What should you check before plugging in an appliance?
A Paint colour
B Brand name
C Purchase date
D Plug and cord condition
Answer: D. Plug and cord condition. Look for cracks, exposed conductors, burn marks, or other visible damage. Do not use damaged equipment; arrange qualified inspection or replacement.
How should you respond to a frayed power cord?
A Wrap it with tape
B Stop using the cord
C Use it briefly
D Hide it under furniture
Answer: B. Stop using the cord. A damaged cord can expose conductors and create shock or fire hazards. Remove it from use and have it replaced or assessed by a qualified person.
What does adding a power strip fail to increase?
A Circuit electrical capacity
B Number of plugs
C Cord length
D Outlet location
Answer: A. Circuit electrical capacity. A power strip adds receptacles but does not increase the electrical capacity of the circuit supplying it.
What should repeated breaker trips prompt?
A Install a larger breaker
B Reset it repeatedly
C Ignore the warning
D Call a qualified electrician
Answer: D. Call a qualified electrician. Frequent trips can signal an overload or fault. Stop adding load and have the cause checked by a qualified electrician.
What should you do after noticing smoke from an outlet?
A Pour water on it
B Unplug it immediately
C Move away; call emergency services
D Open the outlet
Answer: C. Move away; call emergency services. Smoke may signal an electrical fire. Keep clear, alert others, and contact emergency services. Cut power only if it can be done safely without approaching the hazard.
How should an extension cord usually be used?
A As permanent wiring
B Under a carpet
C Temporary, appropriate use
D With damaged insulation
Answer: C. Temporary, appropriate use. Extension cords are intended for temporary use. Frequent reliance can indicate the need for properly installed outlets.
Which part should you hold when removing a plug?
A The cord’s middle
B The plug body
C The wall plate
D The appliance casing
Answer: B. The plug body. Grip the plug body and pull it straight out. Pulling the cord can damage conductors or loosen connections.
What should be true of your hands before handling a plug?
A They should be gloved
B They should be dry
C They should be cool
D They should be clean only
Answer: B. They should be dry. Dry hands reduce the chance of current passing through moisture. Keep electrical equipment away from wet conditions.
How should someone respond to water beside powered equipment?
A Stay clear; disconnect safely
B Step through carefully
C Move equipment by hand
D Cover the water
Answer: A. Stay clear; disconnect safely. Do not enter water near energized equipment. Keep others away and disconnect power only from a safe, dry location if possible.
Why should a grounding pin remain intact?
A It improves grip
B It steadies the socket
C It provides a safety path
D It reduces cord wear
Answer: C. It provides a safety path. The grounding pin is part of a protective design. Never remove or defeat it; replace incompatible equipment or consult an electrician.
Which combination can signal an overloaded circuit?
A New labels and clean plates
B Long cords and bright lamps
C Quiet switches and cool outlets
D Warm plates and frequent trips
Answer: D. Warm plates and frequent trips. Frequent breaker trips, warm or discoloured outlet plates, buzzing, and dimming lights can signal electrical problems that need professional attention.
What is a safer arrangement for heat-producing appliances?
A Several on one strip
B Use a suitable separate outlet
C Connect through adapters
D Place on extension cords
Answer: B. Use a suitable separate outlet. Avoid overloading outlets. Major or high-load appliances should be connected as directed by their manufacturers, with circuit needs assessed by an electrician.
Which bulb choice is safest for a light fixture?
A Any available bulb
B The fixture’s rated bulb
C A higher-wattage bulb
D One with a loose base
Answer: B. The fixture’s rated bulb. Use a bulb that does not exceed the fixture’s marked rating and follows the manufacturer’s instructions.
How can unused outlets be safer around young children?
A Use suitable safety covers
B Leave them uncovered
C Insert plastic objects
D Place cords nearby
Answer: A. Use suitable safety covers. Use child-resistant receptacles or suitable outlet covers, and keep small children away from plugs and electrical devices.
Which protection is intended for shock risks near water?
A GFCI or RCD protection
B A surge protector
C A dimmer switch
D A timer switch
Answer: A. GFCI or RCD protection. Ground-fault devices such as GFCIs or RCDs detect leakage current and can quickly interrupt power. Follow local requirements and use a qualified electrician for installation.
What should you do if a GFCI test fails?
A Call a qualified electrician
B Keep resetting it
C Open the receptacle
D Bypass the device
Answer: A. Call a qualified electrician. If test or reset functions do not operate as expected, stop relying on the device and ask a qualified electrician to inspect it.
How should a warm or discoloured outlet be treated?
A Keep using it
B Stop use; report it
C Cool it with water
D Cover it with paper
Answer: B. Stop use; report it. Heat or discolouration can indicate a poor connection or overload. Stop using the outlet and arrange qualified inspection.
What is the safest response to buzzing from a receptacle?
A Stop use; request inspection
B Ignore it at night
C Tap the faceplate
D Spray cleaner inside
Answer: A. Stop use; request inspection. Buzzing or sizzling can indicate an electrical fault. Avoid the receptacle and contact a qualified electrician.
When do repeated light flickers deserve attention?
A Only after sunset
B Only with new bulbs
C With other warning signs
D Never; flicker is normal
Answer: C. With other warning signs. Persistent flickering, especially alongside tripping, buzzing, or warm outlets, warrants assessment by a qualified electrician.
What should you do if an overhead power line has fallen?
A Stay clear; call the utility
B Move it with a broom
C Check its insulation
D Drive over it slowly
Answer: A. Stay clear; call the utility. Treat fallen lines as energized. Keep people away and contact the electricity utility and emergency services; never touch the line.
What should happen after an appliance gives someone a shock?
A Touch the person immediately
B Pull them by clothing
C Disconnect power safely first
D Pour water nearby
Answer: C. Disconnect power safely first. Do not touch a person still in contact with electricity. Disconnect the source only if safe, call emergency services, and follow their instructions.
When is it safe for a bystander to touch a shocked person?
A When the person is quiet
B After pulling the cord
C After power is safely disconnected
D Once the lights return
Answer: C. After power is safely disconnected. Contact can transmit current to a rescuer. First ensure the electrical source is safely disconnected and call emergency services.
What is a circuit breaker’s basic safety role?
A Increase appliance power
B Interrupt unsafe current
C Ground every plug
D Store spare electricity
Answer: B. Interrupt unsafe current. A breaker interrupts a circuit under certain overcurrent conditions. It does not make damaged wiring safe or replace professional diagnosis.
What should replace a blown fuse?
A Correct specified rating
B A thicker metal wire
C A higher-rated fuse
D Any available fuse
Answer: A. Correct specified rating. Use only the specified fuse type and rating. Never bridge a fuse or install a higher rating to stop it from blowing.
What may cause a breaker to trip during appliance use?
A Overload or electrical fault
B The appliance is new
C The room is bright
D The cord is short
Answer: A. Overload or electrical fault. Overload or a fault can cause protective devices to trip. Reduce use and have repeated trips diagnosed rather than bypassing protection.
Which choice is safest near overhead power lines?
A Carry long metal ladders
B Raise tools toward wires
C Assume covered wires are safe
D Keep clear; hire qualified help
Answer: D. Keep clear; hire qualified help. Keep ladders, tools, and people well away from overhead lines. Treat every line as energized and use qualified professionals for nearby work.
Why should cords stay out from under rugs?
A They become less visible
B They lose their labels
C They attract dust only
D Hidden damage and trapped heat
Answer: D. Hidden damage and trapped heat. Rugs can hide damage and trap heat, while foot traffic can wear the cord. Route cords where they remain visible and protected.
What can happen when a cord is pinched by a door?
A It gains extra grounding
B It uses less electricity
C Insulation may be damaged
D It becomes waterproof
Answer: C. Insulation may be damaged. Repeated pinching can damage insulation and expose conductors. Reroute the cord and discontinue use if damage is present.
Why avoid connecting extension cords end to end?
A They become weatherproof
B They reduce voltage safely
C They prevent tripping
D Overheating or overload risk
Answer: D. Overheating or overload risk. Daisy-chaining cords can overload connections and increase heat or fire risk. Use a properly rated cord for temporary needs.
What should outdoor electrical equipment be rated for?
A Indoor carpets
B Decorative lighting
C Outdoor conditions
D Low storage shelves
Answer: C. Outdoor conditions. Outdoor equipment and extension cords should be rated for the conditions and used according to their labels and manufacturer instructions.
What should be inspected on a power tool before use?
A Cord, plug, and housing
B Paint and packaging
C Brand and purchase date
D Handle colour only
Answer: A. Cord, plug, and housing. Check for damage, loose parts, and exposed conductors before use. Remove defective equipment from service.
How should power be disconnected before cleaning an appliance?
A Pull the cord sharply
B Reach through water
C Use a safe, dry method
D Touch exposed wiring
Answer: C. Use a safe, dry method. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and unplug only with dry hands from a safe location. Do not handle wet or damaged plugs.
When can wet electrical equipment be energized again?
A Once it looks dry
B After wiping its cord
C When the breaker resets
D After qualified inspection
Answer: D. After qualified inspection. Water can damage internal components even after surfaces dry. A qualified electrician should inspect wet equipment before it is energized.
Which precaution matters in a damp work area?
A Stand in pooled water
B Use damaged cords
C Ground-fault protection
D Remove grounding pins
Answer: C. Ground-fault protection. Use suitable ground-fault protection and equipment in good condition. Avoid standing in water while operating electrical equipment.
What should happen if an RCD trips repeatedly?
A Have the cause investigated
B Hold it in position
C Replace it with wire
D Ignore later trips
Answer: A. Have the cause investigated. Repeated operation may indicate leakage or another fault. Do not bypass the RCD; ask a qualified electrician to find the cause.
Which habit helps prevent electrical fires?
A Cover appliances while running
B Follow instructions; clear vents
C Ignore hot plugs
D Use damaged adapters
Answer: B. Follow instructions; clear vents. Follow appliance instructions, keep ventilation openings clear, and stop using equipment with overheating signs or damage.
Where should a smoke alarm be installed?
A As its manufacturer directs
B Inside an electrical panel
C Behind a curtain
D On a power strip
Answer: A. As its manufacturer directs. Install and maintain smoke alarms according to the manufacturer’s instructions and applicable local guidance.
How should appliance loads be distributed?
A Use more splitters
B Stay within circuit ratings
C Add extension cords
D Ignore plug heating
Answer: B. Stay within circuit ratings. Do not exceed circuit or outlet ratings. A qualified electrician can assess whether existing circuits suit appliance loads.
What should you check before drilling into a wall?
A Near switches only
B Assume wires run outside
C For hidden electrical services
D Use a metal bit blindly
Answer: C. For hidden electrical services. Hidden electrical cables or pipes may be in walls. Use reliable plans or detection methods and seek qualified advice when uncertain.
Who should repair fixed household wiring?
A Any confident homeowner
B A furniture installer
C A neighbour with tools
D A qualified electrician
Answer: D. A qualified electrician. Fixed wiring can remain hazardous even when a switch is off. Repairs should be handled by a qualified electrician following local rules.
Why should electrical panel covers stay in place?
A Improve Wi-Fi
B Reduce appliance noise
C Label every circuit
D Prevent contact with live parts
Answer: D. Prevent contact with live parts. Panel interiors may contain hazardous live parts. Do not remove covers or reach inside; contact a qualified electrician.
What is safer than using several plug adapters?
A Stack more adapters
B Use a damaged strip
C Have suitable outlets installed
D Leave plugs partly inserted
Answer: C. Have suitable outlets installed. Multiple adapters can overload connections or fit poorly. Have a qualified electrician assess outlet needs and install suitable receptacles.
What should you do about a cracked outlet faceplate?
A Tape over the opening
B Keep clear; arrange repair
C Push the plug harder
D Spray it clean
Answer: B. Keep clear; arrange repair. A cracked faceplate can expose hazardous parts. Stop using the outlet and have it repaired by a qualified electrician.
Why should an electrical plug fit securely?
A It makes cords longer
B It improves grounding
C It lowers appliance wattage
D Loose connections can overheat
Answer: D. Loose connections can overheat. A loose plug or receptacle can produce heat and arcing. Stop using it and arrange qualified inspection.
What is a safe first step before DIY work near wiring?
A Identify hazards; get qualified help
B Remove the panel cover
C Cut unknown wires
D Assume the switch is enough
Answer: A. Identify hazards; get qualified help. Electrical work carries shock and fire risks. Do not work on wiring unless qualified; ask a qualified electrician to make the area safe.
Which storage practice reduces risk near electrical panels?
A Stack boxes against it
B Store paint inside
C Hang wet clothes nearby
D Keep access clear
Answer: D. Keep access clear. Keep access to electrical panels clear so authorized people can reach them in an emergency. Follow local clearance requirements.
What should happen to a cord damaged by flooding?
A Dry it with a heater
B Qualified inspection or replacement
C Wrap it in tape
D Test it while wet
Answer: B. Qualified inspection or replacement. Floodwater can damage insulation and equipment. Keep it disconnected and have it assessed or replaced by a qualified person.
How should repeated breaker trips be addressed?
A Install a larger breaker
B Move wires yourself
C Use a bypass adapter
D Have an electrician assess it
Answer: D. Have an electrician assess it. Repeated trips should be professionally diagnosed. Do not change breaker ratings or wiring to mask the problem.
What is a safe response to sparks from a switch?
A Touch it to check warmth
B Stop use; call electrician
C Spray it with water
D Remove its cover
Answer: B. Stop use; call electrician. Sparking can indicate a fault. Keep clear, avoid operating the switch, and arrange prompt qualified inspection; call emergency services if fire or smoke develops.
What should happen after an electrical fire is extinguished?
A Reset all breakers
B Keep power off until inspected
C Reuse nearby cords
D Open the panel
Answer: B. Keep power off until inspected. Fire and heat may damage wiring. Keep the area clear and have the electrical system inspected before reuse.