. Therefore, Luis is the tallest. The other options are incorrect because they are all shorter than Luis according to the established order.

Question 38: A 12-inch bolt is cut into pieces each 1.5 inches long. How many pieces are cut?

9
6
8 (Correct answer)
7

Correct answer: 8

12 ÷ 1.5 = 8 pieces.

Question 39: When two pulleys are connected by a belt, what determines the direction the driven pulley turns relative to the driver in an open belt drive?

Random direction
Same direction (Correct answer)
It stops
Opposite direction

Correct answer: Same direction

An open (uncrossed) belt drive makes both pulleys turn in the same direction.

Question 40: If a bolt viewed from the front shows a hexagonal head, what shape would the head appear if viewed from the end (top)?

Circle
Hexagon (Correct answer)
Rectangle
Square

Correct answer: Hexagon

The bolt head is hexagonal, so looking directly down the shaft still shows the hexagonal shape.

Question 41: In a series circuit with three resistors, how does removing one resistor affect total resistance?

Total resistance increases
Total resistance decreases (Correct answer)
Total resistance becomes zero
Total resistance is unchanged

Correct answer: Total resistance decreases

In a series circuit, total resistance is the sum of all resistors; removing one reduces the total.

Question 42: What does a continuity tester verify about a circuit?

The voltage level present
The quality of cable insulation
Whether an unbroken electrical path exists between two points (Correct answer)
The amperage draw of a device

Correct answer: Whether an unbroken electrical path exists between two points

A continuity tester passes a small current between two test points and indicates whether a complete, unbroken electrical path connects them.

Question 43: Convert 3/5 to a percentage.

60% (Correct answer)
40%
65%
55%

Correct answer: 60%

3 ÷ 5 = 0.60 = 60%.

Question 44: A block has six faces: top, bottom, front, back, left, and right. If you remove the top and bottom, how many faces remain?

4 (Correct answer)
6
2
3

Correct answer: 4

6 total faces − 2 (top and bottom) = 4 remaining faces.

Question 45: What is 250 increased by 20%?

310
270
280
300 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 300

250 × 1.20 = 300.

Question 46: Where can you get a study guide for your exams?

Only online forums can provide practice tests.
EEI's website (Correct answer)
Study guides are only available from libraries.

Correct answer: EEI's website

The most reliable and official source for study guides for EEI exams, including the TECH test, is directly from EEI's website. This ensures you receive accurate, up-to-date, and relevant preparation materials directly from the test administrator, unlike potentially outdated or unofficial resources found on online forums or in libraries.

Question 47: What is the purpose of a fuse in an electrical circuit?

Reduce frequency
Increase voltage
Protect against overcurrent by breaking the circuit (Correct answer)
Store energy

Correct answer: Protect against overcurrent by breaking the circuit

A fuse melts and opens the circuit when current exceeds a safe level, protecting equipment and wiring.

Question 48: What is the purpose of electrical grounding in a utility system?

Reduce electrical resistance
Increase system voltage
Provide a safe path for fault current (Correct answer)
Balance the load

Correct answer: Provide a safe path for fault current

Grounding provides a low-resistance path for fault current to flow safely to earth, protecting equipment and personnel.

Question 49: What is the purpose of a Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) before starting work?

Assign overtime pay
Document completed work
Identify potential hazards and plan controls before starting the task (Correct answer)
Calculate labor costs

Correct answer: Identify potential hazards and plan controls before starting the task

A JHA systematically identifies hazards associated with each step of a job and determines controls before work begins.

Question 50: A first-class lever has the effort 4 ft from the fulcrum and the load 1 ft from the fulcrum. What is its mechanical advantage?

1
4 (Correct answer)
0.25
5

Correct answer: 4

Mechanical advantage equals effort arm divided by load arm: 4/1 = 4.

Question 51: A worker can assemble 15 parts per hour. How many parts can 4 workers assemble in 3 hours?

120
60
45
180 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 180

15 parts × 4 workers × 3 hours = 180 parts.

Question 52: What is a wire nut (twist-on connector) primarily used for?

Joining two or more stripped electrical conductors together (Correct answer)
Measuring wire gauge size
Anchoring wire to a junction box wall
Protecting the end of a single unterminated wire

Correct answer: Joining two or more stripped electrical conductors together

A wire nut's internally threaded plastic cap twists onto stripped wire ends, creating an insulated, secure connection between two or more conductors.

Question 53: How many boys should be added to the line so that there are 28 boys in the line if Jerry finds that he is fourth from the left and twelfth from the right in a line of boys?

10
15
13 (Correct answer)
19

Correct answer: 13

First, calculate the current number of boys in the line. If Jerry is fourth from the left, there are 3 boys to his left. If he is twelfth from the right, there are 11 boys to his right. The total number of boys currently in line is 3 (left) + 1 (Jerry) + 11 (right) = 15 boys. To reach a total of 28 boys, 28 - 15 = 13 boys need to be added. Options B, C, and D are incorrect as they result from miscalculations of the current line size or the required addition.

Question 54: Which type of current flows in one direction only?

Reactive current
AC (Alternating Current)
Inductive current
DC (Direct Current) (Correct answer)

Correct answer: DC (Direct Current)

DC (Direct Current) flows in one constant direction, unlike AC which alternates direction.

Question 55: Which device is used to measure current in a live circuit without disconnecting wires?

Clamp meter (clamp-on ammeter) (Correct answer)
Multimeter (probes)
Voltmeter
Ohmmeter

Correct answer: Clamp meter (clamp-on ammeter)

A clamp meter measures current by clamping around a conductor without breaking the circuit.

Question 56: What is the correct action when you discover a co-worker receiving an electrical shock?

Apply water to cool the area
De-energize the circuit before touching the victim (Correct answer)
Pull the worker away immediately
Begin CPR while the circuit is still live

Correct answer: De-energize the circuit before touching the victim

You must de-energize the circuit first to avoid also becoming a victim before assisting the shocked worker.

Question 57: A bimetallic strip bends when heated because:

It conducts electricity
It melts on one side
The two metals expand at different rates (Correct answer)
It absorbs moisture

Correct answer: The two metals expand at different rates

Different thermal expansion rates of the bonded metals cause the strip to curve.

Question 58: A log entry reads: 'Breaker 14 tripped twice in 24 hours; cause undetermined.' What does 'cause undetermined' mean?

The cause is obvious
The cause has not been identified (Correct answer)
The breaker is repaired
The breaker should be replaced

Correct answer: The cause has not been identified

'Undetermined' means not yet identified or established.

Question 59: What happens to the pressure exerted by a force when the area it acts on is reduced?

Pressure stays the same
Pressure becomes zero
Pressure decreases
Pressure increases (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Pressure increases

Pressure equals force divided by area, so a smaller area means greater pressure.

Question 60: A ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlet is designed to:

Prevent voltage surges from reaching connected devices
Trip rapidly when it detects a small current leak to ground (Correct answer)
Increase available current for high-draw power tools
Filter electrical noise from the supply voltage

Correct answer: Trip rapidly when it detects a small current leak to ground

A GFCI monitors the difference between hot and neutral currents and trips within milliseconds when it detects as little as 5 mA leaking to ground, protecting against electrocution.

Question 61: What is the primary function of a multimeter?

Display voltage waveforms over time
Test insulation resistance only
Measure voltage, current, and resistance in one device (Correct answer)
Generate tones to trace cables

Correct answer: Measure voltage, current, and resistance in one device

A multimeter (volt-ohm meter) combines functions to measure AC/DC voltage, current, and resistance in a single portable instrument.

Question 62: A tank holds 120 gallons. It is currently 2/3 full. How many gallons are in the tank?

80 (Correct answer)
90
60
70

Correct answer: 80

120 × 2/3 = 80 gallons.

Question 63: A passage states: 'The relay is designed to interrupt current flow when amperage exceeds the preset threshold.' What does the relay do?

Stores electrical energy
Measures voltage
Increases current
Stops current when it is too high (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Stops current when it is too high

The relay 'interrupts current flow' when amperage exceeds the threshold, meaning it stops the current.

Question 64: Which switch should be turned off to turn on the light?

Switch A
Switch B
Switch C (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Switch C

The light bulb is connected in parallel with Switch C. When Switch C is closed (on), it creates a short circuit, diverting current away from the light bulb and preventing it from lighting up. To turn the light on, current must flow through the bulb, so Switch C must be open (off) to force the current through the bulb. Switches A and B must be closed (on) for the circuit to be complete.

Question 65: Which would hit the ground first if a car and a bowling ball were both thrown off a 100-foot cliff at the same time?

Car
Ball
There is no difference. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: There is no difference.

According to Galileo's law of falling bodies, in the absence of air resistance, all objects fall at the same rate regardless of their mass. Both a car and a bowling ball experience the same acceleration due to gravity (approximately 9.8 m/s²), meaning they would hit the ground simultaneously. While air resistance exists, for these objects, its effect is generally not significant enough to cause one to hit substantially earlier than the other in this scenario.

Question 66: A transformer operates at 85% efficiency. If 4,000 watts enter, how many watts are output?

3,200 W
3,400 W (Correct answer)
4,700 W
3,600 W

Correct answer: 3,400 W

4,000 × 0.85 = 3,400 watts output.

Question 67: A circuit breaker differs from a fuse in that a circuit breaker:

Only works on DC circuits
Has no overcurrent rating
Cannot be reset
Can be reset after tripping (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Can be reset after tripping

Unlike a fuse that must be replaced after opening, a circuit breaker can be manually reset.

Question 68: Water flows through a pipe that narrows from a wide section to a narrow section. In the narrow section the water:

Flows slower
Changes direction
Flows faster (Correct answer)
Stops flowing

Correct answer: Flows faster

By continuity, the same volume must pass through a smaller area, so velocity increases.

Question 69: What does it mean to 'verify absence of voltage' before working on a circuit?

Check the breaker position visually
Use a meter to confirm no voltage is present (Correct answer)
Assume the circuit is dead
Ask a coworker if power is off

Correct answer: Use a meter to confirm no voltage is present

You must use a tested voltage meter to confirm there is no voltage present before touching any conductors.

Question 70: Which of these increases the mechanical advantage of an inclined plane?

Making the ramp longer for the same height (Correct answer)
Adding more weight
Shortening the ramp
Making the ramp steeper

Correct answer: Making the ramp longer for the same height

A longer ramp for the same rise reduces required force, increasing mechanical advantage.

Question 71: In a series electrical circuit, what happens to the total resistance as more resistors are added?

It increases (Correct answer)
It becomes zero
It decreases
It stays the same

Correct answer: It increases

Resistances in series add together, so total resistance increases with each added resistor.

Question 72: A gear with 20 teeth meshes with a gear of 40 teeth. If the small gear makes 4 revolutions, how many does the large gear make?

2 (Correct answer)
4
8
1

Correct answer: 2

Gear ratio = 20/40 = 0.5; so the large gear makes 4 × 0.5 = 2 revolutions.

Question 73: What is the purpose of a neutral conductor in a standard 120V circuit?

Provide a return path for current to the source (Correct answer)
Carry voltage to the load
Act as a safety ground
Carry fault current only

Correct answer: Provide a return path for current to the source

The neutral conductor completes the circuit by carrying return current back to the power source.

Question 74: Which device is used during electrical maintenance to prevent accidental re-energization of equipment?

Circuit breaker locator
Voltage regulator
Lockout/tagout (LOTO) device (Correct answer)
Ground fault interrupter

Correct answer: Lockout/tagout (LOTO) device

Lockout/tagout devices physically lock energy controls in the off position and attach warning tags, preventing accidental energization while maintenance is performed.

Question 75: Which material is the best conductor of electricity?

Glass
Rubber
Copper (Correct answer)
Wood

Correct answer: Copper

Copper is an excellent conductor due to its low electrical resistance and is widely used in wiring.

Question 76: What is the most effective way to prepare for the TECH exam?

Examining old tests
Studying for hours on end
Getting a tutor
Practice Simulations (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Practice Simulations

The most effective way to prepare for the TECH exam is through practice simulations, as they familiarize you with the test format, question types, and time constraints. This approach helps build confidence, identify areas for improvement, and develop effective test-taking strategies under realistic conditions, unlike simply examining old tests or studying passively.

Question 77: What is the purpose of a non-contact voltage tester?

Measure insulation resistance
Detect the presence of voltage without touching the conductor (Correct answer)
Measure exact voltage levels
Test circuit continuity

Correct answer: Detect the presence of voltage without touching the conductor

A non-contact voltage tester detects the electromagnetic field surrounding a live AC conductor, signaling voltage presence without physical contact.

Question 78: The standard US residential voltage is approximately:

12 V
240 V AC (single phase)
120 V (Correct answer)
48 V

Correct answer: 120 V

Standard US residential outlet voltage is approximately 120 V AC for most outlets.

Question 79: Which gear arrangement allows a driver and driven shaft to rotate in the SAME direction using gears alone?

A single gear
Two gears with an idler gear between them (Correct answer)
Two directly meshed gears
A worm gear pair

Correct answer: Two gears with an idler gear between them

An idler gear placed between two gears reverses direction twice, keeping driver and driven turning the same way.

Question 80: Which statement best describes a short circuit?

A circuit with no load
A circuit that is too long
An unintended low-resistance path causing excessive current (Correct answer)
A circuit with high resistance

Correct answer: An unintended low-resistance path causing excessive current

A short circuit is an accidental low-resistance connection that allows abnormally high current to flow.

Question 81: A square metal plate has a hole drilled in each corner. If the plate is rotated 90° clockwise, where does the top-left hole end up?

Top-right (Correct answer)
Bottom-left
Center
Bottom-right

Correct answer: Top-right

A 90° clockwise rotation moves the top-left corner to the top-right position.

Question 82: An instruction reads: 'Do not energize until all covers are secured.' A technician is ready to apply power but one cover is loose. What should the technician do?

Energize carefully
Energize and then tighten the cover
Skip the cover and proceed
Secure the loose cover first (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Secure the loose cover first

The instruction requires all covers to be secured before energizing; the loose cover must be fixed first.

Question 83: Looking at a schematic, a switch is shown as an open gap in a circuit line. What does this symbol represent?

A resistor
An open (off) switch (Correct answer)
A closed circuit
A capacitor

Correct answer: An open (off) switch

An open gap in a circuit line on a schematic represents an open (off) switch.

Question 84: Which tool measures electrical current in a live conductor without breaking the circuit?

Clamp meter (Correct answer)
Voltage tester
Megohmmeter
Continuity tester

Correct answer: Clamp meter

A clamp meter's jaws encircle the conductor and detect the magnetic field produced by current flow, allowing measurement without interrupting the circuit.

Question 85: A tank holds 240 gallons and drains at 8 gallons per minute. How long until it is empty?

40 minutes
20 minutes
60 minutes
30 minutes (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 30 minutes

240 gallons divided by 8 gallons per minute equals 30 minutes.

Question 86: When working in a trench deeper than 5 feet, OSHA requires:

Double gloves
A spotter at the surface
A protective system such as sloping, shoring, or a trench box (Correct answer)
Only hard hats

Correct answer: A protective system such as sloping, shoring, or a trench box

OSHA requires a protective system (sloping, benching, shoring, or trench box) for any trench 5 feet or deeper.

Question 87: A machine completes 1 cycle every 4 seconds. How many cycles does it complete in 2 minutes?

30 (Correct answer)
60
8
120

Correct answer: 30

120 seconds ÷ 4 seconds per cycle = 30 cycles.

Question 88: In a block and tackle with 4 supporting rope segments, how much effort is needed to lift a 400 lb load (ignoring friction)?

400 lb
1600 lb
200 lb
100 lb (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 100 lb

The load is shared by 4 rope segments: 400/4 = 100 lb of effort.

Question 89: What happens to current in a parallel circuit when one branch is opened (disconnected)?

All branches open
Current in other branches is unaffected (Correct answer)
All current stops
Total voltage drops

Correct answer: Current in other branches is unaffected

In a parallel circuit, each branch operates independently; opening one branch does not interrupt others.

Question 90: A gear train has a driver of 12 teeth meshing with a gear of 36 teeth. The torque on the driven gear, compared to the driver, is:

The same
3 times greater (Correct answer)
12 times greater
3 times smaller

Correct answer: 3 times greater

Torque increases with the gear ratio: 36/12 = 3 times greater on the driven gear.

Question 91: What does 'GFCI' stand for in electrical work?

Grid Frequency Control Interface
Ground Flux Current Isolator
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (Correct answer)
General Fuse Current Indicator

Correct answer: Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter

GFCI stands for Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter, a safety device that interrupts circuits on detecting small ground faults.

EEI TECH Test

The EEI TECH Test is a pre-employment cognitive assessment developed by the Edison Electric Institute for technical occupations at electric utilities. It evaluates candidates across four timed sections—Mechanical Concepts, Graphic Problem Solving, Interpreting Diagrams, and Reasoning from Rules—covering spatial reasoning, electrical concepts, mathematical usage, reading comprehension, and safety knowledge. Used by utilities such as CenterPoint Energy, FirstEnergy, PG&E, and DTE Energy.

Questions

65 min

Time Limit

80%

To Pass

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Exam Rules

You can skip questions and return to them later
Flag questions for review before submitting
No feedback shown until you submit the entire exam
Unanswered questions count as wrong — answer everything
10 pretest questions are mixed in and don't affect your score
Timer auto-submits when time runs out
Your progress is auto-saved every 30 seconds

These practice questions were written with AI tools. They are not real exam questions. Exam facts are checked against the official sources listed below. Not reviewed by a subject-matter expert. Editorial policy

Sources & references

Exam facts on this page (fees, format, dates, passing scores) are checked against these official sources; the date is our last check. Editorial policy

corporate.pseg.com — Exam format, passing score, time limit · verified Nov 2026
hawaiianelectric.com — Retake policy, score validity · verified Nov 2026
eei.org — Test delivery, eligibility, score release · verified Nov 2026