LLC Tools & Equipment Operation 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A lux meter (foot-candle meter) is used during a landscape lighting project to:
- Verify transformer voltage output
- Measure illuminance levels at specific locations on the site (Correct answer)
- Check wire insulation integrity
- Program timer settings
Correct answer: Measure illuminance levels at specific locations on the site
A lux meter quantifies the light level reaching a surface, allowing designers to verify photometric plans are achieved.
Question 2: What is the correct procedure when using a non-contact voltage tester near a low-voltage landscape transformer's primary side?
- Use it freely; low-voltage transformers produce no line-voltage hazard
- Confirm the tester is rated for line voltage (120V/240V) before testing primary terminals (Correct answer)
- Use only a standard screwdriver to probe terminals
- Skip testing since transformers are always de-energized
Correct answer: Confirm the tester is rated for line voltage (120V/240V) before testing primary terminals
The primary side of a landscape transformer carries full line voltage (120V or 240V), requiring a tester rated for that voltage range.
Question 3: A fish tape is typically made of steel or fiberglass; in landscape lighting, fiberglass fish tape is preferred near energized equipment because:
- It is heavier and easier to push
- It is non-conductive, reducing shock risk near live conductors (Correct answer)
- It corrodes less in wet soil
- It can carry current for testing
Correct answer: It is non-conductive, reducing shock risk near live conductors
Fiberglass fish tape is non-conductive, making it safer to use in areas where accidental contact with energized components is possible.
Question 4: When using a soil probe or rod driver to install a ground rod for a transformer, what depth is typically required by NEC Article 250?
- 4 feet
- 6 feet
- 8 feet (Correct answer)
- 10 feet
Correct answer: 8 feet
NEC Article 250 requires driven ground rods to be at least 8 feet long and fully buried in the earth.
Question 5: A conduit bender is used to form sweeping bends in EMT or PVC conduit; the key reason for using proper bending radius is:
- To make conduit look more attractive
- To prevent kinking that would restrict wire pulling and damage insulation (Correct answer)
- To meet color-coding requirements
- To reduce conduit cost
Correct answer: To prevent kinking that would restrict wire pulling and damage insulation
Proper bending radius prevents conduit kinks, which would restrict cable movement and could strip insulation during pulling.
Question 6: Which instrument should a landscape lighting technician use to verify that a transformer's secondary taps are delivering the correct voltage under load?
- Non-contact voltage tester
- True-RMS digital multimeter (Correct answer)
- Lux meter
- Megohmmeter
Correct answer: True-RMS digital multimeter
A true-RMS digital multimeter accurately measures AC voltage under load, accounting for waveform distortion from transformer saturation.
Question 7: When operating a cable locator (pipe/cable locator) before excavation in a landscape area, the transmitter is connected to:
- The lighting fixture
- The buried cable or metallic conduit to induce a traceable signal (Correct answer)
- The transformer secondary terminals only
- A ground rod for signal transmission
Correct answer: The buried cable or metallic conduit to induce a traceable signal
The transmitter injects a frequency signal directly into the cable or conduit so the receiver can trace its path underground.
LLC Tools & Equipment Operation 3
A lux meter (foot-candle meter) is used during a landscape lighting project to: