1. What is Ohm’s Law?
Answer: Ohm's Law is a fundamental principle in electrical engineering, stating that the current
flowing through a conductor between two points is directly proportional to the voltage across the
two points, provided the temperature remains constant. The formula is I = V/R, where I is the
current, V is the voltage, and R is the resistance.
2. Define Kirchhoff’s laws.
Answer: Kirchhoff’s laws consist of two rules essential in circuit analysis. Kirchhoff's Current Law (KCL)
states that the total current entering a junction equals the total current leaving it. Kirchhoff's Voltage
Law (KVL) says that the sum of all electrical voltages around a loop is zero.
3. Explain the difference between AC and DC currents.
Answer: AC (Alternating Current) and DC (Direct Current) are two types of electrical current. AC
changes direction periodically, while DC flows in one constant direction. AC is commonly used in
power supply systems due to its ease of transformation into different voltages, whereas DC is often
used in battery-powered or electronic devices.
4. What are the types of electrical circuits?
Answer: Electrical circuits can be classified into series, parallel, and series-parallel circuits. In a series
circuit, components are connected end-to-end, so the same current flows through each component.
In a parallel circuit, components are connected across the same voltage source, so the voltage is the
same across each component. Series-parallel circuits combine elements of both.
5. Describe a capacitor and its uses.
Answer: A capacitor is a passive electrical component with two terminals that store energy in an
electric field. It is used in various applications like filtering, power conditioning, signal processing,
and energy storage. Capacitors are essential in creating resonant circuits in radios and tuning devices.
6. What is the role of a diode in an electrical circuit?
Answer: A diode is a semiconductor device that allows current to flow in one direction only. It acts as
a one-way valve, permitting the passage of electric current when the voltage across it is in the
forward direction. Diodes are crucial in rectification, signal demodulation, and electronic protection.
Explain the concept of electrical resistance.
Answer: Electrical resistance is the property of a material to impede the flow of electric current. It is
measured in ohms and depends on the material's nature, length, cross-sectional area, and
temperature. High resistance reduces current flow, converting electrical energy into heat, as in
resistors used for various applications.
BASE-2
1. What is a three-phase electrical system?
Answer: A three-phase electrical system is a polyphase system used primarily for power transmission
and generation. It consists of three alternating currents of the same frequency and voltage
amplitude, with a phase difference of one-third of a cycle (120 degrees). This system is more efficient
and economical for large power distribution.
2. Explain the concept of the power factor.
Answer: The power factor measures how effectively electrical power is converted into useful work
output. It is defined as the ratio of the real power (used to do work) to the apparent power (total
power within the circuit). A higher power factor signifies efficient power usage.
3. Discuss the differences between a fuse and a circuit breaker.
Answer: Both fuses and circuit breakers are protective devices that prevent overcurrent in electrical
circuits. A fuse is a one-time-use device that melts and breaks the circuit when excessive current
flows through it. On the other hand, a circuit breaker can be reset after tripping due to overcurrent.
4. What is an inverter, and how does it work?
Answer: An inverter is an electronic device that converts direct current (DC) to alternating current
(AC). It uses a switching circuit that rapidly switches the DC input on and off, creating a square wave.
This wave is then modified into a sine wave, which is more suitable for household appliances and
other devices.
5. How do transformers work, and what are their types?
Answer: Transformers are electrical devices that transfer electrical energy between two or more
circuits through electromagnetic induction. They work on the principle of Faraday's Law of
Electromagnetic Induction. Transformers are mainly of two types: step-up (which increases voltage)
and step-down (which decreases voltage).
6. What is the significance of a synchronous generator in power systems?
Answer: A synchronous generator, or alternator, is crucial in power generation. It produces
alternating current synchronised with the grid frequency. Its synchronous operation ensures stable
and coordinated power delivery, making it a key component in large-scale power plants and grid-
connected systems.
7. Elaborate on the concept of the electrical skin effect.
Answer: Electrical skin effect refers to the tendency of alternating current to concentrate near the
surface of a conductor, particularly at higher frequencies. This phenomenon results in increased
effective resistance, impacting the current distribution within the conductor. Engineers must consider
the skin effect in designing high-frequency electrical systems.
8. What is the role of a semiconductor in power electronics?
Answer: Semiconductors play a pivotal role in power electronics by controlling the flow of electrical
power. Devices like power diodes, transistors, and thyristors enable efficient conversion, control, and
regulation of electrical energy in applications such as inverters, converters, and motor drives. They
contribute to advancements in energy efficiency and electronic control systems.
Basic Electrical Interview Questions
1: Define the term electrical engineering?
Electrical engineering is a concept based on the physics of mechanics. It involves the application and
learning of electromagnetism and electricity in various appliances.
This is one of the most common questions asked in electrical interviews. Essential concepts often
included in electrical engineering are A.C. & D.C. current, electric traction, transformers, etc.
2: Define the principle of motors?
The principle of an electric motor is situated on a conductor that carries current and produces a
magnetic field surrounding it. The placement of a conductor perpendicular to a magnetic field leads
to rotatory movements (known as torque).
3: What is an electric shock?
An electric shock is caused when there is a flow of electrons through the human body.
4: How can one protect themselves from an electric shock?
By touching/coming in contact with an insulator.
5: What will resistances connected to a source of voltage in series do?
If the resistors are connected in a series circuit, the current flowing through each resistor remains
constant, while the voltage splits.
6: Define Ohm’s law?
Ohm’s Law is a fundamental principle in electrical engineering that describes the relationship
between voltage (V), current (I), and resistance (R) in an electrical circuit. The electric current in a
circuit is directly proportional to voltage, and inversely proportional to the resistance.
7: What happens when two negatively charged substances are placed together?
According to the law of electric charges, two like charges placed in close proximity will always repel
each other.
8: Define the frantic effect?
The frantic effect Is when the voltage received is more than the input voltage in a given circuit.
9: What type of fire – extinguisher is used to put out a fire caused by electrical wires?
For fires caused by electrical conducts, Carbon-Tetra-Chloride fire extinguishers are used.
10: What is the process of creating electricity in a thermal power station?
This is an important electrical interview question. A thermal power station uses water boiled in large
boilers (using coal) to create steam. This high-pressure steam is then used to rotate large turbines,
leading to mechanical energy production. This mechanical energy is then converted to electrical
power through generators and is then stored in batteries for further use.
Electrical Interview Questions and Answers
11: State the similarity between a generator and an alternator?
Both the generator and alternator have the same purpose – to convert mechanical energy into
electrical energy.
12: State the meaning of the term “capacitance”
The term capacitance refers to the charge (in coulomb) that can be stored inside a capacitor, at a
given voltage.
13: State the meaning of the term “Inductance”
The term inductance refers to a property of a coil to oppose changes in the electric current flowing
through it. For example, there is mutual inductance in two coils when the secondary coil in the circuit
opposes the change in current within the primary coil.
14: Explain what different colours in transmission line wires indicate?
For this electrical interview question you could say; there are five colours of wires available in
transmission lines –
Black wires: This wire is used to indicate power supply in any circuit. Any circuit with this
colour wire is considered live/hot.
Red wire: This is another live wire for circuits (With up to 220 volts). A red wire can either be
connected to another red wire or to a black wire in a live circuit.
Blue & Yellow wire: These wires also live wires but they are used as the live wire pulled
through the conductor.
White & Grey wire: These wires are often used as neutral wires. They carry current back to
the surface of the Earth (for grounding purposes).
Green wires: These wires are connected to the grounding terminals.
15: What happens to the resistance of a series circuit if the current is reduced by half?
If the current in a series circuit is reduced by ½, then the resistance doubles.
16. What is an Encoder?
An encoder is a device used to change a signal or data point into a functionable code.
17: What does an ACSR Cable do and where can we use it?
An aluminium conductor steel reinforced is used in the process of transmission and distribution of
current.
18: List three advantages of using ACSR cables in overhead transmission lines?
A few advantages of using ACSR cables in overhead transmission lines is its good conductivity, low
weight and low cost.
19: Define the meaning of a Zener diode?
A Zener diode is a semi–conductor that permits current to flow in the opposite direction when
exposed to high enough voltage.
20: Explain why the capacitors work only on AC ?
This is because Capacitors usually provide infinite resistance to direct current.
Advanced Electrical Interview Questions
21: What precaution should one take before replacing a fuse?
Before replacing a fuse, the main power source should be switched off.
22: State what is a fire extinguisher?
A fire extinguisher is an apparatus used to cool off fires. It produces liquid/foam cutting off the
oxygen supply and helps put off the fire.
23: What precautions should be adhered to before pulling off the main switch?
Ensure that nobody is working on the corresponding transmission lines.
24: What corresponds to the length of a screw – driver?
The length of the screw – drive refers to the size of the bit.
25: Elucidate the full form of the acronym S.W.G?
The acronym S.W.G stands for standard wire gauge.
26: What is the difference between a 4 – point starter and a 3 – point starter?
This is the most frequently asked electrical interview question. The difference between a 3 point
starter connection and the 4 – point starter connection is that of the NVC. The NVC in a three-pointer
starter system is connected in series to the circuit. However, in a 4 – point starter system, the NVC is
directly attached to the primary voltage supply.
27: List the two types of DC generators that exist?
Direct current generators are categorized into two different types – a self-excited DC generator and a
separately excited DC generator.
28: Explain the role of a circuit breaker?
An apparatus used to protect a circuit from damage by a short circuit.
29: Explain the principles on which a circuit breaker works?
A circuit breaker acts as a switch, which can be used to directly cut off the flow of current. The
protective layers (indicators) indicate breakage of the circuit, due to overloading or other issues,
which then pre – empts the circuit from breaking.
30: Explain the meaning and role of an exciter?
An exciter is a device (a generator/batter) that supplies electric current to another generator or
motor. This electric current is then used to produce the magnetic field in the other circuit.
