1. List six areas where faults can occur in an electrical installation.

Solution
Wiring
Cable terminations
Accessories
Connections
Luminaries
Switch gear
(any other) (6 marks)

2. Describe three situations which may affect rectification of a fault in an

installation.

Solution
1. Access to the area where the fault is eg on an oven that is too hot to work on.
(2 marks)
2. Provision of an emergency supply eg in a hospital or similar situation.
(2 marks)
3. Client demand for a continuous supply eg fault in an IT installation therefore
emergency supply needs to be verified before disconnection. (2 marks)

3. Describe special precautions that need to be taken when:

a. handling sensitive electronic components
b. working on equipment having large capacitive circuits
c. terminating fibre optic cables.

Solution
a. Take precautions against damage when handling due to electrostatic electricity.
(2 marks)
b. Isolate from the supply and discharge capacitors.
(2 marks)
c. Follow manufactures termination procedures and take extra care to avoid cuts
and damage to eyes from glass shards and splinters. (2 marks)

__________________________________________________ _________________

4. a. State the procedures to be carried out before starting fault diagnosis in

terms of:
(i) procedures for isolation
(ii) proof of voltage testing equipment

b. State procedures regarding functional checks on completion of the rectification

process.

Solution
a. (i) Ensure loads are disconnected using switches and circuit breakers designed
to open circuits on load, switch off the isolator and lock in the off position.
(2 marks)
(ii) Prior to testing, check voltage test equipment against a known source to
ensure correct operation and calibration. (2 marks)

b. Check polarity, continuity and insulation tests before connecting the supply
and earth fault loop impedance tests with the supply connected, check operation of
all circuits and equipment. (2 marks)
5. a) List three sources of information that may be referred to when commissioning
an installation.

b) Identify three building materials which may need replacement/making good after
fault finding.

Solution

a)
IEE wiring regulations
contract specification
wiring diagram
distribution drawings
manufactures instructions
statutory regulations
(any three from six) (3 marks)

b) Brickwork, plaster, decoration or suitable alternatives (3 marks)

6. Name the type of instrument with typical range to be used for the following
tests
a. continuity of protective conductors
b. RCD testing
c. Measurement of current on load.

Solution
a. A low reading meter with a range typically 0�2 though may also be auto
ranging. (2 marks)
b. An rcd tester indicating milli seconds. (2 marks)
c. A Clamp meter (Tong tester), usually with an adjustable setting up to 20 kA. (2
marks)

A customer reports that a PVC SWA cable feeding an outbuilding appears to have
developed a fault after years of satisfactory service. Identify three tests and
the respective instruments that may be used to verify the state of the cable.

Solution
Any from
Test for voltage at supply and load end using approved voltage tester.
Test of fuses at supply using low reading meter.
Insulation resistance test of cable using IR tester.
Continuity of conductors using low reading meter.

Or suitable alternatives (3 x 2).

8. Describe briefly how to carry out the following tests on an existing, but
disconnected, installation.
a. continuity of main equipotential bonding conductor
b. insulation resistance test on a lighting circuit containing two-way switching.

Solution
a. Use a low resistance reading meter and a long lead. Disconnect the bonding
conductor at one end to avoid parallel earth paths. Use the long lead and meter to
test between each end of the bonding conductor. (3 marks)
b. Use an IR tester, test between phase and neutral conductors and between phase
and neutral conductors connected together and earth, all lamps removed or
disconnected, all fuses in and switches closed. Operate two-way switches to ensure
all cables in circuit are tested. (3 marks)

After fault rectification, it is required to test the Earth loop impedance at the
intake position and at the furthest point of Radial socket circuit.

Describe how to carry out the test for

a. Ze
b. Zs

Solution

Isolate the Installation and prove dead. Disconnect Earthing conductor at MET
or board. Connect ELZ meter to E, N and P in that order. Observe safe to test and
take reading. Reinstate system including reconnection of Earthing conductor. (3
marks)
With all protective conductors in place, plug in ELZ tester to socket. Check that
the correct lamps are illuminated on the test instrument. If safe to do so, take
reading. (3 marks)

Describe three instrument tests to be carried out on a 30mA rcd to BS 4293 used
for supplementary protection against electric shock (no time delay). Include test
currents and maximum disconnection times in your answer.

Solution

Test 1 at 0.5 rating of rcd 15mA. Test on both half waves. Should not disconnect.
(2 marks)
Test 2. at 1 x rating of rcd. 30 mA. Test on both half waves. Should not exceed
200 mS. (2 marks)
Test 3 at 5 x rating of rcd. 150mA. Test on both half waves. Should not exceed 40
mS. (2 marks)

11. a. List the documentation which needs to be completed when the following work
has been carried out on an electrical installation:
i) major restoration work on an electrical installation
ii) minor additions to an electrical installation.

b. State two reasons why it is necessary to inform the client of any restoration
work which needs to be completed following repair of an electrical installation.

Solution
a) i) An Electrical installation certificate together with
a schedule of inspections and
a schedule of test results. (3 marks)
ii) A minor electrical installation certificate (BS 7671: 1997). (1 marks)

b) (any two from)

Client needs to know of extra costs involved.
Client needs to know of time element involved before completion.
Client needs decide extent repair/making good. (2 marks)

12. Describe briefly the following three types of regulation which can be referred
to when re-commissioning an electrical installation:
1. Electricity at Work Regulations
2. Electricity Safety, Quality and Continuity Regulations 2002.
3. IEE Wiring Regulations

Solution (2 marks each)

1. Electricity at Work Regulations � these regulations describe in broad terms the
measures to be taken to ensure the safe installation and use of equipment.
2. Electricity safety, Quality and Continuity regulations � these regulations
ensure the safety of the public and that proper and sufficient supply of
electricity is provided.
3. IEE Wiring Regulations � these regulations lay down in detail recommendations
for safe installation and use of electrical equipment.

#SmartScreen
Level 3 Certificate in Electrotechnical Technology Unit 3 Sample questions 2
answers

##

#Unit 3: Installation (Buildings and Structures): Fault diagnosis and

rectification
Sample questions 2
Answer guide

1. (1.1.a-d)

Identify, for each of the following, the number of phases and voltage normally
supplied to the equipment.

a. Ring final circuit

b. 20 kW cage motor
c. FELV control circuit
d. High pressure sodium lighting
e. 10 kW shower unit
f. 4 kW plant on construction site

Solution
a. 1 phase 230v
b. 3 phase 400v
c. 1 phase 50 v max
d. 1 phase 230v
e. 1 phase 230v
f. 3 phase 400v (6 marks)

2. (1.2. a-d)

State, with the aid of a flow chart, the safe working procedures to be applied
before undertaking fault diagnosis.
Solution ?
Or similar suitable answer. (6 marks)

3. (1.5 a-h)

Identify a typical fault for each of the positions/items shown.

Circuit breaker
Cable connection
?
Slotted joist Socket Plug Water heater

Solution

Position Possible fault

1. Circuit breaker Open circuit, burnt contacts etc
2. Cable connection Loose connection, burnt / overheated insulation, exposed
conductors etc
3. Slotted joist Cable pinched by floorboard, nail through cable
4. Socket Loose connections, burnt out connections etc
5. Plug Loose connections, open circuit conductors, failed cable strain.
6. Water heater Open circuit element, burnt connections, failed thermostat,
thermal device.

(6 marks)

4. (1.4)

You are called to a factory to rectify a fault on a piece of equipment which has a
recorded history of regular breakdowns.

Identify the logical steps to be taken in tracing the fault.

Solution
a. Information on events leading up to fault including talking to staff. (2 marks)
b. Information from verbal and written reports. (2 marks)
c. Analysis of evidence and use of tests to diagnose cause of faults (2 marks)

5. (1.6. a-c)

Describe, for each of the following, the typical symptom of

a. complete loss of supply at origin
b. localised loss of supply
c. overload or fault current devices operating.

Solution
a. The whole building or local area has a loss of supply. (2 marks)
b. An area or floor of a building has a loss of supply. (2 marks)
c. A single circuit is not working. (2 marks)

6. (1.7. a-c)
An item of machinery in a process sequence develops a fault. The machine is eight
years old and out of warranty.

Identify three factors which would influence the decision to repair the machinery.

Solution
a. Availability of replacements. (2 marks)
b. Downtime under fault conditions. (2 marks)
c. Costs. (2 marks)

Or alternative suitable answers.

7. (1.6. d-f)

For each of the following faults, identify a possible cause.

a. Transient voltage
b. Insulation failure
c. Component failure

Solution
a. Caused by switching of inductive or capacitive loads. (2 marks)
b. Mechanical damage to insulation by a nail, overheating of cables etc. (2 marks)
c. Caused by overloading, failure of contacts, damage by mechanical forces,
strain.
(2 marks)

8. (1.8)

Work is to be carried out in the storage area of a large supermarket which is

operational 24 hours a day, even when the shop is closed. Members of the staff
need lighting and access to the area to reach refrigeration storage.

Identify three factors which may affect rectification.

Solution
a. Access to system/equipment. (2 marks)
b. Provision of emergency/standby equipment. (2 marks)
c. Client demand for a continuous supply. (2 marks)

9. (2.1. a-e)

List relevant sources of information to help recommissioning with respect to

a. setting of controls on an industrial heating system
b. checking test values with published data
c. determining cable runs and control equipment for installed equipment.

Solution
a. Manufacturer�s instructions/manuals. (2 marks)
b. IEE regulations or similar source. (2 marks)
c. Contract specification/as fitted drawings. (2 marks)

Or suitable alternatives.
10. (2.4. a�g)

A single phase 230v TN-S Domestic Installation is to be tested for Zs, Ipsc and
RCBO operation.

Identify the three test instruments required and the scale settings of the
instruments.

Solution
a. Earth loop impedance test instrument (1 mark). Typical range 0 � 2 (1 mark).
b. Prospective short circuit test instrument (1 mark) 0 � 20 kA (1 mark).
c. RCD test instrument (1 mark) 0 � 300 ms (1 mark).

11. (2.5 a-c)

Explain the importance of

a. verifying voltage indicators before and after use on a known supply or proving
unit
b. checking test equipment before and after use
c. regular calibration of test instruments.

Solution
a. To prove they are working before testing and still working after being used and
have not failed between the first proving test and testing the supply. (1 mark)
The supply under test cannot be used as it will be off after isolation. (1 mark)
b. To ensure it is not damaged before and after use (1 mark). To check it is
working correctly and fit for use. (1 mark)
c. Should be calibrated at regular intervals to ensure the readings given are
within allowable ranges. (2 marks)

12. (2.8 a-c)

The rectification of faults within an installation has required the replacement of

a number of cable and conduit runs which had previously been chased into the walls
and floors.

a. Identify three building materials which may need to be restored (made good)
upon completion.
b. State the need to agree with the customer the responsibility for the work in
(a).

Solution
a. Any out of: brick, block, plaster, concrete, screed, plaster board, decorations
etc
(3 marks)

b. Who does it, who pays for it, to what extent is it carried out or suitable
alternatives.
(3 marks)

13. (2.9)

The rectification of faults and upgrading of a fluorescent lighting system has

produced a quantity of waste material, namely cardboard packaging, old Fluorescent
tubes and quantity of PVC cable off-cuts.

For each of the above, state the action to be taken regarding disposal.

Solution
a. Cardboard to be collected or transported to a recycling depot. (2 marks)
b. Fluorescent tubes to be securely packaged and collected by a licensed company
for safe disposal. Answer may also refer to returning to wholesaler, manufacturer
for safe disposal or licensed lamp crushing company etc. (2 marks)
c. To be taken off site and disposed of in line with legislation which may include
recycling as copper and pvc separately. (2 marks)

(Any answer must refer to recycling and correct removal of waste. Any reference to
burning or indiscriminate smashing of tubes will result in zero marks.)

14. (2.6 a + d)

A number of modular fittings have been replaced as part of an office

refurbishment.

State why
a. a continuity of protective conductors test is carried out before any other test
b. an insulation resistance test should be carried out before connecting the
fluorescent luminaires
c. It is not necessary to carry out a polarity test if the R1 + R2 method has been
used in (a) above.
Solution
a. All of the following tests depend on there being a continuous earth path for
them to be effective. (2 marks)
b. The fluorescent luminaire components will give false readings if connected
(2 marks)
c. The R1 + R2 test and the polarity test are the same, provided the switches have
been operated during the continuity test. (2 marks)

15. (2.6 d,e & g)

a. State why an earth loop impedance test instrument may be used instead of an
Earth Electrode resistance tester on a TT system.

b. Identify three items of equipment which may require functional testing after
rectification of faults.

Solution
a. The earth loop impedance tester will give an ic reading for the complete loop
path. The resistance of the conductor section is so low compared to the electrode
resistance that for practical terms it may be ignored. (3 marks)

b. Any switch or control, light switch, motor starter, thermostat etc. (3 marks)

16. (2.6.a)
A ring final circuit has been restored after fire damage in a cupboard.

State
a. one advantage of carrying out the continuity of ring circuit test from a
restored socket rather than the distribution board.
b. a reason why the test indicates increasing resistance values as the centre
point of the ring is approached.
c. one other test the ring final circuit test automatically proves.

Solution
a. Access to the ring conductors inside the D.B is not required. This often
requires all the board to be isolated, isolating other circuits at the same time.
(2 marks)
b. The figure of 8 cross connection is incorrect. (2 marks)
c. Polarity of sockets (2 marks)