Electrical Safety Basics: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners

Question 1

Which of the following is NOT a common electrical hazard?

Accepted Answer

Heatstroke

Answer

Electrical shock

Answer

Arc flash

Answer

Electrocution

Question 2

What is the primary purpose of a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)?

Accepted Answer

To prevent electrical shock in wet environments

Answer

To isolate a circuit in case of an overload

Answer

To protect against lightning strikes

Answer

To improve energy efficiency

Question 3

What is the most appropriate method to extinguish an electrical fire?

Accepted Answer

Use a dry chemical extinguisher

Answer

Use water

Answer

Use a carbon dioxide extinguisher

Answer

Smother the fire with a blanket

Question 4

What is the purpose of a lock-out/tag-out procedure?

Accepted Answer

To isolate equipment during maintenance

Answer

To prevent unauthorized access to machinery

Answer

To improve productivity

Answer

To protect against electrical hazards

Question 5

What is the essential difference between an electrical hazard and an electrical risk?

Accepted Answer

A hazard is a condition, while a risk is a person's exposure to that condition

Answer

A hazard is a potential danger, while a risk is a likely occurrence

Answer

A hazard is a specific danger, while a risk is a general danger

Answer

There is no difference between a hazard and a risk

Question 6

Why are electrical codes and standards, like the NEC and OSHA, essential for electrical safety?

Accepted Answer

They provide guidelines for designing, installing, and maintaining electrical equipment to reduce hazards.

Answer

They only apply to industrial settings, not residential or commercial buildings.

Answer

They are optional guidelines that electricians can choose to follow or not.

Question 7

Which of the following is NOT a common electrical hazard?

Accepted Answer

Slips and falls

Answer

Electrical shock

Answer

Arc flash

Answer

Burns

Question 8

What is the primary purpose of grounding in an electrical system?

Accepted Answer

To provide a low-resistance path for fault currents

Answer

To prevent overcurrent

Answer

To isolate the system from the earth

Answer

To improve electrical efficiency

Question 9

What is the National Electrical Code (NEC)?

Accepted Answer

A comprehensive set of safety standards and regulations for electrical installations

Answer

A guidebook for electrical construction practices

Answer

A certification for qualified electricians

Answer

A government agency responsible for electrical safety

Question 10

Which of the following colors typically identifies the neutral conductor in an electrical system?

Accepted Answer

White or gray

Answer

Black

Answer

Red

Answer

Blue

Question 11

In electrical systems, what is the main purpose of grounding?

Accepted Answer

Creating a low-resistance path for fault currents

Answer

Raising the system's voltage

Answer

Storing electrical energy

Answer

Preventing power surges

Question 12

If an electrical shock victim has no pulse or is not breathing, what immediate first-aid action should be taken?

Accepted Answer

CPR and defibrillation

Answer

Apply pressure to the wound

Answer

Elevate the victim's legs

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT a common type of electrical hazard?

Accepted Answer

Chemical spill

Answer

Electric shock

Answer

Fire

Answer

Arc flash

Question 14

What is the primary goal of an electrical safety program?

Accepted Answer

To minimize the risk of accidents and injuries caused by electricity

Answer

To reduce the cost of insurance

Answer

To improve productivity

Answer

To comply with legal regulations

Question 15

What should be the first step when developing an electrical safety plan?

Accepted Answer

Identify potential hazards

Answer

Develop safety procedures

Answer

Provide training to employees

Answer

Inspect electrical equipment

Question 16

What is the main difference between a circuit breaker and a fuse?

Accepted Answer

Circuit breakers can be reset after tripping, while fuses must be replaced.

Answer

Fuses are more expensive than circuit breakers.

Answer

Circuit breakers provide better protection than fuses.

Answer

Circuit breakers are only used in residential settings.

Question 17

What is the purpose of a lockout/tagout procedure?

Accepted Answer

To prevent accidental energization of equipment during maintenance or repairs

Answer

To improve worker efficiency

Answer

To reduce the risk of equipment damage

Answer

To comply with OSHA regulations

Question 18

What is the main purpose of an electrical grounding system?

Accepted Answer

To provide a safe path for electrical current to the ground

Answer

To prevent overcurrent conditions

Answer

To isolate electrical equipment

Answer

To improve energy efficiency

Question 19

Which of the following personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential when working on electrical circuits?

Accepted Answer

Insulated gloves

Answer

Safety glasses

Answer

Hard hat

Answer

Steel-toed boots

Question 20

What is the primary function of a circuit breaker?

Accepted Answer

To protect against overcurrent

Answer

To isolate faulty circuits

Answer

To provide grounding protection

Answer

To enhance power efficiency

Question 21

Which of the following is a safe electrical work practice?

Accepted Answer

Wearing proper PPE

Answer

Working on energized circuits

Answer

Using makeshift tools

Answer

Ignoring safety signs

Question 22

What is the primary responsibility of an electrical safety supervisor?

Accepted Answer

Ensuring compliance with safety protocols

Answer

Training and mentoring employees

Answer

Conducting electrical audits

Answer

Designing electrical systems

Question 23

Which of the following is NOT a general requirement for working safely in an electrical environment?

Accepted Answer

Take frequent breaks to stay hydrated

Answer

Wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Answer

Use only tools and equipment that are in good condition

Answer

Follow safety procedures and protocols

Question 24

What is the primary hazard associated with electricity?

Accepted Answer

Electrical shock

Answer

Chemical burns

Answer

Radiation poisoning

Answer

Fire

Question 25

What type of PPE is used to protect against electrical shock?

Accepted Answer

Rubber gloves

Answer

Face shield

Answer

Safety glasses

Answer

Hard hat

Question 26

What should you do if you encounter a downed power line?

Accepted Answer

Call the power company immediately

Answer

Touch it with a stick to see if it's live

Answer

Attempt to move it out of the way

Answer

Ignore it and continue walking

Question 27

What is the purpose of a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)?

Accepted Answer

To detect ground faults and interrupt the circuit

Answer

To prevent electrical fires

Answer

To provide overcurrent protection

Answer

To prevent equipment damage

Question 28

What is the National Electrical Code (NEC)?

Accepted Answer

A set of safety guidelines for electrical installations

Answer

A government agency that regulates electrical safety

Answer

A type of electrical wire used in residential construction

Answer

A tool used to measure electrical current

Question 29

Which type of electrical burn results from an electric current passing through the body, damaging internal tissue?

Accepted Answer

Internal burn

Answer

Contact burn

Answer

Arc burn

Answer

Thermal burn

Question 30

When working on electrical systems, what's the first step in the lockout-tagout procedure?

Accepted Answer

Find and shut off the power

Answer

Contact other workers

Answer

Put locks on the power switches

Answer

Hang tags on the locks

Question 31

Which of the following is **NOT** a common electrical hazard?

Accepted Answer

Mechanical injury

Answer

Electrical shock

Answer

Arc flash

Answer

Electrocution

Question 32

What is the **FIRST** step to take if someone is experiencing an electrical shock?

Accepted Answer

Turn off the power source

Answer

Call 911

Answer

Administer CPR

Answer

Apply pressure to the wound

Question 33

What color is typically used to indicate a ground wire in the United States?

Accepted Answer

Green

Answer

Red

Answer

Black

Answer

White

Question 34

What is the recommended voltage level for household electrical outlets in the United States?

Accepted Answer

110 volts

Answer

220 volts

Answer

440 volts

Answer

550 volts

Question 35

What is the National Electrical Code (NEC)?

Accepted Answer

A set of standards for electrical installations

Answer

A government agency that regulates electrical work

Answer

A professional organization for electricians

Answer

A training program for electricians

Question 36

What is the primary purpose of electrical grounding?

Accepted Answer

To provide a safe path for excess current to flow into the earth, reducing the risk of electrocution.

Answer

To improve circuit performance by reducing voltage fluctuations.

Answer

To increase electrical resistance, making circuits less efficient.

Question 37

What is the recommended action if you encounter a downed power line?

Accepted Answer

Stay away from the line and immediately call 911.

Answer

Attempt to move the line out of the way using a wooden stick.

Answer

Pour water on the line to extinguish any potential flames.

Answer

Touch the line to test the voltage with your hand.

Question 38

Which of the following is a potential sign of impending electrical shock?

Accepted Answer

Tingling sensation in the hands or feet

Answer

Nausea (not typically a sign of electrical shock)

Answer

Increased heart rate (can be a symptom of various conditions)

Answer

Muscle cramps (not typically a sign of electrical shock)

Question 39

What is the recommended safe distance to maintain from overhead power lines?

Accepted Answer

10 feet

Answer

5 feet (too close for safety)

Answer

15 feet (not a standard recommended distance)

Answer

20 feet (excessive distance for most situations)

Question 40

What is the primary function of a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)?

Accepted Answer

To rapidly disconnect an electrical circuit when an imbalance in current flow is detected, preventing electrical shock.

Answer

To improve circuit efficiency by reducing power loss.

Answer

To reduce voltage fluctuations, ensuring a stable power supply.

Question 41

What is the recommended response if your clothes catch on fire due to electrical shock?

Accepted Answer

Stop, drop, and roll on the ground to extinguish the flames.

Answer

Try to put out the fire with your hands (dangerous and ineffective).

Answer

Cover yourself with a blanket to smother the flames (can trap heat and worsen burns).

Answer

Run for water to douse the flames (can spread the fire).

Question 42

Which of the following is an essential safety procedure when working with electricity?

Accepted Answer

Always test for voltage before touching any electrical components or wires.

Answer

Never wear gloves when working with electricity (incorrect, gloves are essential PPE).

Answer

Use only bare wires to make connections (extremely dangerous).

Question 43

In a typical workplace setting, which of the following is the most prevalent electrical hazard?

Accepted Answer

Electrical shock

Answer

Fire

Answer

Electric arc

Answer

Explosion

Question 44

What is the primary objective of an electrical safety program?

Accepted Answer

Preventing electrical accidents and harm

Answer

Lowering equipment damage

Answer

Meeting government regulations

Question 45

Which of the following is NOT an electrical worker's safety responsibility?

Accepted Answer

Ignoring safety regulations

Answer

Wearing appropriate personal protective gear

Answer

Inspecting electrical equipment before use

Answer

Adhering to lockout/tagout procedures

Question 46

Which type of electrical equipment warrants frequent inspection and servicing?

Accepted Answer

All electrical equipment

Answer

Equipment infrequently used

Answer

Only high-voltage equipment

Answer

Solely equipment operated in wet or hazardous areas

Question 47

What is the purpose of implementing lockout/tagout procedures before commencing electrical equipment maintenance?

Accepted Answer

Preventing unintentional energization and harm

Answer

Complying with OSHA regulations

Answer

Enhancing equipment efficiency

Question 48

Which of the following is indicative of a well-maintained electrical panel?

Accepted Answer

Absence of loose wires or connections

Answer

Presence of exposed wiring

Answer

Signs of overheating

Answer

Lack of a main breaker

Question 49

What should you do upon encountering a downed power line?

Accepted Answer

Maintain distance and seek professional assistance

Answer

Attempt to relocate the line

Answer

Touch the line to verify if it's live

Answer

Inform the local utility company and await their arrival

Question 50

What is a major advantage of electrical safety training?

Accepted Answer

Reduced risk of electrical mishaps and injuries

Answer

Increased insurance costs

Answer

Higher equipment downtime