EEI TECH Test — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A socket wrench extension bar is most useful for:
- Removing stripped or corroded fasteners
- Measuring bolt torque without a torque wrench
- Reaching and turning fasteners in deep or obstructed locations (Correct answer)
- Cutting bolts in confined areas
Correct answer: Reaching and turning fasteners in deep or obstructed locations
An extension bar increases the distance between the ratchet handle and the socket, allowing the technician to reach fasteners recessed deep in equipment.
Question 2: A pipe 48 inches long must be cut into 4 equal sections. How long is each section in feet?
- 2.5 ft
- 1.5 ft
- 2 ft
- 1 ft (Correct answer)
Correct answer: 1 ft
48 ÷ 4 = 12 inches = 1 foot.
Question 3: Ground fault protection is designed to protect against:
- Unintended current paths to ground that can cause shock (Correct answer)
- Low power factor
- Frequency fluctuations
- Overvoltage
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 4: In a series circuit with three resistors, how does removing one resistor affect total resistance?
- Total resistance decreases (Correct answer)
- Total resistance becomes zero
- Total resistance is unchanged
- Total resistance increases
Correct answer: Total resistance decreases
In a series circuit, total resistance is the sum of all resistors; removing one reduces the total.
Question 5: Which type of friction must be overcome first to start a stationary object moving?
- Kinetic friction
- Rolling friction
- Static friction (Correct answer)
- Fluid friction
Correct answer: Static friction
Static friction holds objects at rest and is generally greater than kinetic friction.
Question 6: A technician is facing north and turns 180°. Which direction is the technician now facing?
- East
- South (Correct answer)
- North
- West
Correct answer: South
A 180° turn from north results in facing south.
Question 7: An arc flash hazard label shows 'Incident Energy: 12 cal/cm².' This information is used to select:
- The correct breaker trip setting
- The right wire gauge
- The correct fuse size
- Appropriate arc-rated PPE (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Appropriate arc-rated PPE
Incident energy levels determine the arc flash category and the arc-rated PPE required for safe work.
Question 8: A wheel and axle is used to raise a bucket from a well. Turning the larger wheel rather than the axle directly provides:
- Greater mechanical advantage to lift the load (Correct answer)
- Less mechanical advantage
- No effect on effort
- Faster lifting only
Correct answer: Greater mechanical advantage to lift the load
Applying force at the larger wheel's radius increases mechanical advantage to lift the load more easily.
Question 9: What does Ohm's Law state?
- Current equals resistance divided by voltage
- Voltage equals current multiplied by resistance (Correct answer)
- 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 10: Which best completes the analogy: Wrench is to bolt as key is to ____.
- Chain
- Lock (Correct answer)
- Hammer
- Door
Correct answer: Lock
A wrench turns a bolt just as a key operates a lock.
Question 11: What does the acronym PPE stand for in workplace safety?
- Protective Panel Enclosure
- Primary Protection Engineering
- Personal Protective Equipment (Correct answer)
- Power Plant Equipment
Correct answer: Personal Protective Equipment
PPE stands for Personal Protective Equipment, including hard hats, gloves, safety glasses, and arc flash suits.
Question 12: Which material is the best conductor of electricity?
- Rubber
- Glass
- 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 13: A worker can assemble 15 parts per hour. How many parts can 4 workers assemble in 3 hours?
- 60
- 45
- 120
- 180 (Correct answer)
Correct answer: 180
15 parts × 4 workers × 3 hours = 180 parts.
Question 14: 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?
- Remove the tag first
- Get supervisor clearance before proceeding (Correct answer)
- Test it briefly
- Ignore the tag if qualified
Correct answer: Get supervisor clearance before proceeding
The notice says 'under any circumstances,' meaning authorization/clearance is required before operating tagged equipment.
Question 15: A passage states: 'The relay is designed to interrupt current flow when amperage exceeds the preset threshold.' What does the relay do?
- Stops current when it is too high (Correct answer)
- Stores electrical energy
- Increases current
- Measures voltage
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 16: 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 and then tighten the cover
- Secure the loose cover first (Correct answer)
- Skip the cover and proceed
- Energize carefully
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 17: A safety manual states: 'All personnel must de-energize equipment before performing maintenance.' What does 'de-energize' most likely mean?
- Replace fuses
- Boost power levels
- Remove electrical power (Correct answer)
- Test voltage output
Correct answer: Remove electrical power
In an electrical context, 'de-energize' means to disconnect or remove power from the equipment.
Question 18: 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?
- Temperature resets automatically
- Voltage increases
- Insulation improves
- Insulation degrades (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Insulation degrades
The document directly states that operating above the rated temperature will degrade the insulation.
Question 19: Water flows through a pipe that narrows in the middle. As the pipe narrows, the water's speed will:
- Stop
- Decrease
- Increase (Correct answer)
- Stay the same
Correct answer: Increase
Fluid speed increases when it flows through a narrower section to maintain flow rate.
Question 20: What is the primary purpose of wearing insulated rubber gloves when working on electrical equipment?
- Prevent electrical current from passing through the hands (Correct answer)
- Protect against chemical burns only
- Improve grip on tools
- Keep hands warm
Correct answer: Prevent electrical current from passing through the hands
Insulated rubber gloves act as a barrier to prevent electrical current from flowing through the worker's hands.
Question 21: A circuit has a 12-volt source and a resistance of 4 ohms. Using Ohm's law, what is the current?
- 16 amps
- 48 amps
- 8 amps
- 3 amps (Correct answer)
Correct answer: 3 amps
Current = Voltage ÷ Resistance = 12 ÷ 4 = 3 amps.
Question 22: Convert 3/5 to a percentage.
- 55%
- 60% (Correct answer)
- 40%
- 65%
Correct answer: 60%
3 ÷ 5 = 0.60 = 60%.
Question 23: In a leap year, how many hours are there?
- 7941
- 8784 (Correct answer)
- 8014
- 8154
Correct answer: 8784
A leap year occurs every four years and has 366 days, one more than a common year. To find the total hours, multiply the number of days by the hours in a day. Therefore, 366 days * 24 hours/day equals 8784 hours.
Question 24: Which screwdriver type is required for a Phillips head screw?
- Phillips (cross-point) (Correct answer)
- Flathead (slotted)
- Robertson (square drive)
- Torx (star-shaped)
Correct answer: Phillips (cross-point)
A Phillips screw has a cross-shaped recess designed to engage the matching cross-point tip of a Phillips screwdriver for driving and removal.
Question 25: In a block and tackle with 4 supporting rope segments, how much effort is needed to lift a 400 lb load (ignoring friction)?
- 1600 lb
- 400 lb
- 100 lb (Correct answer)
- 200 lb
Correct answer: 100 lb
The load is shared by 4 rope segments: 400/4 = 100 lb of effort.
Question 26: Which type of current flows in one direction only?
- Inductive current
- Reactive current
- AC (Alternating 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 27: If the diameter of a driving pulley is twice that of the driven pulley, the driven pulley will turn:
- Four times as fast
- Twice as fast (Correct answer)
- At the same speed
- Half as fast
Correct answer: Twice as fast
A smaller driven pulley spins faster; half the diameter means double the speed.
Question 28: A manual reads: 'This pump must be primed before startup to prevent cavitation.' What does priming the pump prevent?
- Water leaks
- Cavitation (Correct answer)
- Overheating of the motor
- Electrical shorts
Correct answer: Cavitation
The manual states that priming is done specifically to prevent cavitation.
Question 29: If the second of the month is a Tuesday, what day is it on the 21st of that month?
- Monday
- Saturday
- Sunday (Correct answer)
- Tuesday
Correct answer: Sunday
To find the day of the week on the 21st, calculate the number of days between the 2nd and the 21st, which is 21 - 2 = 19 days. Since a week has 7 days, divide 19 by 7 to find the remainder: 19 = 2 weeks and 5 days. Therefore, starting from Tuesday, count forward 5 days (Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday) to arrive at Sunday. Options A, B, and D are incorrect as they do not account for the correct number of days or the cyclical nature of the week.
Question 30: Before working near overhead power lines, a utility worker should:
- Turn off all personal electronics
- Estimate a safe distance by eye
- Work quickly to minimize exposure time
- Verify minimum approach distances per OSHA standards (Correct answer)
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 31: A conduit bender is used to:
- Form smooth, accurate bends in electrical conduit (Correct answer)
- Thread the ends of conduit for connectors
- Straighten bent metal conduit
- Cut conduit to length
Correct answer: Form smooth, accurate bends in electrical conduit
A conduit bender uses a formed shoe and leverage to create precise bends in metal or PVC conduit without crimping or collapsing it.
Question 32: Which statement best describes a short circuit?
- A circuit that is too long
- A circuit with high resistance
- A circuit with no load
- An unintended low-resistance path causing excessive current (Correct answer)
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 33: 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 capacitor
- A closed circuit
Correct answer: An open (off) switch
An open gap in a circuit line on a schematic represents an open (off) switch.
Question 34: A tank holds 120 gallons. It is currently 2/3 full. How many gallons are in the tank?
- 60
- 80 (Correct answer)
- 90
- 70
Correct answer: 80
120 × 2/3 = 80 gallons.
Question 35: What is the most effective way to prepare for the TECH exam?
- Studying for hours on end
- Practice Simulations (Correct answer)
- Examining old tests
- Getting a tutor
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 36: A procedure reads: 'Verify insulation resistance before applying voltage.' What must happen FIRST?
- Record voltage levels
- Replace the insulation
- Check insulation resistance (Correct answer)
- Apply voltage
Correct answer: Check insulation resistance
The word 'before' indicates insulation resistance must be checked prior to applying voltage.
Question 37: What happens to current in a parallel circuit when one branch is opened (disconnected)?
- All branches open
- Total voltage drops
- Current in other branches is unaffected (Correct answer)
- All current stops
Correct answer: Current in other branches is unaffected
In a parallel circuit, each branch operates independently; opening one branch does not interrupt others.
Question 38: Which device is used to measure current in a live circuit without disconnecting wires?
- Multimeter (probes)
- Ohmmeter
- Clamp meter (clamp-on ammeter) (Correct answer)
- Voltmeter
Correct answer: Clamp meter (clamp-on ammeter)
A clamp meter measures current by clamping around a conductor without breaking the circuit.
Question 39: Which gear arrangement allows a driver and driven shaft to rotate in the SAME direction using gears alone?
- Two directly meshed gears
- Two gears with an idler gear between them (Correct answer)
- A single gear
- 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 40: The standard US residential voltage is approximately:
- 12 V
- 120 V (Correct answer)
- 240 V AC (single phase)
- 48 V
Correct answer: 120 V
Standard US residential outlet voltage is approximately 120 V AC for most outlets.
Question 41: What unit measures electrical resistance?
- Watt
- Volt
- Ampere
- Ohm (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Ohm
Electrical resistance is measured in ohms (Ω), named after Georg Simon Ohm.
Question 42: 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 43: A fish tape (wire puller) is primarily used to:
- Test signal strength in data cables
- Pull electrical wire through conduit or wall cavities (Correct answer)
- Strip insulation from multiple wires at once
- Cut cable to length inside walls
Correct answer: Pull electrical wire through conduit or wall cavities
Fish tape is a long, flexible steel or fiberglass tape fed through conduit or wall cavities to pull electrical wire from one location to another.
Question 44: A flywheel is used in machines primarily to:
- Increase friction
- Store rotational energy and smooth out speed variations (Correct answer)
- Reduce the weight of the machine
- Generate electricity directly
Correct answer: Store rotational energy and smooth out speed variations
A flywheel's inertia stores energy and keeps rotational speed steady between power strokes.
Question 45: A procedure says: 'If voltage exceeds 130V, shut down immediately and notify the control center.' Voltage reads 132V. What is the correct action?
- Reset the voltmeter
- Shut down and notify control center (Correct answer)
- Continue monitoring
- Reduce load and continue
Correct answer: Shut down and notify control center
132V exceeds 130V, so the procedure requires an immediate shutdown and notification.
Question 46: Which tool compresses a metal terminal or connector firmly onto a wire to create a secure connection?
- Wire stripper
- Diagonal cutters
- Crimping tool (Correct answer)
- Lineman's pliers
Correct answer: Crimping tool
A crimping tool uses a shaped die to deform a connector around a wire, creating a gas-tight mechanical and electrical connection without solder.
Question 47: What does 'GFCI' stand for in electrical work?
- Grid Frequency Control Interface
- General Fuse Current Indicator
- Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (Correct answer)
- Ground Flux Current Isolator
Correct answer: Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter
GFCI stands for Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter, a safety device that interrupts circuits on detecting small ground faults.
Question 48: What is 15% of 320?
- 42
- 52
- 46
- 48 (Correct answer)
Correct answer: 48
0.15 × 320 = 48.
Question 49: What is the purpose of a neutral conductor in a standard 120V circuit?
- Act as a safety ground
- Carry fault current only
- Provide a return path for current to the source (Correct answer)
- Carry voltage to the load
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 50: If you unfold a cube, how many faces does the resulting flat pattern have?
- 6 (Correct answer)
- 4
- 8
- 5
Correct answer: 6
A cube has exactly 6 faces, which appear as 6 connected squares when unfolded.
Question 51: Which decimal is equivalent to 7/8?
- 0.875 (Correct answer)
- 0.785
- 0.750
- 0.778
Correct answer: 0.875
7 ÷ 8 = 0.875.
Question 52: In a utility environment, 'energized electrical work' should be performed only when:
- De-energizing creates a greater hazard or is infeasible (Correct answer)
- Standard tools are available
- It is faster than de-energizing
- A supervisor approves it informally
Correct answer: De-energizing creates a greater hazard or is infeasible
NFPA 70E requires that energized work be justified only when de-energizing creates a greater hazard or is infeasible.
Question 53: A graph shows temperature flattening into a horizontal line over time. What does the horizontal portion indicate?
- Temperature is holding steady (Correct answer)
- The graph is broken
- Temperature is rising
- Temperature is falling
Correct answer: Temperature is holding steady
A horizontal line means the value is not changing, so temperature is steady.
Question 54: When working in a trench deeper than 5 feet, OSHA requires:
- Only hard hats
- A protective system such as sloping, shoring, or a trench box (Correct answer)
- A spotter at the surface
- Double gloves
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 55: Which tool measures electrical current in a live conductor without breaking the circuit?
- Clamp meter (Correct answer)
- Continuity tester
- Voltage tester
- Megohmmeter
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 56: 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?
- 0.25
- 4 (Correct answer)
- 5
- 1
Correct answer: 4
Mechanical advantage equals effort arm divided by load arm: 4/1 = 4.
Question 57: Which practice helps prevent back injuries when lifting heavy equipment?
- Lift with your legs, keep your back straight (Correct answer)
- Lift quickly to minimize effort
- Bend at the waist, keep legs straight
- Twist your torso while lifting
Correct answer: Lift with your legs, keep your back straight
Lifting with the legs and keeping the back straight uses stronger leg muscles and reduces spinal stress.
Question 58: 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 59: Which pole does the weight exert the greatest pressure on?
- Both
- Pole 1 (Correct answer)
- Pole 2
Correct answer: Pole 1
The pole closer to the applied weight will bear a greater share of the load, resulting in higher pressure. This is due to the principle of levers and torque; the pole closer to the force has a shorter lever arm and thus supports more of the weight to maintain equilibrium. If the weight is not centered, the support closer to it will experience a disproportionately larger force.
Question 60: 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 61: 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 measuring point
- The wires are electrically connected (Correct answer)
- A break in the circuit
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 62: A worker reads a procedure stating to 'de-energize and verify zero voltage before contact.' What is the primary purpose of this step?
- To ensure worker safety from electrical shock (Correct answer)
- To save electricity
- To test the meter
- To speed up the job
Correct answer: To ensure worker safety from electrical shock
Verifying zero voltage confirms the circuit is safe to touch, preventing electrical shock.
Question 63: Which switch should be turned off to turn on the light?
- Switch B
- Switch A
- 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 64: In the formula P = V × I, what does 'P' represent?
- Potential difference
- Pressure
- Phase angle
- Power in watts (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Power in watts
P = V × I is the power formula where P is electrical power measured in watts.
Question 65: An object is launched into the air. At what point will it be moving the slowest?
- Point B
- Point A
- Point C
An object launched into the air will be moving slowest at the peak of its trajectory. At this highest point, its vertical velocity momentarily becomes zero as it transitions from moving upwards to moving downwards, while its horizontal velocity remains constant (ignoring air resistance). Therefore, the overall speed, which is the vector sum of horizontal and vertical velocities, is at its minimum at the apex.
Question 66: If four positions are given, which face is opposite the face with alphabet B?
- E (Correct answer)
- C
- F
- D
Correct answer: E
To determine the face opposite B on a cube, one typically needs a visual representation or a description of the cube's net or multiple positions. Opposite faces never share an edge. In common spatial reasoning problems or standard dice configurations, specific pairs of faces are designated as opposite. Without the visual, 'E' is the correct answer based on a predefined arrangement where it is the face directly opposite 'B'.
Question 67: Power (P) = Current² × Resistance. If I = 4 A and R = 6 ohms, what is P?
- 96 W (Correct answer)
- 24 W
- 48 W
- 144 W
Correct answer: 96 W
P = 4² × 6 = 16 × 6 = 96 watts.
Question 68: What does a torque wrench allow a technician to do?
- Cut bolts to a specific length
- Apply a precise amount of rotational force to a fastener (Correct answer)
- Measure the diameter of fasteners
- Remove stripped screws
Correct answer: Apply a precise amount of rotational force to a fastener
A torque wrench measures and limits the rotational force applied to a fastener, ensuring tightening meets manufacturer specifications.
Question 69: 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
- Nnorth-West
- South- West (Correct answer)
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 70: What is a wire nut (twist-on connector) primarily used for?
- Measuring wire gauge size
- Anchoring wire to a junction box wall
- Protecting the end of a single unterminated wire
- Joining two or more stripped electrical conductors together (Correct answer)
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 71: When a switch is open in a simple series circuit, the light bulb will:
- Flicker
- Glow dimmer
- Not light (Correct answer)
- Glow brighter
Correct answer: Not light
An open switch breaks the circuit, so no current flows and the bulb stays off.
Question 72: 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?
- Debris on solar panels (Correct answer)
- Increased demand
- Equipment theft
- A blown fuse
Correct answer: Debris on solar panels
The passage explicitly links the output decline to debris accumulation on solar panels following the storm.
Question 73: What advantage does a clamp meter have over a standard multimeter when measuring current?
- It measures resistance more accurately
- It measures voltage of a battery faster
- It displays frequency more clearly
- It measures AC current in a live conductor without disconnecting the circuit (Correct answer)
Correct answer: It measures AC current in a live conductor without disconnecting the circuit
A clamp meter's jaws sense current magnetically around an intact conductor, eliminating the need to break the circuit that an inline ammeter would require.
Question 74: 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?
- 8
- 2 (Correct answer)
- 4
- 1
Correct answer: 2
Gear ratio = 20/40 = 0.5; so the large gear makes 4 × 0.5 = 2 revolutions.
Question 75: What physical principle does a non-contact voltage tester use to detect live AC wires?
- Magnetic flux induction
- Capacitive coupling to the AC electric field (Correct answer)
- Resistance measurement between tip and ground
- Infrared thermal detection
Correct answer: Capacitive coupling to the AC electric field
Non-contact testers sense the alternating electric field surrounding a live AC conductor through capacitive coupling, triggering a visual or audible alert.
Question 76: What is the purpose of a fuse in an electrical circuit?
- Increase voltage
- Protect against overcurrent by breaking the circuit (Correct answer)
- Store energy
- Reduce frequency
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 77: What is the primary function of a megohmmeter (megger)?
- Measure large amounts of electrical current
- Detect AC versus DC voltage
- Test the insulation resistance of cables and motor windings (Correct answer)
- Measure electrical power consumption
Correct answer: Test the insulation resistance of cables and motor windings
A megohmmeter applies high voltage and measures resistance in megaohms, revealing degraded or compromised insulation before it causes equipment failure.
Question 78: What is the purpose of electrical grounding in a utility system?
- Provide a safe path for fault current (Correct answer)
- Reduce electrical resistance
- Increase system voltage
- 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 79: In AC power systems, what does 'power factor' measure?
- Frequency variation
- Efficiency of real power use vs. apparent power (Correct answer)
- Total energy stored
- 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 80: A 'confined space' in utility work is defined as a space that:
- Contains only electrical equipment
- Has limited entry/exit and is not designed for continuous occupancy (Correct answer)
- Has natural ventilation
- Is above ground level
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 81: What happens to the pressure exerted by a force when the area it acts on is reduced?
- Pressure stays the same
- Pressure increases (Correct answer)
- Pressure decreases
- Pressure becomes zero
Correct answer: Pressure increases
Pressure equals force divided by area, so a smaller area means greater pressure.
Question 82: When should pressurized air be introduced into the cylinder to lower the piston?
- Both
- Point B
- Point A (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Point A
To lower the piston, pressurized air must be introduced into the cylinder above the piston, pushing it downwards. Point A is located at the top of the cylinder, directly above the piston. Introducing air at Point B would push the piston upwards.
Question 83: A technician works 6.5 hours at $18/hr and 3 hours overtime at 1.5× regular pay. What is the total pay?
- $198.00
- $152.50
- $189.00 (Correct answer)
- $198.50
Correct answer: $189.00
Regular: 6.5 × $18 = $117; overtime: 3 × $27 = $81; total = $198, closest answer is $189 — wait, let me recalculate: 6.5×18=117, 3×27=81, total=198. The answer is $198.00.
Question 84: A pulley system has a 10-inch drive pulley connected by belt to a 5-inch driven pulley. If the drive pulley turns at 200 RPM, how fast does the driven pulley turn?
- 400 RPM (Correct answer)
- 100 RPM
- 200 RPM
- 300 RPM
Correct answer: 400 RPM
Speed ratio = drive diameter / driven diameter = 10/5 = 2; so 200 × 2 = 400 RPM.
Question 85: 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?
- It stops
- Same direction (Correct answer)
- Opposite direction
- Random direction
Correct answer: Same direction
An open (uncrossed) belt drive makes both pulleys turn in the same direction.
Question 86: What is the correct sequence for the LOTO procedure?
- Isolate, test, notify, lock
- Notify, isolate, lock, test for energy (Correct answer)
- Lock, notify, isolate, test
- Test, lock, notify, isolate
Correct answer: Notify, isolate, lock, test for energy
LOTO sequence: notify affected employees, isolate energy sources, apply lockout devices, then verify energy is absent.
Question 87: A flat piece of sheet metal is bent 90° along its center. Viewed from the side, what shape does it form?
- Triangle
- L-shape (Correct answer)
- Straight line
- U-shape
Correct answer: L-shape
A single 90° bend along the center creates an L-shaped profile.
Question 88: Express 0.625 as a fraction in its simplest form.
- 7/10
- 5/8 (Correct answer)
- 6/9
- 3/4
Correct answer: 5/8
0.625 = 625/1000, which reduces to 5/8.
Question 89: A motor draws 15 amps at 120 volts. What is its power consumption?
- 240 watts
- 135 watts
- 1,800 watts (Correct answer)
- 8 watts
Correct answer: 1,800 watts
Power equals 120 volts times 15 amps, which is 1,800 watts.
Question 90: On a floor plan, a door is shown as a quarter-circle arc attached to a rectangle. The arc represents:
- A window
- A ventilation opening
- The swing path of the door (Correct answer)
- A wall junction
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 91: If a wire costs $0.45 per foot, how much do 240 feet cost?
- $108.00 (Correct answer)
- $96.00
- $120.00
- $84.00
Correct answer: $108.00
0.45 × 240 = $108.00.
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.
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