Interview Question
Interview Question
Star delta starter is preferred with induction motor due to following reasons:
• Starting current is reduced 3-4 times of the direct current due to which voltage drops and hence
it causes less losses.
• Star delta starter circuit comes in circuit first during starting of motor, which reduces voltage 3
times, that is why current also reduces up to 3 times and hence less motor burning is caused.
• In addition, starting torque is increased and it prevents the damage of motor winding.
Generator and alternator are two devices, which converts mechanical energy into electrical
energy. Both have the same principle of electromagnetic induction, the only difference is that
their construction. Generator persists stationary magnetic field and rotating conductor which rolls
on the armature with slip rings and brushes riding against each other, hence it converts the
induced emf into dc current for external load whereas an alternator has a stationary armature and
rotating magnetic field for high voltages but for low voltage output rotating armature and
stationary magnetic field is used.
Cables, which are used for transmitting power, can be categorized in three forms:
• Low-tension cables, which can transmit voltage upto 1000 volts.
• High-tension cables can transmit voltage upto 23000 volts.
• Super tension cables can transmit voltage 66 kV to 132 kV.
Why back emf used for a dc motor? highlight its significance.
The induced emf developed when the rotating conductors of the armature between the poles of
magnet, in a DC motor, cut the magnetic flux, opposes the current flowing through the
conductor, when the armature rotates, is called back emf. Its value depends upon the speed of
rotation of the armature conductors. In starting, the value of back emf is zero.
Slip can be defined as the difference between the flux speed (Ns) and the rotor speed (N). Speed
of the rotor of an induction motor is always less than its synchronous speed. It is usually
expressed as a percentage of synchronous speed (Ns) and represented by the symbol ‘S’.
Storage batteries are used for various purposes, some of the applications are mentioned below:
• For the operation of protective devices and for emergency lighting at generating stations and
substations.
• For starting, ignition and lighting of automobiles, aircrafts etc.
• For lighting on steam and diesel railways trains.
• As a supply power source in telephone exchange, laboratories and broad casting stations.
• For emergency lighting at hospitals, banks, rural areas where electricity supplies are not
possible.
10. What are the different methods for the starting of a synchronous motor.
Starting methods: Synchronous motor can be started by the following two methods:
• By means of an auxiliary motor: The rotor of a synchronous motor is rotated by auxiliary
motor. Then rotor poles are excited due to which the rotor field is locked with the stator-
revolving field and continuous rotation is obtained.
• By providing damper winding: Here, bar conductors are embedded in the outer periphery of the
rotor poles and are short-circuited with the short-circuiting rings at both sides. The machine is
started as a squirrel cage induction motor first. When it picks up speed, excitation is given to the
rotor and the rotor starts rotating continuously as the rotor field is locked with stator revolving
field.
11. Name the types of motors used in vacuum cleaners, phonographic appliances, vending
machines, refrigerators, rolling mills, lathes, power factor improvement and cranes.
The Norton’s theorem explains the fact that there are two terminals and they are as follows:
• One is terminal active network containing voltage sources
• Another is the resistance that is viewed from the output terminals. The output terminals are
equivalent to the constant source of current and it allows giving the parallel resistance.
The Norton’s theorem also explains about the constant current that is equal to the current of the
short circuit placed across the terminals. The parallel resistance of the network can be viewed
from the open circuit terminals when all the voltage and current sources are removed and
replaced by the internal resistance.
The Maximum power transfer theorem explains about the load that a resistance will extract from
the network. This includes the maximum power from the network and in this case the load
resistance is being is equal to the resistance of the network and it also allows the resistance to be
equal to the resistance of the network. This resistance can be viewed by the output terminals and
the energy sources can be removed by leaving the internal resistance behind.
17. Explain the process of commutation in a dc machine. Explain what are inter-poles and why
they are required in a dc machine.
Commutation: It is phenomenon when an armature coil moves under the influence of one pole-
pair; it carries constant current in one direction. As the coil moves into the influence of the next
pole- pair, the current in it must reverse. This reversal of current in a coil is called commutation.
Several coils undergo commutation simultaneously. The reversal of current is opposed by the
static coil emf and therefore must be aided in some fashion for smooth current reversal, which
otherwise would result in sparking at the brushes. The aiding emf is dynamically induced into the
coils undergoing commutation by means of compoles or interpoles, which are series excited by
the armature current. These are located in the interpolar region of the main poles and therefore
influence the armature coils only when these undergo commutation.
• Reliability,
• Maximum demand,
• Reserve-generating capacity,
• Availability (operational).
Reliability: It is the capacity of the power system to serve all power demands without failure
over long periods.
Maximum Demand: It is maximum load demand required in a power station during a given
period.
Reserve generating capacity: Extra generation capacity installed to meet the need of scheduled
downtimes for preventive maintenance is called reserve-generating capacity.
Availability: As the percentage of the time a unit is available to produce power whether needed
by the system or not.
20. Mention the disadvantages of low power factor? How can it be improved?
22. State the factors, for the choice of electrical system for an aero turbine.
The choice of electrical system for an aero turbine is guided by three factors:
• Type of electrical output: dc, variable- frequency ac, and constant- frequency ac.
• Aero turbine rotational speed: constant speed with variable blade pitch, nearly constant speed
with simpler pitch- changing mechanism or variable speed with fixed pitch blades.
• Utilization of electrical energy output: in conjunction with battery or other form of storage, or
interconnection with power grid.
24. Explain the terms real power, apparent power and reactive power for ac circuits and also the
units used.
• Real Power: It is the product of voltage, current and power factor i.e. P = V I cos j and basic
unit of real power is watt. i.e. Expressed as W or kW.
• Apparent power: It is the product of voltage and current. Apparent power = V I and basic unit
of apparent power is volt- ampere. Expressed as VA or KVA.
• Reactive Power: It is the product of voltage, current and sine of angle between the voltage and
current i.e. Reactive power = voltage X current X sinj or Reactive power = V I sin j and has no
other unit but expressed in VAR or KVAR.
25. Define the following: Average demand, Maximum demand, Demand factor, Load factor.
• Average Demand: the average power requirement during some specified period of time of
considerable duration is called the average demand of installation.
• Maximum Demand: The maximum demand of an installation is defined as the greatest of all
the demand, which have occurred during a given period. It is measured accordingly to
specifications, over a prescribed time interval during a certain period.
• Demand Factor: It is defined as the ratio of actual maximum demand made by the load to the
rating of the connected load.
• Load Factor: It is defined as the ratio of the average power to the maximum demand.
26. Explain forward resistance, static resistance and dynamic resistance of a pn junction diode.
• Forward Resistance: Resistance offered in a diode circuit, when it is forward biased, is called
forward-resistance.
• DC or Static Resistance: DC resistance can be explained as the ratio of the dc-voltage across
the diode to the direct current flowing through it.
• AC or Dynamic Resistance: It can be defined as the reciprocal of the slope of the forward
characteristic of the diode. It is the resistance offered by a diode to the changing forward current.
27. How does Zener phenomenon differ from Avalanche breakdown?
The phenomenon when the depletion region expands and the potential barrier increases leading
to a very high electric field across the junction, due to which suddenly the reverse current
increases under a very high reverse voltage is called Zener effect. Zener-breakdown or
Avalanche breakdown may occur independently or both of these may occur simultaneously.
Diode junctions that breakdown below 5v are caused by Zener Effect. Junctions that experience
breakdown above 5v are caused by avalanche-effect. The Zener-breakdown occurs in heavily
doped junctions, which produce narrow depletion layers. The avalanche breakdown occurs in
lightly doped junctions, which produce wide depletion layers.
Differential Amplifier: The amplifier, which is used to amplify the voltage difference between
two input-lines neither of which is grounded, is called differential amplifier. This reduces the
amount of noise injected into the amplifier, because any noise appearing simultaneously on both
the input-terminals as the amplifying circuitry rejects it being a common mode signal.
CMRR: It can be defined as the ratio of differential voltage-gain to common made voltage gain.
If a differential amplifier is perfect, CMRR would be infinite because in that case common mode
voltage gain would be zero.
1. How grounding is different than earthings?
2. What is diversity factor in electric installations?
3. Explain Marx circuit.
4. Why human body feel electric shock?
5. What is the principal of motor?
6. What is power factor?
7. Should power factor be low or high?
8. Difference between field rheostat and armature rheostat.
9. Why field rheostat is kept in minimum position?
10. Why armature rheostat is kept in maximum position?
11. What is meant by derating factor?
12. What is stiffness factor?
13. What is the dependency of stiffness on load angle??
14. What is 100% protection of generator? Why 100% is not used but 95% is generally
used?
15. What is the difference between a Verilog task and Verilog function?
16. What is the unit of magnetic flux density?
17. Why increase in current leads to increase in conductor temperature?
18. How can a equal potential zone be carried out in conductors?
19. What is essential to prove safe isolation of electrical circuit?
20. What is the ratio of true power to apparent power in an AC circuit?
21. What is power relay?
22. Differentiate between power relay and reverse power relay.
23. What is the suitable transmission voltage?
24. What is the maximum operating temperature for a thermoplastic insulated cable?
25. Explain the working of variable frequency transformer?
26. Which oil can be used in transformer?
27. What is excitation in case of DC motor?
28. Why is the starting current high in DC motor?
29. What is rotary phase converter?
30. Differentiate between digital phase converter and ordinary phase converter.
31. What is knee point voltage?
32. List the advantages of star-delta starter with induction motor?
33. Which type of transformer is used for lighting loads?
34. What is star-delta transformer?
electronics
3 phase power generating and delivering is more efficient than 2 phase which in
turn is more efficient than 1 phase. Similarly, going up in the number of phases
result in increased efficiency as well, i.e. 4 phase and 5 phase is more efficient
than 3 phase. The increase of efficiency as the number of phases increase is
attributed to that power delivery becomes more continuous as the number of
phases increases and It affects the Installation cost of transmission of
Transmission towers.
At starting, Eb is zero.
Therefore, V=IaRa, Ia = V/Ra , where Ra is very less like 0.01ohm.i.e, Ia will
become enormously increased.
The main advantage of using the star delta starter is the reduction of
current during the starting of the motor. Starting current is reduced to 3-4 times
Of current of Direct online starting.
Hence the starting current is reduced; the voltage drops during the starting
of the motor in systems are reduced.
For lighting loads, neutral conductor is must and hence the secondary must be
star winding. And this lighting load is always unbalanced in all three phases. To
minimize the current unbalance in the primary we use delta winding in the
primary. So delta/star transformer is used for lighting loads.
Series motor cannot be started without load because of high starting torque.
Series motor is used in Trains, Crane etc.
In simple, synchronous generator supply’s both active and reactive power but
asynchronous generator(induction generator) supply’s only active power and
observe reactive power for magnetizing.This type of generators is used in
windmills.
When the breaker is closed at one time by close push button, the anti-pumping
contactor prevents reclose the breaker by close push button after already close.
SF6 is Sulpher hexa Fluoride gas… if this gas is used as arc quenching medium
in a Circuit breaker means SF6 CB.
when the breaker is close at one time by close push button he anti-pumping
contactor prevent reclose the breaker by close push button after if it already
close.
The output voltage is greater than the input voltage or receiving end voltage is
greater than the sending end voltage.
Electrical diversity factor is the ratio of the sum of the individual maximum
demands of the various subdivisions of a system, or part of the system, to the
maximum demand of the whole system, or part of the system, under
consideration. Electrical diversity factor is usually more than one.
Since the power factor of the transformer is dependent on load we only define VA
rating and does not include power factor. In case of motors, power factor
depends on construction and hence the rating of motors is in K Watts and include
power factor.
Stepper motor is the electrical machine which acts upon input pulse applied to it.
it is one type of synchronous motor which runs in steps in either direction instead
of running in a complete cycle. so, in automation parts, it is used.
Electrical engineer interview questions - basic electrical engineering
1.Define electric current ?
4.Define resistance
It states that the current in a resistive circuit is directly proportional to its applied
voltage and inversely proportional to its resistance provided that all other factors
remain constant
V=IR
6.Define power
P = W/t
1.Why use the vcb at high transmission system ? why cant use ACB?
Actually the thing is vacuum has high arc quenching property compare to air
because in VCB,the DIE ELECTRIC strength equal to 8 times of air. That’s why
always vacuum used as in HT breaker and air used as in LT.
2.What are the operations carried out in a thermal power plant?
The water is obtained in the boiler and the coal is burnt so that steam is
obtained.This steam is allowed to hit the turbine,the turbine which is coupled with
the generator generates the electricity.
A 2 phase motor is often a motor with Starting winding and running winding have
a phase split.
5. What is KVAR?
MCB is miniature circuit breaker which is thermal operated and used for short
circuit protection in small current rating circuit.
MCCB moulded case circuit breaker is thermal operated for over load current
and magnetic operation for instant trip in short circuit condition.
Generator and Alternator are two devices,which converts mechanical energy into
electrical energy, Both have the same principles of electromagnetic induction,the
only difference is that their construction.Generator persist stationary magnetic
field and rotating conductor which rolls on the armature with slip rings and
brushes riding against each other ,hence it converts the induced emf into dc
current for external load.
An alternator has a stationary armature and rotating magnetic field for high
voltages but for low voltage output rotating armature and stationary magnetic
field is used.
Answer 1 -The induced emf developed when the rotating conductors of the
armature between the poles of magnet in a DC motor,cut the magnetic
flux,opposes the current flowing through the conductor,when the armature
rotates,is called back emf.Its value depends upon the speed of rotation of the
armature conductors.In starting the value of back emf is zero.
Answer 2 -Slip can be defined as the difference between the flux speed and the
rotor speed.Speed of the rotor of an induction motor is always less than its
synchronous speed.It is usually expressed as a percentage of synchronous
speed and represented by the symbol “S”.
Constant losses - The losses that occur in the core are known as core losses or
iron losses.
Two types of iron losses are -
Eddy current loss
Hysteresis loss
These losses depends upon the supply voltage,frequency,core material and its
construction.As long as supply voltage and frequency is constant,these losses
remain the same whether the transformer is loaded or not.These are also known
as constant loss.
Variable loss or Copper Loss - When the transformer is loaded current flows in
primary and secondary winding,there is loss of electrical energy due to
resistance of primary winding and secondary winding and they are called variable
losses.These losses depend upon the loading conditions of the
transformers.Therefor these losses are also called as variable losses.
Question 4. Define following electrical Terms
Reliability,Maximum Demand,Reverse Generating Capacity,Availability
Answer 4.
Reliability - It is the capacity of the power system to serve all power demands
without failure over long periods.
Answer 5.
Watt
It is a transformer that has one or more leads wire output so the switch can
be used to change the output voltage from a reference wire.
Sumpner’s Test:
This is also called back to back test. In open circuit and short circuit tests, no
information is obtained about the temperature rise.
The main advantage of using the star delta starter is a reduction of current
during the starting of the motor. Starting current is reduced to 3-4 times Of
current of Direct online starting.
Hence the starting current is reduced; the voltage drops during the starting
of the motor in systems are reduced
The working of CT and PTs are based on the electromagnetic flux linkage as
common transformers.
6. Why Delta Star Transformers are used for Lighting Loads?
For lighting loads, neutral conductor is must and hence the secondary
must be star winding. And this lighting load is always unbalanced in all three
phases. To minimize the current unbalance in the primary we use delta winding
in the primary. So delta/star transformer is used for lighting loads.
7. What is the difference between MCB & MCCB, Where it can be used?
MCB is a miniature circuit breaker that is thermally operated and used for
short-circuit protection in a small current rating circuit. The MCCB molded case
circuit breaker is thermally operated for current overload and magnetic operation
for instantaneous trip in short circuit condition. Low voltage and low frequency
can be incorporated. Normally used where the normal current is more than 100A.
The isolator is an offload device which is used for isolating the downstream
circuits from upstream circuits for the reason of any maintenance on downstream
circuits. It is manually operated and does not contain any solenoid, unlike circuit
breaker. it should not be operated while it is having a load.
Circuit breaker is on load automatic device used for breaking the circuit in
case of abnormal conditions like short-circuiting, overload etc., it is having three
specification 1 is rated current and 2 is short circuit breaking capacity and 3 is
instantaneous tripping current.
SF6 is Sulpher hexa Fluoride gas… if this gas is used as arc quenching
medium in a Circuit breaker means SF6 CB.
A two phase motor is a motor with the starting winding and the running
winding have a phase split. eg: AC servo motor.
The effect of armature flux to main flux is called as armature reaction. The
armature flux may support main flux or opposes main flux.
15. Why use the VCB at High Transmission System? Why can’t use ACB?
Actually the thing is vacuum has high arc quenching property compare to
air because in VCB, the die electric strength is equal to 8 times of air. That y
always vacuum used as in HT breaker and air used as in LT.
Interview Questions and answers - Electrical engineer,Electrician and
Electrical apprentice trainee.
Ans - Fuses are burnt when over current flows in the circuit but circuit
breaker will just open during over current.Thus fuses are used for only
once but breakers can be used by multiple number of times.
Isolators are mainly for switching purpose under normal conditions but they
cannot operate in fault conditions. Actually they used for isolating the CB
for maintenance. Whereas CB gets activated under fault conditions
according to the fault detected.
The relay has two settings.These are the time setting and the plug
setting.The time setting decides the operating time of relay while the plug
setting decided the current required for the relay to pickup.
We can set the pick-up value of the relay,keeping in mind that the relay
should allow normal load as well as a certain degree of overload to be
supplied.
Thus the pick-up value of the relay should be more than the allowable
maximum load.At the same the relay should be sensitive enough to
respond to the smallest fault.Thus,the pick-up value should be less than
the smallest fault current.
A relay must get an adequate chance to protect the zone under its primary
protection. Only if the primary protection does not clear the fault,the back-
up protection should initiate tripping.Thus as soon as the fault takes
place,it is sensed by both primary and back-up protection.
1. Describe a challenge that you ran into at work and how you solved it.
2. Tell me about a time when you made a mistake. How did you recover?
3. Describe your most successful teamwork experience. What made it so successful?
4. Describe a time when you had to meet a strict deadline. How did you manage to get
your work done on time?
5. What was the toughest decision that you’ve had to make within this last year?
6. Explain some of the projects that you have helped design. How did your involvement
affect the outcome?
7. Tell me about a time you had to raise an uncomfortable issue with your boss.
8. How do you prioritize when in charge of multiple projects or tasks?
9. Have you ever had to make an important decision quickly? What was the outcome?
10. Tell me about a time when you went above and beyond to get the job done. Did you
face any challenges along the way?
1. Can you explain the difference between direct and alternating current?
2. Explain Norton’s Theorem in a single sentence.
3. What are some of the most common causes of transformer humming?
4. What is the difference between a single pole and a double pole circuit breaker?
5. A capacitor has a label on it saying, “100 WVDC”. What does this label mean and
what is the consequence of exceeding this rating?
6. What is the difference between generator and alternator?
7. What is your understanding of Australian engineering standard 61508?
8. What is analog-to-digital conversion of signals?
9. What are the various types of numbers for network identity?
10. A client is using Chlorine gas as a sanitiser. However, the facility is only 300m from a
public area and poses a significant risk. What decision making process would you take the
client through to remove the risk?