Basic Field Questions for Electrical Engineer
Q1. Difference between MCB, MCCB, ACB, and VCB?
MCB (Miniature Circuit Breaker): Used for low current applications, mainly residential and
light commercial.
MCCB (Molded Case Circuit Breaker): Used for higher current applications with adjustable
protection settings.
ACB (Air Circuit Breaker): Used in low-voltage systems with very high current capacity.
VCB (Vacuum Circuit Breaker): Used in medium-voltage systems, switching occurs in
vacuum.
Q2. How do you select cable size for a motor or load?
Cable size is selected based on current carrying capacity, allowable voltage drop, short-
circuit withstand rating, and derating factors such as temperature and installation method.
Q3. Difference between LT and HT systems?
LT (Low Tension) systems operate at voltages up to 1kV.
HT (High Tension) systems operate above 1kV, such as 11kV or 33kV.
Q4. What is power factor and why is it important?
Power factor is the ratio of active power to apparent power. A good power factor improves
system efficiency and reduces energy losses and penalties.
Q5. Explain star–delta starter.
A star–delta starter initially starts the motor in star connection to reduce starting current,
then shifts to delta connection for normal operation at full voltage.
Q6. Formula to calculate 3-phase motor current?
I = P / (√3 × V × PF × η)
Where P = power, V = voltage, PF = power factor, η = efficiency.
Q7. Difference between isolator and circuit breaker?
An isolator is used for no-load switching and safety isolation.
A circuit breaker can interrupt load and fault currents.
Q8. What are harmonics?
Harmonics are distortions in voltage or current waveforms caused by non-linear loads.
They can cause overheating and equipment malfunction.
Q9. Why do we use capacitor banks?
Capacitor banks are used to improve power factor, reduce reactive power, and avoid utility
penalties.
Q10. Difference between earthing, grounding, and bonding?
Earthing: Connecting equipment body to earth.
Grounding: Connecting system neutral to earth.
Bonding: Interconnecting metallic parts for safety.
Q11. What are standard voltages in Gulf countries?
Low Voltage: 230/400V
Medium Voltage: 11kV
High Voltage: 33kV, 132kV, 220kV.
Q12. How do you test a transformer at site?
Common tests include insulation resistance (IR) test, turns ratio test, polarity test, and oil
BDV test.
Q13. What tests are done before commissioning a motor?
Insulation resistance test, continuity test, rotation check, and no-load run test.
Q14. How to identify underground cable faults?
Using insulation resistance tester (megger), Time Domain Reflectometer (TDR), or cable
fault locator.
Q15. What safety steps before working on live systems?
Apply lockout-tagout, discharge stored energy, wear PPE, and obtain permit to work.
Q16. Procedure for motor megger testing?
Disconnect the motor, apply 500V or 1000V DC using megger, and ensure insulation
resistance is at least 1MΩ.
Q17. What protections are used for motors?
Overload protection, short-circuit protection, earth fault protection, and thermal relays.
Q18. Precautions before HV panel maintenance?
Isolate the supply, earth the system, discharge residual charges, use interlocks, and follow
permit-to-work procedures.
Q19. How to check phase sequence?
Using a phase sequence meter or by checking motor rotation direction.
Q20. How to handle load balancing in a distribution panel?
Measure phase currents and redistribute loads evenly across phases.
Q21. Which standards are used in Gulf countries?
IEC, BS, NEC standards, and local utility standards such as DEWA, SEC, and Kahramaa.
Q22. What is the earthing resistance limit as per IEC?
Less than 1 ohm for substations and about 5 ohms for general installations.
Q23. Difference between TN-S, TN-C, and TT systems?
TN-S: Separate neutral and earth conductors.
TN-C: Combined neutral and earth.
TT: Consumer has a direct earth electrode.
Q24. What is IP rating?
IP rating indicates the level of protection against dust and water ingress, e.g., IP55 means
dust protected and resistant to water jets.
Q25. Cable color coding as per IEC?
Phase conductors: Brown, Black, Grey.
Neutral: Blue.
Earth: Green-Yellow.