Give Us A Shock And Get One Hundred Percent On This Electricity Quiz!
Written by Daniel Rackley
Last updated · 23 min play time
Electricity is something that most of us couldn't live without. That being said, there are many facets to electricity, things like how it is handled, how it is produced, and the tools you use to handle electricity. Take this quiz and show us what you know about electricity!
Quiz written by
Daniel RackleyElectricity Quiz Questions
61 Questions · 74.2K Plays · 56 Comments
Question 1
What material is used to create nearly all electrical wires?
-
AGlass
-
BGold
-
CIron
-
DCopper
Copper
Nearly all wires used in homes are made of copper. Iron, glass, and gold either do not conduct electricity well or are too expensive to use for such an extensive purpose.
Question 2
What is found inside a service panel?
-
AElectric meters
-
BCircuit breakers
-
CCircuit diagrams
-
DMario Kart circuit maps
Circuit breakers
The service panel contains the circuit breakers of a house or building. This is commonly called the "breaker box".
Question 3
Solar power is an incredible method for gathering energy from what source to generate electricity?
-
AThe Sun
-
BThe Ocean
-
CThe Moon
-
DThe Wind
The Sun
To put it simply, solar power works by absorbing sunlight with special solar cells, generating a direct current of energy, and converting it to usable electric energy. The best part is that there's plenty to go around - solar power is the most abundant energy source on Earth!
Question 4
This tool lets electricians measure the thickness of wires. What is the name for this wire thickness?
-
AWire substance
-
BWire gauge
-
CWire karats
-
DWire corder
Wire gauge
Wire gauge is measured from size 7/0 at the largest and 50 at the smallest, though standard gauges just measure from 0 to 30.
Question 5
If you are not qualified to work with electricity, who should you hire?
-
AElectrician
-
BAny subcontractor
-
CCarpenter
-
DHandyman
Electrician
A qualified contractor is always a good idea when dealing with electricity. With electrical, a lack of knowledge is a dangerous and potentially deadly thing. Where there are some processes that can be done by homeowners, having a pro check your work is never a bad idea.
Question 6
When electrical work does not meet governmental standards, what is it called?
-
AAccording to Hoyle
-
BNot up to code
-
CLacking some amps
-
DNot up to snuff
Not up to code
Each jurisdiction sets its own codes for what kind of electrical work is necessary in a home. Therefore, when it is subpar, it is not up to code.
Question 7
What is the typical term for the flow of electricity?
-
ACourse
-
BRace
-
CCurrent
-
DChannel
Current
The flow of electricity is known as a current. It is a result of electrons flowing from one atom to the next.
Question 8
What is a voltage surge?
-
AA special outlet strip for computers
-
BAn unexpected rise in voltage
-
CHigher pricing for electricity during peak periods
-
DThe initial spark when a circuit is completed
An unexpected rise in voltage
A voltage surge in an unexpected rise in voltage which damages the electrical equipment of an installation. A surge protector keeps this from damaging sensitive electronics.
Question 9
Which of these tools will an electrician NOT use?
-
AWire stripper
-
BNeedle-nosed pliers
-
CMultimeter
-
DDrum auger
Drum auger
Electricians do not need to use drum augers. That is a plumber's tool.
Question 10
What is another name for an electrical pole?
-
AElectricity tree
-
BEnergy tower
-
CUtility pole
-
DPower stick
Utility pole
While calling it an electrical pole is very common, utility pole is actually the most accurate term. After all, all types of wires are suspended by them, not just power lines.
Question 11
The term "mole" is used sometimes to refer to crews that work on a growing trend in power distribution. What is this trend?
-
ADeeper holes for electrical poles
-
BAnimal-proof wires
-
CMole-skin insulation
-
DUnderground power lines
Underground power lines
"Moles" are linemen who work on placing electrical wires in underground tunnels, rather than suspending them from poles.
Question 12
What is the "main box"?
-
AThe main toolkit for electricians
-
BThe female component of a receptacle box
-
CA box with adequate grounding
-
DThe primary electrical panel outside of a building
The primary electrical panel outside of a building
The "main box" refers to the electrical panel located outside of your home. It has a waterproof exterior so that rain does not harm it.
Question 13
What is the name for the large, grey cylinder on many electrical poles?
-
ADistributor
-
BMagnet
-
CTransformer
-
DConverter
Transformer
The large grey cylinder is called a transformer.
Question 14
What is the most common electrical component linemen work on?
-
AElectric meters
-
BSolar panels
-
CTraffic lights
-
DElectrical lines
Electrical lines
While linemen do work on all sorts of electrical components, the most iconic and common thing they work on are electrical lines. If you see someone up at the top of an electrical pole, that is almost always a lineman.
Question 15
What is this electrical measurement tool called?
-
AWattometer
-
BVoltmeter
-
CPlugometer
-
DAmpometer
Voltmeter
Electricians use a number of measurement tools, including this one which is called a voltmeter.
Question 16
Where are electric meters most commonly located?
-
AOn your breaker panel
-
BOutside, where the main electric line connects to the house
-
CInside, where the main electric line connects to the house
-
DInside, where your hot water heater is
Outside, where the main electric line connects to the house
In nearly every case, the electric meter is located outside where someone from the electric company can easily read it. To find it, follow the electricity lines to your house from the street and you should see it on the wall.
Question 17
What is the function of the electrical tool called a fish tape, pictured here?
-
AStore wires neatly
-
BSolder wires
-
CMeasure electrical current
-
DPull wires through thin areas
Pull wires through thin areas
A fish tape is a tool which can be used to pull wires into areas that your hand won't fit, such as through a PVC pipe.
Question 18
In a home's electrical wiring, current can be AC or DC. What does AC power stand for?
-
AAbsolute current
-
BAnchor cord
-
CAlternating current
-
DAlternating conduit
Alternating current
While it is less common, AC power is still a standard type of wiring, and stands for "alternating current". As the name suggests, its flow changes direction occasionally.
Question 19
What would you call an electrician who works on high-voltage lines for a public utility?
-
ATelecom employee
-
BLineman
-
CPoleman
-
DUtility man
Lineman
A lineman works for public utilities. They require the same basic knowledge as any other electrician.
Question 20
Dealing with electricity in wet locations can be dangerous and that's why we use GFCI plugs. What does GFCI stand for?
-
AGrounded flash conduction inhibitor
-
BGuarded from concentrated induction
-
CGround for circuitry installation
-
DGround fault circuit interrupter
Ground fault circuit interrupter
GFCIs can trip in 1/40th of a second. This safety feature protects you in wet locations such as kitchens and bathrooms. They are also required in exterior locations.
Question 21
What does a lineman mean if he or she uses the slang "bible"?
-
AThe electrician code book
-
BThe safety harness
-
CGloves
-
DThe tool bag
The electrician code book
As you might expect, the electrician's code book is sometimes called a "bible" since it is used so extensively.
Question 22
What does a "hot" wire do?
-
ANothing
-
BIt's a spare wire that doesn't work unless you trip the breaker
-
CIt carries current back to the breaker panel
-
DIt carries electricity from the power source to the outlet
It carries electricity from the power source to the outlet
The "hot" wire carries electrical current from the power source to the outlet, fixture, etc. Acting as the first instance of a circuit, they are always carrying electricity, meaning it is dangerous to touch a hot wire while there is a power source feeding it.
Question 23
What else is used to stabilize some electrical poles besides their underground length?
-
AAdhesive
-
BMagnets
-
CCement
-
DGuy wires
Guy wires
Guy wires are wires that attach the electrical pole to the ground. They keep it from falling over using tension.
Question 24
Which of these is NOT a unit by which electricians measure electricity?
-
AOhm
-
BAmpere
-
CVolt
-
DKilocalorie
Kilocalorie
A kilocalorie is 1/1000th of a calorie. It is a unit used to describe the energy of food.
Question 25
What do you call an electrical current that frequently changes direction?
-
AAlternating current
-
BModerated current
-
CVariable current
-
DAdjusting current
Alternating current
Alternating currents switch directions. This is in contrast to direct currents, which is where you get the labels AC and DC.
Question 26
This profession got its start by working on telegraph lines in the 1840s.
-
ATrue
-
BFalse
True
Indeed, the first linemen worked on telegraph lines, long before electrical wires were even imagined.
Question 27
As one of the most basic components of an electrical circuit, what can be used to reduce current flow?
-
ACapacitor
-
BInverter
-
CInductor
-
DResistor
Resistor
A resistor is what is used to reduce the electrical current.
Question 28
What is a dedicated circuit?
-
AAn appliance with its own electric meter
-
BAnother word for direct current
-
CAn electrical circuit that serves just one item
-
DA properly labeled breaker box
An electrical circuit that serves just one item
A dedicated circuit only has one item attached to it, typically a large appliance. When you trip the breaker, only that appliance will be affected.
Question 29
Which of these skills will likely not be used by an electrician regularly?
-
AAnatomy
-
BGeometry
-
CPhysics
-
DTrigonometry
Anatomy
You may not realize it, but electricians use physics, geometry, and even trigonometry on a daily basis.
Question 30
In most cases, what color is a neutral wire coded?
-
AWhite or Grey
-
BGreen
-
CBlack or Yellow
-
DBlue or Red
White or Grey
The neutral wire is white or grey. Maintaining this color coding system is important to communicate what's going on in your electrical system to others.
Question 31
Which of these natural processes is inherently linked to electricity?
-
APhotosynthesis
-
BWind
-
COxidation
-
DMagnetism
Magnetism
Magnetism and electricity go hand-in-hand. For physicists, the two are often linked in a process known as "electromagnetism".
Question 32
In what unit are electrical currents measured?
-
AJoules
-
BOhms
-
CAmps
-
DHertz
Amps
Amperes, also known as amps, are the standard unit for electrical currents. It was named for Andre-Marie Ampere, a French scientist.
Question 33
Need to cut electrical cable or steel wire? Which type of plier should you rely on?
-
ASide cutting pliers
-
BLocking pliers
-
CFencing plier
-
DTongue and groove pliers
Side cutting pliers
Side cutting pliers go by many other names, including wire cutters, wire snips, lineman pliers, electrician's pliers and diagonal pliers. The heavy jaws and sheers set at a diagonal angle make these shears ideal for cutting through electrical wire and steel wire. Some heavier-duty models can cut through bolts and nails.
Question 34
What hardware allows electrical equipment to connect to the electrical grid?
-
AOutlet
-
BThermostat
-
CResistor
-
DRelay switch
Outlet
Through the outlet, devices connect to the electrical grid. It completes the loop.
Question 35
When does an open circuit happen in a wiring system?
-
AWhen a conductor becomes separated or broken
-
BWhen a new fuse gets installed
-
CWhen the system works as it should
-
DIt never happens
When a conductor becomes separated or broken
You do not want to see an open circuit within the wiring. It means that a conductor has become broken or separated. To fix it, the electrician must balance the load.
Question 36
In basic electrical work, what color is usually the "hot" wire?
-
AGreen
-
BBlack or Red
-
CBlue
-
DWhite
Black or Red
The hot wire is black and provides electricity to your fixture. The white wire is neutral and is wired to ground.
Question 37
What does the neutral wire do?
-
AIt runs electricity to the fixture
-
BIt's a spare wire that doesn't work unless you trip the breaker
-
CIt's a grounded current-carrying conductor
-
DNothing
It's a grounded current-carrying conductor
The neutral wire completes the circuit and carries electricity from the fixture back to the electrical panel. Electricity must flow in a circle for it to work.
Question 38
What is the purpose of a ground wire?
-
AIt completes a three-way circuit
-
BIt returns electicity to the breaker box
-
CIt brings electricity to an appliance or fixture
-
DIt provides a path back to the source of the electrical current in the event of a fault
It provides a path back to the source of the electrical current in the event of a fault
A ground wire provides a conducting path to the earth which is independent of the normal current-carrying path in an electrical appliance. In household circuits, it is connected to the electrical neutral at the service panel to guarantee a low resistance path that trips the circuit breaker or fuse in the event of an electrical fault.
Question 39
Good conductors require what component?
-
AAdditional protons
-
BHigh atomic weight
-
CFree electrons
-
DPoor water content
Free electrons
An electrical current can only pass through a metal if there are free electrons. This refers to electrons on the outer surface of atoms that are free to move about haphazardly.
Question 40
Have electrical issues but don't know where to even begin looking to resolve the issue? Use this tool.
-
APlug-in circuit analyzers
-
BMultimeter
-
COhmmeter
-
DInductance tester
Multimeter
While the other tools can help you safely test for electrical currents, a multimeter can help you diagnose specific electrical problems. Many homeowners use this tool to diagnose appliance wiring problems.
Question 41
What should an electrician do to ensure a circuit is turned off before working on it?
-
ATouch the wire
-
BCut the wires
-
CTurn off the switch
-
DUse a voltage tester
Use a voltage tester
Before an electrician ever touches an electrical circuit, he or she should always use a voltage tester to prevent electrocution.
Question 42
What is the function of a capacitor?
-
AIncrease Wattage
-
BStore electrical energy
-
CRedirect electrical flow
-
DReduce energy transfer
Store electrical energy
A capacitor stores electrical energy in an electrical field. It is very similar to a battery.
Question 43
What do electricians refer to for the ability to hold an electrical charge?
-
AVolume
-
BResistance
-
CCapacitance
-
DWattage
Capacitance
Capacitance refers to the ability to hold a charge. Capacitance is measured in farads.
Question 44
Who discovered electricity?
-
ABenjamin Franklin
-
BThomas Edison
-
CNikola Tesla
-
DAlexander Graham Bell
Benjamin Franklin
Specifically, Franklin discovered that lightning is electricity by flying a kite during a thunderstorm. He tied a metal key to the string to conduct lightning down and got quite a shock in proving his ideas.
Question 45
Insulating electrical wires is key to preventing electrical fires. What do you use to do this?
-
AElectrical tape
-
BInsulation
-
CCotton
-
DDuct tape
Electrical tape
As its name implies, electrical tape is designed for electrical repairs. It's made of vinyl, which both stretches and provides good insulation. You can also use this type of tape to cover pipes in the winter.
Question 46
What is the function of a diode?
-
AIndicate when electricity is flowing
-
BRedirect electricity flow
-
CStop electricity from flowing backwards
-
DStop electricity from flowing entirely
Stop electricity from flowing backwards
A diode keeps electricity from flowing backwards through it. It essentially creates a one-way gate for the electricity.
Question 47
What is a watt?
-
AA measure of electric power
-
BA measure of electric cost
-
CA measure of electric resistance
-
DA measure of electric amperage
A measure of electric power
Watts are a measure of power consumed by a bulb or appliance. They are equal to one joule of work performed per second of 1/746 horsepower.
Question 48
What does LED stand for?
-
ALow Energy Diode
-
BLight Electric Diode
-
CLow Electrical DC
-
DLight Emitting Diode
Light Emitting Diode
A Light Emitting Diode (LED) bulb uses less electricity and stays cooler than incandescent bulbs for big energy savings.
Question 49
What is this pictured object?
-
AA halogen bulb
-
BAn incandescent bulb
-
CAn LED bulb
-
DA CFL bulb
A CFL bulb
A Compact Fluorescent Light (CFL) bulb uses less electricity than incandescent and halogen bulbs, but they need to be disposed of properly to prevent mercury contamination.
Question 50
How can you find out your home's total available amperage?
-
ALick each plug and do it by feel
-
BBy adding the wattage of all your appliances
-
CLook at the amperage rating on the main breaker
-
DBy reading the meter
Look at the amperage rating on the main breaker
Amperage (or amps) is the total amount of electricity your house can use at one time. You can find this number on the main breaker in your breaker box. Most modern homes have 200 amp service.
Question 51
What is the main difference between linemen and electricians?
-
AInterior vs. exterior electronics
-
BTwo names for the same job
-
CPowered vs. non-powered electronics
-
DInsulated vs. non-insulated electronics
Interior vs. exterior electronics
Linemen are very similar to electricians, except they work on exterior electronics instead of interior electronics.
Question 52
What should you observe when connecting a voltmeter to a DC circuit?
-
APower factor
-
BResistance
-
CRms
-
DPolarity
Polarity
Voltmeters are used to check DC circuits. They measure the polarity by means of a small needle that will tell you whether you have a positive or negative polarity.
Question 53
What kind of gloves will protect you from an electric shock?
-
ABoxing gloves
-
BKid gloves
-
C100% rubber gloves
-
DSilk gloves
100% rubber gloves
Gloves will only protect you if they are 100% rubber with no holes or tears. Most gloves aren't like this, and won't protect you in an electrical encounter.
Question 54
Passive solar building design uses solar energy to:
-
AAbsorb heat
-
BGenerate electricity
-
CSequester carbon
-
DStrengthen the structure
Absorb heat
As mentioned earlier, thermal mass often plays a large part in these designs. Windows that can vary how much of the light spectrum is admitted and/or reflected also play a significant part.
Question 55
What is the electrical schematic diagram symbol for a diode?
-
ATriangle and solid line
-
BBroken line and a plus
-
CCone and a dot
-
DTriangle and a dot
Triangle and solid line
The symbol that represents a diode looks like a triangle pointed at a solid, vertical line.
Question 56
Which of these contains a resistance of practically zero?
-
AAnode
-
BCathode
-
CSuperconductor
-
DSemiconductor
Superconductor
A superconductor requires zero cold temperatures to operate. With such low resistance, electricity can flow unabated.
Question 57
Electricity is essentially the energy created by the flow of something, but what exactly it is the flow of?
-
APower
-
BCharged particles
-
CNeutrons
-
DMagnetism
Charged particles
Electricity is the flow of charged particles. The exact type of particles that an electric charge consists of may vary, including electrons or protons.
Question 58
What is the name for the lines that connect the substation and individual consumers?
-
ATransmission lines
-
BBranch lines
-
CDistribution lines
-
DCapillary lines
Distribution lines
After passing through the substation, electricity travels along distribution lines.
Question 59
What precaution is taken to keep the guy wires from electrocuting pedestrians?
-
AAir pockets
-
BA set distance from live wires
-
CStrain insulators
-
DWarning signs
Strain insulators
The guy wires always have strain insulators inserted into them to keep any voltage from running through them. There are usually also yellow plastic sleeves to keep anyone from touching the guy wires.
Question 60
Which term means the opposite of "conductive"?
-
AInductive
-
BDeductive
-
CSubstrative
-
DInsulating
Insulating
An insulating object is the opposite of a conductive one. Insulating items have the ability to shield a substance from electricity.
Question 61
What does this symbol represent in an electrical schematic diagram?
-
ADiode
-
BCapacitor
-
CInductor
-
DAnd gate
Inductor
This symbol represents an inductor, which creates a magnetic field.
Comments (56)
We want to hear your feedback! Share your scores and discuss the quiz, but keep it civil.
I liked it some of the questions were tricky.
poorly written quiz... some answers are absolutely WRONG!!!
Ok, I think it would weed out how much a person should do on his own, or when to get help.
I didn't like or agree with the wording on some of the questions. Some of the terminology was not standard to licensed electricians nor used in the National Electric Code.
I got 100% but some were questionable and not correct. I wish I knew this comment section was here I would have taken note of them but the answer was half right and the only answer close.
Obviously the questions were not written by an electrician. Several mistakes; some have been corrected in the list below. Some haven't... #19 Alternating current changes direction *occasionally*?? #52 Linemen and electricians don't do "electronics".
@tradeprosarenotgeniusus so whatd you score on this? just curious. I got 4 wrong.
Got 6 wrong, some strange answers. That use.
I got 9 wrong. I am not an electrician, I just have an interest in electronics.
Got one wrong but not an electrician. Just have an interest in electronics.
Got them all right. But I am a retired electrical engineer with 40 years of experience.
It's fun to read everyone's interpretation of something basic. I bet on the lineman/utility question about (guy wires) you probably said, "that's wrong they are called guide wires!" hahahahaha!
62 questions in 10 minutes with 8 wrong 2 I hit the button while page was loading....So it's a total of 10. I'm just an interior remodeling general contractor.
Took electronics in Tech school 35 years ago. Missed two "old age memory loss", or crs, "can't remember shit". Enjoyed the quiz though.
Not even electrician, did plumbing, iron work (rod buster), and fence installer. Damn good at all three as well, especially building fences
Too many construction workers who think they're a genius just for knowing there own trade. Yes I work construction, missed 5 on quiz, 3 due to screen juking me out
Hey Mr. 100%, guessing your an electrician or GC making this a case where you scoring anything less would be a concern. I'll bet your perfect score makes you feel superior to others out there
got 14 right must border on genius
100% although some questions are geared towards people with limited knowledge as some have pointed out here, but in the world of electricians that's how things work. I reality most people know in an AC circuit the current is alternating.
Got one right! ! If it can't be fixed with a hammer, than obviously it's an electrical problem!