IBEW Reading Comprehension Analysis 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A technical manual states: 'Three-phase power is preferred over single-phase for motors above 1 HP because it provides smoother power delivery and greater efficiency.' A facility needs a 5 HP motor. What does the manual suggest?
- A single-phase motor because it is simpler to wire
- A three-phase motor because it is more efficient for that power level (Correct answer)
- Either phase type since 5 HP is a borderline rating
- A DC motor to avoid phase concerns entirely
Correct answer: A three-phase motor because it is more efficient for that power level
The manual states three-phase is preferred above 1 HP, and 5 HP exceeds that threshold.
Question 2: A regulation reads: 'Grounding electrode conductors shall be installed in one continuous length without splices or joints, except where splices are made by irreversible compression-type connectors or exothermic welding.' A worker wants to splice a grounding electrode conductor using wire nuts. Is this permitted?
- Yes, wire nuts are standard connectors approved for all uses
- No, only irreversible compression connectors or exothermic welding are allowed (Correct answer)
- Yes, if the splice is inside a junction box
- No, grounding electrode conductors cannot be spliced under any circumstances
Correct answer: No, only irreversible compression connectors or exothermic welding are allowed
Wire nuts are not irreversible compression connectors, so the regulation prohibits their use for this splice.
Question 3: A passage reads: 'The demand factor is the ratio of the maximum demand of a system to its connected load. A demand factor less than 1 indicates that not all connected equipment operates simultaneously.' A building has 200 A of connected load but a measured maximum demand of 140 A. What is its demand factor?
- 0.70 (Correct answer)
- 1.43
- 0.30
- 1.00
Correct answer: 0.70
Demand factor = maximum demand ÷ connected load = 140 ÷ 200 = 0.70.
Question 4: A safety bulletin states: 'Arc flash hazard labels must be placed on all electrical equipment that requires examination, adjustment, servicing, or maintenance while energized.' A technician is asked to read a meter on an energized panel. Does the panel require an arc flash label?
- No, reading a meter does not count as maintenance
- Yes, because examination of energized equipment requires the label (Correct answer)
- Only if the panel is over 480 V
- Only if the technician will open the panel door
Correct answer: Yes, because examination of energized equipment requires the label
The bulletin explicitly includes examination alongside maintenance, so reading a meter qualifies.
Question 5: A passage explains: 'Voltage drop in a circuit is proportional to the resistance of the conductors and the current flowing through them. Using larger gauge wire reduces resistance and therefore reduces voltage drop.' A long run is experiencing excessive voltage drop. What does the passage suggest?
- Increase the voltage at the source
- Use a larger gauge wire to reduce resistance (Correct answer)
- Add more outlets to distribute the load
- Reduce the number of conductors in the conduit
Correct answer: Use a larger gauge wire to reduce resistance
The passage directly states that larger gauge wire reduces resistance and therefore voltage drop.
Question 6: A code section reads: 'Each multiwire branch circuit shall be provided with a means to simultaneously disconnect all ungrounded conductors at the point where the branch circuit originates.' What does 'simultaneously' require in practice?
- Each hot leg can be disconnected with separate breakers tripped one at a time
- A common trip or handle-tied breaker that opens all hot legs at once (Correct answer)
- A single disconnect located at the last outlet on the circuit
- Disconnects at both the panel and the load end
Correct answer: A common trip or handle-tied breaker that opens all hot legs at once
Simultaneously means all ungrounded conductors open at the same time, requiring common-trip or handle-tied breakers.
Question 7: An apprenticeship handbook states: 'Apprentices must complete a minimum of 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 900 hours of related classroom instruction to be eligible for journeyman status.' An apprentice has 7,500 OJT hours and 950 classroom hours. What is their status?
- Eligible, because classroom hours exceed the minimum
- Not eligible, because OJT hours are below the 8,000-hour requirement (Correct answer)
- Eligible, because the total combined hours exceed 8,900
- Not eligible, because both requirements must be met simultaneously
Correct answer: Not eligible, because OJT hours are below the 8,000-hour requirement
Both requirements must be met independently; 7,500 OJT hours falls short of the 8,000-hour minimum.
IBEW Reading Comprehension Analysis 3
A technical manual states: 'Three-phase power is preferred over single-phase for motors above 1 HP because it provides smoother power delivery and greater efficiency.' A facility needs a 5 HP motor.
What does the manual suggest?