Basic Electrical Engineering Interview Questions and Answers

Electrical Interview Questions

Basic Electrical Engineering Interview Questions and Answers

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.

7. 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?

Basic Electrical Engineering Interview Questions and Answers

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.
BASE-3
Basic Electrical Engineering Interview Questions and Answers

Basic Electrical Interview Questions BASE-4

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? BASE-5

Basic Electrical Engineering Interview Questions and Answers

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.

Basic Electrical Engineering Interview Questions and Answers

Advanced Electrical Interview Questions BASE-6

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.