Reading Comprehension Skills Flashcards

A technical manual states: 'Before energizing any circuit, the technician must verify that all grounding conductors are properly connected and that no personnel are within the restricted zone.' What is the PRIMARY purpose of this instruction?

Answer: To ensure safety before applying power

The instruction lists two safety preconditions (grounding and personnel clearance) that must be met before energizing, making worker safety the primary purpose.

A passage reads: 'The National Electrical Code requires that all electrical installations be inspected and approved by the authority having jurisdiction prior to being placed in service.' Which term describes 'the authority having jurisdiction'?

Answer: The organization or official responsible for enforcing code

'Authority having jurisdiction' (AHJ) is a standard NEC term referring to the organization, office, or individual responsible for enforcing the requirements of a code.

Read this excerpt: 'Conductors shall be protected from physical damage. Where subject to physical damage, conductors shall be protected by conduit, electrical metallic tubing, Schedule 80 PVC, or equivalent.' The word 'equivalent' most likely means:

Answer: Another protection method offering comparable protection

'Equivalent' here means another method that provides a comparable level of physical protection to the listed options.

A work order reads: 'Install a 20-ampere, 120-volt, GFCI-protected receptacle in the bathroom. Ensure the receptacle is tamper-resistant and located within 36 inches of the basin.' What does 'tamper-resistant' most likely refer to?

Answer: A receptacle with internal shutters that block foreign objects

Tamper-resistant receptacles have internal shutters that prevent children from inserting objects into the slots unless equal pressure is applied to both slots simultaneously.

A safety bulletin states: 'Lockout/Tagout procedures must be followed when performing maintenance on electrical equipment. A lockout device physically prevents the energy source from being re-energized, while a tagout device only provides a warning.' Based on this, which provides MORE protection?

Answer: Lockout, because it physically prevents re-energization

The passage explicitly states that a lockout device physically prevents re-energization, making it more protective than a tagout device which only provides a warning.

A passage says: 'Overcurrent protection devices must be rated for the circuit's voltage and must interrupt fault current before damage occurs to conductors or equipment.' The phrase 'interrupt fault current' means:

Answer: Stop the flow of abnormal excess current during a fault

Interrupting fault current means stopping the abnormal flow of electricity that occurs during a short circuit or ground fault before it can cause damage.

An instruction reads: 'When pulling wire through conduit, apply only approved pulling lubricant. Do not use petroleum-based lubricants on conductors with thermoplastic insulation, as they may cause insulation degradation.' Why is the lubricant type important?

Answer: Petroleum lubricants can damage thermoplastic insulation over time

The passage explicitly warns that petroleum-based lubricants can cause degradation (breakdown) of thermoplastic insulation, which is why lubricant type matters.