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Building Electricity Trivia Quiz

All buildings from the humblest home to the most modern sky-scraper require an electrical installation. This quiz is designed to be as general as possible, but may have questions with an African and European bias, i.e. 400/230 V systems.

A multiple-choice quiz by 51percent. Estimated time: 6 mins.

Author
51percent

Time
6 mins

Type
Multiple Choice

Quiz #
246,401

Updated
Dec 03 21

# Qns
10

Difficulty
Difficult

Avg Score
4 / 10

Plays
2465

One at a Time - Single Page - Timed Game

Question 1 of 10

1. Larger buildings may be supplied with a medium voltage electricity supply, and will require a substation or mini-sub. What is the main item of equipment contained in these? Hint

Transducer

Converter

Transponder

Transformer

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Question 2 of 10

2. Which of the following elements is the best conductor of electricity? Hint

Aluminium

Gold

Silver

Copper

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Question 3 of 10

3. What will a UPS be used for in a building? Hint

To carry messages between departments

To provide uninterrupted power to essential equipment

To monitor building electricity use

To control lighting and power systems

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Question 4 of 10

4. Which method of installing cables ensures the highest current rating for each cable size? Hint

Cables spaced apart on cable ladder, shaded from sun

Cables installed in ducts, buried in ground

Cables buried in ground

Cables close together on perforated cable tray

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Question 5 of 10

5. Equipment in a distribution board is selected, in part, based on the fault level rating of the equipment. This rating is measured in kilo-Amps. What is the definition of fault level? Hint

The current expected to cause injury if passing through a body

The maximum overload current permissible

The short circuit current resulting from a bridging of conductors

The current expected due to a lightning strike

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Question 6 of 10

6. In the UK, what is a Class II appliance? Hint

An appliance attached to another appliance, eg an extract hood

An appliance that is not needed in an installation

An appliance that is portable

An appliance that has double insulation

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Question 7 of 10

7. In the UK, what type of installation requires a fireman's switch? Hint

Water Features

Neon Lighting

High Pressure Sodium Lighting

Hotel Rooms

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Question 8 of 10

8. Which of the following is an international protocol for lighting control? Hint

Lite-con

Prolicon

IPLC

DALI

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Question 9 of 10

9. Which is NOT an acceptable method of distributing small power outlets throughout an open plan office area? Hint

Extension Cords

Power Poles

Power Skirting

Flush Floor Ducting

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Question 10 of 10

10. Do all buildings require lightning protection and earthing? Hint

All require earthing, lightning protection is determined by risk

Yes - both are required

All require lightning protection, earthing is determined by risk

No - both are risk dependant

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Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. Larger buildings may be supplied with a medium voltage electricity supply, and will require a substation or mini-sub. What is the main item of equipment contained in these?

Answer: Transformer

The transformer is used to transform a medium voltage supply to a low voltage supply, e.g. from 11 000 V to 400 V. A transformer is rated in kVA, kilo-Volt-Amps, which is a measurement of electrical power.

2. Which of the following elements is the best conductor of electricity?

Answer: Silver

The conductivity of the elements, based on a scale of 10^7/Ohm-m are: silver - 6.21; Copper - 5.88; Gold - 4.55; and Aluminium - 3.65. For cost effectiveness, copper is the main element used for electrical cables, followed by aluminium.

3. What will a UPS be used for in a building?

Answer: To provide uninterrupted power to essential equipment

UPS stands for Uninterruptible Power Supply. Examples of equipment that may require a UPS supply are computers, fire detection systems, hospital operating theatre equipment and escape route lighting.

4. Which method of installing cables ensures the highest current rating for each cable size?

Answer: Cables spaced apart on cable ladder, shaded from sun

The cable current carrying capacity is limited by the heat built up in a cable. When cables are close together, more heat is generated, so each cable is capable of carrying less current safely. When cables are installed underground, the heat does not dissipate as quickly as when they are installed in free air or on a cable ladder, so less current can be carried safely.

5. Equipment in a distribution board is selected, in part, based on the fault level rating of the equipment. This rating is measured in kilo-Amps. What is the definition of fault level?

Answer: The short circuit current resulting from a bridging of conductors

All cables and electrical equipment have a resistance, so the further away from the source of electricity, the more resistance in a circuit, and the less current will flow if the conductors are bridged. Circuit breakers are rated according to the expected short circuit current, to prevent an explosion in a distribution board in the case of a fault.

6. In the UK, what is a Class II appliance?

Answer: An appliance that has double insulation

A class II appliance has either double insulation or reinforced insulation or both, and does not have a provision for earthing. A double insulation appliance is designated by a symbol of a square inside a square. (As defined by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), an international standards organisation).

7. In the UK, what type of installation requires a fireman's switch?

Answer: Neon Lighting

Neon lighting runs at a high voltage, typically above 1000 Volts. A fireman's switch protects a fireman from receiving a shock when a water jet is sprayed onto the installation. The switches are red, and mounted in a conspicuous position. (This is specified by IEE Regulations (Europe), SANS (South Africa), UK Electricity regulations and many Asian countries. I am unable to confirm other countries' requirements, so feel free to let me know.)

8. Which of the following is an international protocol for lighting control?

Answer: DALI

DALI stands for Digital Addressable Lighting Interface, and was developed as an industry standard. All leading electronic control gear manufacturers, such as Osram, Philips and Helvar, abide by this protocol, which allows for interchangeability of elements.
The other terms are made up.

9. Which is NOT an acceptable method of distributing small power outlets throughout an open plan office area?

Answer: Extension Cords

Extension cords can be a tripping hazard, and can be easily damaged, causing an unsafe situation. There are many ways of safely getting power to each work place, where wiring is protected and concealed.

10. Do all buildings require lightning protection and earthing?

Answer: All require earthing, lightning protection is determined by risk

All electrical installations require earthing and bonding for protection of human life. Lightning protection is determined by the risk depending on estimated number of lightning strikes per year, estimated damage to persons or equipment in the building, the structure of the building, and the materials contained in the building.

Source: Author 51percent

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor crisw before going online.
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