Question 1

Ohm's Law

Accepted Answer

The principle that current in a DC circuit is directly proportional to voltage and inversely proportional to resistance.

Question 2

Transformer

Accepted Answer

A device that transfers electrical energy between circuits through electromagnetic induction, often changing the voltage.

Question 3

Three-Phase Power

Accepted Answer

A type of polyphase system used in electrical power distribution, characterized by three sinusoidal voltages of the same frequency offset by 120 degrees.

Question 4

Sag

Accepted Answer

The maximum displacement or distance of the conductor from the straight line drawn between two suspension points.

Question 5

Shunt Capacitor Bank

Accepted Answer

A device used to improve the power factor of the electrical system, located near the load center.

Question 6

Circuit Breaker

Accepted Answer

An automatic device for stopping the flow of current in an electric circuit as a safety measure.

Question 7

Impedance

Accepted Answer

The measure of opposition that a circuit presents to a current when a voltage is applied.

Question 8

Recloser

Accepted Answer

An automatic high-voltage electric switch, like a circuit breaker, but has the capability to automatically reset and resume power transmission.

Question 9

Fault Current

Accepted Answer

The abnormal flow of electric current that results from a short circuit.

Question 10

Neutral Grounding

Accepted Answer

The process of connecting the neutral point of a system to the ground to avoid overvoltages.

Question 11

Insulator

Accepted Answer

A material that does not allow electric current to pass through it, used to isolate live parts of an electrical system.

Question 12

Voltage Drop

Accepted Answer

The reduction in voltage in an electrical circuit between the source and the load.

Question 13

Per Unit System

Accepted Answer

A technique used in power system calculation which simplifies the complex power system design and analysis.

Question 14

Dead-End Tower

Accepted Answer

A transmission tower that is used for terminating a power line.

Question 15

Reactive Power

Accepted Answer

The power that oscillates back and forth, stored and released by the reactive components (inductance and capacitance) in the system.

Question 16

Hot Stick

Accepted Answer

An insulated pole, used by electric utility workers when engaged on live-line working on energized high-voltage electric power lines.

Question 17

Step-down Transformer

Accepted Answer

A transformer that reduces the output voltage, or 'steps down' the voltage, while increasing the current.

Question 18

Feeder Line

Accepted Answer

A power line transmitting electrical power from a power plant substation to a distribution network.

Question 19

Load Balancing

Accepted Answer

The process of evenly distributing power over the three phases in a three-phase system.

Question 20

Surge Arrester

Accepted Answer

A device that protects electrical power systems from damages caused by lightning and switching surges.

Question 21

Delta-Wye Transformer

Accepted Answer

A type of transformer that is used to connect a three-phase delta system (three wires) to a three-phase wye system (four wires).

Question 22

Crossarm

Accepted Answer

A horizontal beam on a utility pole that supports and separates conductors.

Question 23

Buck Boost Transformer

Accepted Answer

A type of transformer that is used to adjust the voltage level up or down by a small amount, usually less than 20%.

Question 24

Duckbill Clamp

Accepted Answer

A tool used in the power line industry to clamp onto and hold conductors and other line apparatus.

Question 25

Inductive Reactance

Accepted Answer

The opposition that an inductor offers to alternating current.

Question 26

Radial System

Accepted Answer

A type of power distribution system where each consumer has a single connection to the grid.

Question 27

Fuse Cutout

Accepted Answer

A combination of a fuse and a switch, used in outdoor overhead power lines to protect transformers.

Question 28

Harmonic Distortion

Accepted Answer

A deviation from the ideal sinusoidal waveform expected on the power line.

Question 29

Sag Tension Calculation

Accepted Answer

The process of determining the sag and tension of a conductor under different weather conditions.

Question 30

Load Break Switch

Accepted Answer

A switch that is able to interrupt load current.

Question 31

Guy Wire

Accepted Answer

A tensioned cable used to add stability to a free-standing structure.

Question 32

Electric Field Strength

Accepted Answer

The amount of electric potential energy per unit of charge at a specific point in space.

Question 33

Mutual Inductance

Accepted Answer

The phenomenon where a change in current in one coil induces a voltage in a neighboring coil.

Question 34

Ring Main Unit (RMU)

Accepted Answer

A type of electrical switchgear that protects, controls, and isolates electrical equipment.

Question 35

Load Forecasting

Accepted Answer

Predicting the amount of electric power that will be consumed in the future.

Question 36

Secondary Voltage

Accepted Answer

The output voltage of a transformer.

Question 37

Capacitive Reactance

Accepted Answer

The opposition that a capacitor offers to alternating current.

Question 38

Conductor Bundle

Accepted Answer

A group of two or more conductors that are used together for transmitting electrical power.

Question 39

Power Factor

Accepted Answer

The ratio of real power to apparent power in a circuit.

Question 40

Ferroresonance

Accepted Answer

A type of resonance in electric circuits which involves the interaction of the magnetic field of an inductor and the electric field of a capacitor.

Question 41

Pole Pig

Accepted Answer

Slang for a type of transformer that is mounted on a power pole to step down the high voltage from the power line to the lower voltage used in homes.

Question 42

Automatic Voltage Regulator (AVR)

Accepted Answer

A device designed to maintain a constant voltage level.

Question 43

Galloping Conductor

Accepted Answer

The violent motion of overhead power lines due to wind-induced oscillations.

Question 44

Corona Discharge

Accepted Answer

The emission of ions that occurs when the electric field exceeds a certain value and the air starts to break down and conduct electricity.

Question 45

Distribution Substation

Accepted Answer

A substation that steps down transmission voltage to medium voltage.

Question 46

Lightning Arrester

Accepted Answer

A device used in electrical power systems to protect the insulation and conductors of the system from the damaging effects of lightning.

Question 47

Pole Top Pin

Accepted Answer

A pin that is used on the top of a utility pole to support an insulator and associated line conductor.

Question 48

Insulation Resistance Test

Accepted Answer

A test that measures the resistance of electrical insulation to ensure it can safely resist the applied voltage without conducting current.

Advanced Powerline Technician Flashcards for Red Seal Exam