NETA - InterNational Electrical Testing Association Certified Technicians Electrical Safety and PPE Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A NETA technician is preparing to perform maintenance on a 480V motor control center. An arc flash hazard analysis has determined the incident energy to be 10 cal/cm². According to NFPA 70E, what is the minimum Arc Flash PPE Category required for this task?
- Category 1
- Category 2
- Category 3 (Correct answer)
- Category 4
Correct answer: Category 3
NFPA 70E specifies Arc Flash PPE Categories based on incident energy. Category 3 is required for exposures with a minimum arc rating of 25 cal/cm². Since the calculated incident energy is 10 cal/cm², the technician must use PPE with a rating that meets or exceeds this value. Category 2 has a minimum rating of 8 cal/cm², which is insufficient. Category 3, with its minimum of 25 cal/cm², is the appropriate choice, providing adequate protection.
Question 2: When establishing an electrically safe work condition, what is the final step a qualified person must take before beginning work?
- Apply lockout/tagout devices.
- Notify affected personnel.
- Visually inspect that all blades are fully open.
- Use an adequately rated test instrument to verify the absence of voltage. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Use an adequately rated test instrument to verify the absence of voltage.
According to OSHA and NFPA 70E, the final and most critical step before touching conductors or circuit parts is to use an appropriately rated test instrument to verify that the circuit is de-energized. This step confirms that all energy sources have been successfully isolated and no voltage is present.
Question 3: A technician is wearing rubber insulating gloves with leather protectors. Which of the following statements is true regarding the use of this PPE?
- Leather protectors provide primary insulation against electric shock.
- Rubber insulating gloves must be visually inspected and air-tested before each use. (Correct answer)
- The leather protectors are optional when working on circuits below 600V.
- The combination provides adequate protection against any level of arc flash.
Correct answer: Rubber insulating gloves must be visually inspected and air-tested before each use.
OSHA and ASTM standards require that rubber insulating gloves be inspected for any damage, such as cuts, holes, or ozone cutting, before each day's use and after any incident that could cause damage. An air test is a simple and effective method to check for pinholes. Leather protectors are for mechanical protection, not insulation, and are mandatory.
Question 4: Which of the following approach boundaries, as defined by NFPA 70E, may an unqualified person cross only if they are continuously escorted by a qualified person?
- Arc Flash Boundary
- Prohibited Approach Boundary
- Restricted Approach Boundary
- Limited Approach Boundary (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Limited Approach Boundary
The Limited Approach Boundary is the distance from an exposed energized part where a shock hazard exists. An unqualified person may only cross this boundary if they are advised of the potential hazards and are continuously escorted by a qualified person.
Question 5: A team of three NETA technicians is required to perform a lockout/tagout (LOTO) on a single piece of equipment. What is the correct procedure for applying locks?
- The lead technician applies one lock for the entire team.
- A single lock is used, and the key is left in a designated control room.
- Each technician must apply their own personal lock and tag to the energy isolating device. (Correct answer)
- Any technician can apply a lock as long as their name is on the group tag.
Correct answer: Each technician must apply their own personal lock and tag to the energy isolating device.
OSHA's standard for Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout) requires that each employee working on the equipment places their own personal lock and tag on the energy isolating device. This ensures that the equipment cannot be re-energized until every individual has completed their work and removed their personal lock.
Question 6: Which of the following is NOT a required piece of PPE for a task determined to be Arc Flash PPE Category 2?
- An arc-rated balaclava or arc flash suit hood.
- Safety glasses or goggles.
- A double-layered arc flash suit. (Correct answer)
- Arc-rated long-sleeve shirt and pants or coveralls.
Correct answer: A double-layered arc flash suit.
Arc Flash PPE Category 2 requires arc-rated clothing with a minimum arc rating of 8 cal/cm², an arc-rated balaclava or hood, and safety glasses. A full double-layered arc flash suit is typically associated with higher categories, such as Category 3 (25 cal/cm²) or Category 4 (40 cal/cm²).
NETA - InterNational Electrical Testing Association Certified Technicians Electrical Safety and PPE Questions and Answers
A NETA technician is preparing to perform maintenance on a 480V motor control center.
An arc flash hazard analysis has determined the incident energy to be 10 cal/cm².
According to NFPA 70E, what is the minimum Arc Flash PPE Category required for this task?