MUKIRIA TECHNICAL TRAINING INSTITUTE

ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS DEPARTMENT

INTERNAL EXAMINATION
WRITTEN ASSESMENT
TIME: 2HOURS

COURSE NAME: ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION level 5

COURSE CODE: ENG/OS/ET/CC/03/5/A
UNIT NAME: APPLY ELECTRICAL PRINCIPLES
CLASS: EI5/S/23
SERIES: May to August 2025

INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATES
1. This paper contains two section; A and B
2. Answer ALL questions as guided in each section
3. Marks for each questions are as indicated in the brackets
4. You are provided with separate answer booklet to answer the question
5. Do not write in this question paper

This paper consists of FIVE (5) printed pages.

Candidate should check the question paper to ascertain that all the pages are
printed as indicated and that no questions are missing.

Page 1 of
10
 SECTION A (40 MARKS)
Answer ALL questions

1. Current passing through a conductor faces resistance due to several factors. Explain how
the following factors affect resistance of an electrical conductor: (4 marks)
a) Temperature
For most conductors, as temperature increases, the resistance of the electrical
conductor also increases. This is because higher temperatures cause the atoms
within the conductor to vibrate more, leading to more frequent collisions with
the free electrons, thus impeding their flow.
b) Cross-sectional area.
As the cross-sectional area of an electrical conductor increases, its resistance
decreases. A larger cross-sectional area provides more space for electrons to
flow, reducing the obstruction to their movement.
2. Various electrical instruments are used to measure different electrical quantities. State four
electrical instruments and indicate the quantities that they measure. (4 marks)

 Ammeter: Measures current.

 Voltmeter: Measures voltage (potential difference).
 Ohmmeter: Measures resistance.
 Wattmeter: Measures power.

3. It is essential to protect buildings and other structures against lightning. Highlight four
components of the lightning protection system. (4 marks)

 Air termination (lightning rod)

 Down conductors
 Earth termination (grounding electrode)
 Bonding

4. A 110 V D.C supply is connected across a 500 nF capacitor as shown in Figure 1. When
the switch S is opened, the capacitor is left isolated except for the parallel resistor of 6 MΩ.
Determine the p.d. across the capacitor 5s after opening the switch. (4 marks)

Page 2 of
10
 Figure 1

5. Power factor plays a key role in the utilization of energy from the A.C supply to the load
where a power factor close to unity signifies efficient utilization of energy while a lower
power factor signifies inefficient use of energy. List four causes of low power factor in
electrical networks. (4 marks)

 Inductive loads (e.g., induction motors, transformers, fluorescent lamps)

 Under-loaded motors
 Harmonic currents
 Varying load conditions

6. The field winding of a D.C motor has a resistance of 100 Ω at 0°C. Determine the resistance
of a coil at 30°C if the temperature coefficient of resistance is 0.004Ω/°C at 0°C. (4 marks)

7. A capacitor is a component that stores electrical energy in the form of electrostatic

charge. List four examples of capacitors. (4 marks)

 Ceramic capacitor
 Electrolytic capacitor
 Film capacitor
 Mica capacitor

Page 3 of
10
8. A single-phase transformer is rated at 40 kVA. The transformer has full-load copper losses
of 800 W and iron losses of 500 W. Determine the transformer efficiency at full load and
0.8 power factor. (4 marks)

9. Ohm’s law shows the relations between voltage and current in a circuit. State the Ohm’s
law and apply it to calculate the resistance of a coil which draws a current of 70 mA from
a supply of 240 V. (4 marks)

10. A current of 10 A is passed through a 1000-turn coil wound on a circular magnetic circuit
of radius 250 mm. Calculate:
(a) the magnetomotive force

(b) the magnetic field strength. (4 marks)

Page 4 of
10
Page 5 of
10
 SECTION B (60 MARKS)
Answer ALL questions
11. (a) Machines can operate using DC or AC supply. Outline four differences between AC
and DC machines. (8 marks)

 AC Machines: Operate on alternating current. They typically use slip rings or

are brushless. Examples include induction motors, synchronous motors, and
alternators. They are generally more efficient for long-distance power
transmission.
 DC Machines: Operate on direct current. They typically use a commutator
and brushes. Examples include DC motors and DC generators. They are well-
suited for applications requiring variable speed and high starting torque.
 Power Transmission: AC is easier to step up or down in voltage for efficient
long-distance transmission, while DC transmission typically incurs more
losses over long distances without conversion.
 Construction: AC machines, especially induction motors, can be simpler in
construction (e.g., no commutator). DC machines require commutators and
brushes, which need more maintenance.
 Speed Control: DC motors traditionally offer easier and more precise speed
control over a wide range. AC motor speed control has advanced
significantly with technologies like VFDs.

(b) Norton’s theorem are used to convert complex electrical circuits to simpler equivalent
circuits for easier analysis. State Norton’s theorem and use it to calculate the current
flowing in the 12 Ω resistor shown in Figure 2. (12 marks)

Figure 2

Page 6 of
10
12. (a) D.C motors need to undergo routine maintenance in accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions to be able to provide a longer service life. Describe four routine
maintenances carried out on the D.C motors. (8 marks)

 Cleaning: Regularly clean the motor, especially the commutator and brushes,
to prevent dust and dirt accumulation, which can lead to poor contact and
overheating.
 Brush Inspection and Replacement: Check for brush wear, proper seating,
and spring tension. Replace worn brushes to ensure good contact with the
commutator and prevent arcing.
 Commutator Inspection and Cleaning: Inspect the commutator for signs of
wear, pitting, or carbon buildup. Clean the commutator surface and ensure it
is smooth and free from damage to maintain good brush contact.
 Bearing Lubrication: Check and replenish lubrication for motor bearings as
per manufacturer guidelines to reduce friction, prevent overheating, and
extend bearing life.
Page 7 of
10
 (b) Figure 3 shows a coil of resistance 6Ω and inductance 110mH in series with a 100𝜇𝐹
connected to a 240V, 50 Hz supply.

Figure 3
Calculate:

i. the impedance of the circuit;

ii. the current flowing in the circuit;
iii. the phase difference between the supply voltage and current;
iv. the voltage across the coil and;
v. the voltage across the capacitor. (12 marks)
13. (a) The armature of a D.C machine has a resistance of 0.25Ω and it is connected to a 250V
supply. Calculate the e.m.f generated when it is running:
i. as a generator giving 120A;

ii. as a motor taking 90A.

(5 marks)
(b) There are different types of single-phase induction motors extensively used in home
and commercial appliances. With the aid of well labelled diagram, describe the
Page 8 of
10
 operation of a capacitor-start capacitor-run induction motor. (9 marks)

Operation: A capacitor-start capacitor-run induction motor is a type of single-

phase induction motor that uses two capacitors to achieve a higher starting
torque and improved running performance. It has a main winding and an
auxiliary (or starting) winding.

 Starting: At the start, both the starting capacitor (larger value, electrolytic
type) and the running capacitor (smaller value, oil-filled type) are
connected in series with the auxiliary winding. The starting capacitor
provides a large phase shift between the currents in the main and
auxiliary windings, creating a strong rotating magnetic field that produces
high starting torque.
 Running: Once the motor reaches about 70-80% of its synchronous
speed, a centrifugal switch (or sometimes a current relay) disconnects the
starting capacitor from the circuit. The motor then continues to run with
only the running capacitor in series with the auxiliary winding. The
running capacitor helps to maintain a phase difference between the
currents, improving the power factor and efficiency during normal
operation. This continuous phase shift ensures a smoother and more
efficient running condition compared to capacitor-start motors which
disconnect both windings after start.

(c) Heat is produced in transformers during operation due to iron and copper losses. Explain
three ways of cooling transformers. (6 marks)

 Natural Air Cooling (AN - Air Natural): In this method, the heat generated
in the transformer windings and core is dissipated into the surrounding
air by natural convection. The transformer tank is often equipped with fins
or radiators to increase the surface area for heat dissipation. This method
is suitable for smaller transformers.
 Oil Natural Air Natural Cooling (ONAN - Oil Natural Air Natural): The
transformer windings and core are immersed in insulating oil. The oil
absorbs heat by convection and then circulates naturally to the cooling
tubes or radiators on the transformer tank. The heat is then dissipated
from the oil to the surrounding air by natural convection. This is a
common method for medium-sized transformers.
 Forced Air Cooling (AF - Air Forced): Fans are used to force air over the
cooling surfaces (radiators or fins) of the transformer tank. This increases
the rate of heat dissipation and allows the transformer to handle higher
loads. This method is often used in conjunction with oil natural cooling

Page 9 of
10
(OFAF - Oil Forced Air Forced) where pumps circulate the oil, and fans
force air over the coolers.

Page 10 of
10