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Mixed Deck — All IBEW Topics Flashcards

100 cards from real IBEW practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 20 Mixed Deck — All IBEW Topics flashcards as text

  1. What does the word 'NOMINAL' mean as used in electrical specifications?

    Answer: A named or stated value that may vary slightly in practice

    Nominal means 'in name only' — a stated value used for identification that is approximate in practice (e.g., 120V nominal may be 114-126V).

  2. Read: 'Three-phase power is preferred for industrial applications because it delivers more power per conductor than single-phase and provides a more constant power flow. Motors running on three-phase power are simpler, more reliable, and more efficient.' What advantage of three-phase power for motors is NOT mentioned?

    Answer: Less expensive to install

    Installation cost is not mentioned. The passage mentions simpler, more reliable, and more efficient.

  3. A blueprint uses a scale of 1/4 inch = 1 foot. A wall measures 3.5 inches on the blueprint. What is the actual length?

    Answer: 14 feet

    Scale: 1/4 inch = 1 foot, so 1 inch = 4 feet. Actual length = 3.5 × 4 = 14 feet.

  4. Passage: 'Conduit must be supported at regular intervals to prevent sagging and mechanical damage. Rigid metal conduit (RMC) requires supports every 10 feet, while electrical metallic tubing (EMT) requires support every 10 feet but with additional supports within 3 feet of each box or fitting.' What is unique about EMT support requirements compared to RMC?

    Answer: EMT requires additional supports near boxes and fittings

    The passage says EMT needs supports every 10 feet like RMC, but also requires additional supports within 3 feet of each box or fitting.

  5. Use the quadratic formula to solve: x² - 4x - 5 = 0

    Answer: x = 5 and x = -1

    a=1, b=-4, c=-5. Discriminant=16+20=36. x=(4±6)/2. x=5 or x=-1.

  6. The sum of the first 5 terms of an arithmetic sequence is 65. If the first term is 5, what is the common difference?

    Answer: 4

    S_n = n/2 × (2a + (n-1)d). 65 = 2.5 × (10 + 4d). 26 = 10 + 4d. 4d = 16. d = 4.

  7. Passage: 'A short circuit occurs when electricity takes an unintended low-resistance path. This causes excessive current to flow, which can melt wiring insulation, start fires, or damage equipment. Overcurrent protection devices like fuses and circuit breakers are designed to stop this dangerous current flow.' What can a short circuit cause according to the passage?

    Answer: Melted insulation, fires, or equipment damage

    The passage lists: 'melt wiring insulation, start fires, or damage equipment' as consequences of short circuit current.

  8. Read: 'The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) was founded in 1891 to represent the interests of electrical workers. Today, it represents approximately 775,000 active members and 820,000 retirees across the United States and Canada.' When was the IBEW founded?

    Answer: 1891

    The passage states the IBEW 'was founded in 1891.'

  9. Two gears mesh together. Gear A has 12 teeth and Gear B has 36 teeth. If Gear A rotates at 900 RPM, how fast does Gear B rotate?

    Answer: 300 RPM

    Gear ratio = 12/36 = 1/3, so Gear B spins at 900 × (1/3) = 300 RPM.

  10. Which sentence uses the word 'circuit' correctly in an electrical context?

    Answer: The circuit breaker tripped when the load exceeded capacity.

    In electrical context, a circuit is a complete path for current flow. Circuit breakers protect electrical circuits.

  11. Read the following passage and answer the question below. "The Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) standard is a critical safety procedure designed to protect employees from the unexpected energization or startup of machinery, or the release of hazardous energy during service activities. Before any maintenance is performed, the equipment must be isolated from its energy source and rendered inoperative. The authorized employee will affix a lock and a tag to the isolating device, ensuring that the equipment being controlled cannot be operated until the lock and tag are removed by the same employee who applied them."

    Answer: To prevent workers from being harmed by an accidental machine startup.

    The first sentence of the passage explicitly states that the LOTO procedure is designed to 'protect employees from the unexpected energization or startup of machinery... or the release of hazardous energy'. This directly supports the idea that its primary purpose is to prevent harm from accidental startups.

  12. Solve: 3x/4 - 2 = 7

    Answer: x = 12

    3x/4 = 9. 3x = 36. x = 12.

  13. A work instruction reads: 'After completing rough-in wiring, all boxes must be covered with blank cover plates or device covers before the site is left unattended. Exposed energized parts are a violation of OSHA standards.' The MAIN reason for this requirement is to:

    Answer: Prevent accidental contact with exposed electrical parts

    The instruction explicitly references OSHA standards and 'exposed energized parts,' indicating the primary purpose is preventing accidental contact with live electrical components.

  14. Read the passage and determine the meaning of the word 'obviates' in this context. 'Proper planning is essential in any complex electrical installation. Creating a detailed schematic before starting work clarifies the layout of circuits, the placement of components, and the required materials. This foresight often reveals potential problems, such as conductor overfill in a conduit or an overloaded circuit. Addressing these issues on paper first is far more efficient than correcting them after the physical installation has begun. A well-designed schematic obviates the need for costly and time-consuming rework on the job site.' In the context of the passage, the word 'obviates' most nearly means:

    Answer: Removes

    The passage explains that a good schematic helps avoid problems and the need for rework. Therefore, it 'removes' or eliminates the necessity for this rework. The other options are contrary to the meaning of the sentence.

  15. A circuit requires two resistors, R1 and R2. The resistance of R1 is 5 ohms more than twice the resistance of R2. The total resistance of the circuit is 32 ohms. What is the resistance of R2?

    Answer: 9 ohms

    Let R2 be 'x'. Then R1 can be expressed as '2x + 5'. Since the total resistance is the sum of the individual resistances, the equation is (2x + 5) + x = 32. Combine the like terms: 3x + 5 = 32. Subtract 5 from both sides: 3x = 27. Divide by 3 to find x: x = 9. So, the resistance of R2 is 9 ohms.

  16. Read this: 'Grounding protects people from electrical shock by providing a low-resistance path for fault current to return to the source. Without proper grounding, a metal enclosure could become energized, creating a shock hazard.' What is the main benefit of grounding described?

    Answer: Protecting people from shock

    The passage states grounding 'protects people from electrical shock.'

  17. Choose the word most similar in meaning to DILIGENT.

    Answer: Hardworking

    Diligent means showing care and effort — hardworking is the closest synonym.

  18. Factor by grouping: x³ + 2x² + 3x + 6

    Answer: (x + 2)(x² + 3)

    Group: (x³+2x²) + (3x+6). Factor each: x²(x+2) + 3(x+2). Factor out (x+2): (x+2)(x²+3).

  19. Find the next term: 81, 27, 9, 3, ___?

    Answer: 1

    Each term is divided by 3, so 3 ÷ 3 = 1.

  20. An electrician's hourly rate is $28. Overtime (time and a half) applies after 8 hours. How much is earned in a 10-hour day?

    Answer: $308

    Regular: 8 × $28 = $224. Overtime rate: $28 × 1.5 = $42. OT pay: 2 × $42 = $84. Total: $224 + $84 = $308.