25 multiple-choice questions for the OSHA Electrical Safety (Subpart S) Practice Test. Pick an answer to see the rule behind it, quoted from the official source.
1. An operator is using an overhead crane that enters the cell line working zone. Regarding the conductive surfaces of the crane, which condition must be met if it contacts an energized electrolytic cell?
Answer: The portion of the crane that contacts the energized cell must be insulated from ground. The rule specifies that while grounding isn't required for the whole crane, the specific portion contacting the energized cell must be insulated from ground.
29 CFR § 1910.306(h): “The portion of an overhead crane or hoist that contacts an energized electrolytic cell or energized attachments shall be insulated from ground.”
2. An electrician is preparing to work on a fixed circuit that has been deenergized. Which of the following devices is prohibited from being used as the sole means for deenergizing the circuit?
Answer: A push button or selector switch. The regulation specifically forbids using control circuit devices like push buttons or selector switches as the only method to ensure a circuit is deenergized.
29 CFR § 1910.333(b): “Control circuit devices, such as push buttons, selector switches, and interlocks, may not be used as the sole means for deenergizing circuits or equipment.”
3. A worker needs to connect two lengths of portable cable over 600 volts in a run. What is the required characteristic of the connectors used for this connection?
Answer: They shall be of a type that lock firmly together. OSHA mandates that connectors joining portable cable lengths must lock firmly to ensure a secure connection and prevent accidental disconnection.
29 CFR § 1910.305(h): “Connectors used to connect lengths of cable in a run shall be of a type that lock firmly together.”
4. An industrial worker is evaluating a high-voltage assembly to determine if it meets the definition of a 'Cutout' for over 600 volts. Which component configuration correctly identifies this device?
Answer: An assembly of a fuse support with either a fuseholder, fuse carrier, or disconnecting blade. The rule defines a Cutout specifically as an assembly involving a fuse support combined with a fuseholder, fuse carrier, or disconnecting blade.
29 CFR § 1910.399: “Cutout. (Over 600 volts, nominal.) An assembly of a fuse support with either a fuseholder, fuse carrier, or disconnecting blade.”
5. A safety manager is defining the scope of a 'Bathroom' for the purpose of applying specific electrical safety rules in a facility. Which combination of fixtures qualifies an area as a bathroom under OSHA definitions?
Answer: A basin with a toilet, a tub, or a shower. The definition requires a basin plus at least one of the following: a toilet, a tub, or a shower.
29 CFR § 1910.399: “Bathroom. An area including a basin with one or more of the following: a toilet, a tub, or a shower.”
6. An electrician is installing a disconnecting means for a specific piece of induction heating equipment. What is the minimum ampere rating required for this disconnecting means?
Answer: It must be equal to the nameplate current rating of the equipment. The regulation sets the minimum ampere rating of the disconnecting means based on the equipment's nameplate current rating.
29 CFR § 1910.306(g): “The ampere rating of this disconnecting means may not be less than the nameplate current rating of the equipment.”
7. A qualified electrician is working in the vicinity of overhead lines and wishes to approach closer than the distance shown in Table S-5. Which of the following conditions permits this closer approach?
Answer: The electrician is insulated from the energized part using gloves rated for the voltage involved. The regulation states that wearing gloves rated for the voltage is considered insulation, allowing a qualified person to approach closer than the standard table distance.
29 CFR § 1910.333(c): “The person is insulated from the energized part (gloves, with sleeves if necessary, rated for the voltage involved are considered to be insulation of the person from the energized part on which work is performed)”
8. An electrician is installing circuit breakers in a location where employees work nearby. To comply with OSHA requirements regarding employee safety during operation, what must be ensured about the location or shielding of these devices?
Answer: They must be located or shielded so employees will not be burned or otherwise injured by their operation. The regulation requires that the placement or shielding of fuses and circuit breakers prevents burn injuries or other harm to employees during operation.
29 CFR § 1910.304(f): “Fuses and circuit breakers shall be so located or shielded that employees will not be burned or otherwise injured by their operation.”
9. A site supervisor is evaluating a two-wire, single-phase portable generator rated at 4 kW. Under what condition are its receptacles exempt from requiring ground-fault circuit interrupters?
Answer: When the circuit conductors of the generator are insulated from the generator frame and all other grounded surfaces. The exemption applies specifically when the generator's circuit conductors are insulated from the frame and other grounded surfaces, provided the rating is 5kW or less.
29 CFR § 1926.404(b): “Receptacles on a two-wire, single-phase portable or vehicle-mounted generator rated not more than 5kW, where the circuit conductors of the generator are insulated from the generator frame and all other grounded surfaces, need not be protected with ground-fault circuit interrupters.”
10. An industrial worker must adjust a motor controller where live parts operate at over 150 volts to ground and are guarded only by location. What safety measure must be provided for the attendant?
Answer: Suitable insulating mats or platforms shall be provided so the attendant cannot readily touch live parts unless standing on them. When guarding is by location only for high-voltage live parts requiring attendance, insulating mats or platforms are required to prevent accidental contact.
29 CFR § 1910.305(j): “suitable insulating mats or platforms shall be provided so that the attendant cannot readily touch live parts unless standing on the mats or platforms.”
11. An electrician is installing a double-throw knife switch in a vertical orientation. To comply with OSHA requirements for this specific configuration, what safety device must be provided?
Answer: A locking device to ensure the blades remain in the open position when set. OSHA requires that vertical double-throw knife switches have a locking device to keep the blades open when set, preventing accidental closure.
29 CFR § 1910.305(c): “However, if the throw is vertical, a locking device shall be provided to ensure that the blades remain in the open position when so set.”
12. A worker is inspecting a system where a conductor is intentionally connected to earth through a connection of sufficiently low impedance to prevent hazardous voltage buildup. How is this system described?
Answer: Grounded, effectively. The term 'Grounded, effectively' specifically requires low impedance and sufficient current-carrying capacity to mitigate voltage hazards, distinguishing it from a simple 'Grounded' connection.
29 CFR § 1910.399: “Grounded, effectively. Intentionally connected to earth through a ground connection or connections of sufficiently low impedance and having sufficient current-carrying capacity to prevent the buildup of voltages that may result in undue hazards to connected equipment or to persons.”
13. An electrician is working on exposed live parts operating at 40 volts to ground. Under what specific condition may the employer allow the electrician to work on these parts without first deenergizing them?
Answer: If there will be no increased exposure to electrical burns or to explosion due to electric arcs. The rule allows working on live parts under 50 volts to ground without deenergizing only if there is no increased risk of burns or arc explosions.
29 CFR § 1910.333(a): “Live parts that operate at less than 50 volts to ground need not be deenergized if there will be no increased exposure to electrical burns or to explosion due to electric arcs.”
14. An industrial worker is connecting auxiliary electric equipment, such as a motor or sensor, to an energized electrolytic cell within the cell line working zone. Which wiring method is permitted for this connection?
Answer: Wire or cable in suitable nonmetallic raceways or cable trays. The rule lists nonmetallic raceways or cable trays as an approved method for connecting auxiliary equipment to energized surfaces.
29 CFR § 1910.306(h): “Wire or cable in suitable nonmetallic raceways or cable trays; or (C) Wire or cable in suitable metal raceways or metal cable trays installed with insulating breaks such that they will not cause a potentially hazardous electrical condition.”
15. An electrician is running flexible cords on the ground at a fair where they are accessible to the public. What protective measure is required to prevent electrical hazards and tripping?
Answer: Cover the cords with approved nonconductive mats. Cords accessible to the public must be covered with approved nonconductive mats to ensure safety.
29 CFR § 1910.306(k): “Flexible cords and cables run on the ground, where accessible to the public, shall be covered with approved nonconductive mats. Cables and mats shall be arranged so as not to present a tripping hazard.”
16. A technician is disconnecting a standard capacitor (not a surge capacitor or component part) from its power source. What automatic safety feature must be present to handle the stored charge after disconnection?
Answer: An automatic means of draining the stored charge. The rule requires an automatic draining mechanism for stored charge upon disconnection for standard capacitors.
29 CFR § 1910.305(j): “All capacitors, except surge capacitors or capacitors included as a component part of other apparatus, shall be provided with an automatic means of draining the stored charge after the capacitor is disconnected from its source of supply.”
17. An electrician is servicing an elevator with generator field control where the driving machine is located in a remote machinery space. What specific requirement applies to the disconnecting means for the main power supply conductors in this scenario?
Answer: It must be capable of being locked in the open position. The regulation requires that when the driving machine or motor-generator set is in a remote machinery space, the disconnecting means must be lockable in the open position.
29 CFR § 1910.306(c): “Where the driving machine or the motor-generator set is located in a remote machinery space, a single means for disconnecting all ungrounded main power supply conductors shall be provided and be capable of being locked in the open position.”
18. If the employee who applied a lock or tag is absent from the workplace, under what condition may a qualified person designated by the employer remove the lock or tag?
Answer: The employer ensures the employee is not available at the workplace and ensures the employee is aware the lock or tag has been removed before resuming work. Removal by another qualified person is permitted only if the employer confirms the original employee is absent and informs them of the removal before they return.
29 CFR § 1910.333(b): “The employer ensures that the employee who applied the lock or tag is not available at the workplace, and (2) The employer ensures that the employee is aware that the lock or tag has been removed before he or she resumes work at that workplace.”
19. An industrial worker is selecting a conductor for a continuous load. To ensure the conductor does not exceed its temperature rating, which definition must the worker apply to determine the maximum current allowed?
Answer: Ampacity. Ampacity is defined as the continuous current capacity of a conductor without exceeding its temperature rating.
29 CFR § 1926.449: “Ampacity. The current in amperes a conductor can carry continuously under the conditions of use without exceeding its temperature rating.”
20. An industrial worker is assigned to perform maintenance on an electric installation. According to the definition of a 'Qualified person,' what is the primary requirement for this worker to be authorized for the task?
Answer: They must have received training in and demonstrated skills and knowledge in the construction and operation of the equipment and the hazards involved. The rule defines a qualified person specifically by their demonstrated training and knowledge regarding the specific equipment and its hazards, not just general safety orientation or licensure alone.
29 CFR § 1910.399: “Qualified person. One who has received training in and has demonstrated skills and knowledge in the construction and operation of electric equipment and installations and the hazards involved.”
21. An electrician is working in a wet location and must install switches and circuit breakers. What is the required enclosure type for these components?
Answer: Weatherproof enclosures are required. The regulation states that switches, circuit breakers, and switchboards in wet locations must be enclosed in weatherproof enclosures.
29 CFR § 1910.305(e): “Switches, circuit breakers, and switchboards installed in wet locations shall be enclosed in weatherproof enclosures.”
22. When connecting a flexible cord to a device or fitting, what specific safety measure must be provided to protect the internal connections?
Answer: Strain relief that prevents pull from being directly transmitted to joints or terminal screws. OSHA requires strain relief at connections to ensure that pulling on the cord does not stress the internal joints or terminal screws.
29 CFR § 1910.305(g): “Flexible cords and cables shall be connected to devices and fittings so that strain relief is provided that will prevent pull from being directly transmitted to joints or terminal screws.”
23. An electrician is setting up temporary lighting for a carnival that will last for 60 days. Under what condition is this temporary installation permitted?
Answer: It is permitted because the duration does not exceed 90 days for such purposes. Temporary installations for carnivals are allowed for a period not exceeding 90 days, whereas other options contradict the rules regarding voltage, ducts, and bare conductors.
29 CFR § 1910.305(a): “For a period not to exceed 90 days for Christmas decorative lighting, carnivals, and similar purposes; or”
24. When running indoor communications wires and cables near existing electric light or power conductors, what is the minimum separation distance an electrician must maintain unless a special protective method is used?
Answer: At least 50.8 mm (2 in.). OSHA mandates a minimum 2-inch separation for indoor communications cables from power conductors to prevent accidental contact.
29 CFR § 1910.308(e): “Indoor communications wires and cables shall be separated at least 50.8 mm (2 in.) from conductors of any electric light, power, Class 1, nonpower-limited fire alarm, or medium power network-powered broadband communications circuits”
25. An electrician is marking equipment approved for a hazardous location. What information must the marking show regarding temperature?
Answer: The operating temperature or temperature range based on operation in a 40-degree C ambient. The marking requirement specifically references the operating temperature based on a 40-degree C ambient condition.
29 CFR § 1910.307(c): “Equipment shall be marked to show the class, group, and operating temperature or temperature range, based on operation in a 40-degree C ambient, for which it is approved.”