Electrical engineers are people who design and create electrical systems and machines to make humans life easier. If you are going for a job interview as an electrical engineer, it’s important to get ready for some questions that an interviewer might ask you.
Here we have provided 30 important electrical engineering interview questions and answers. It will increase your knowledge of the subject and help you prepare for an upcoming electrical engineering interview.
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.
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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.
Intermediate Electrical Interview Questions
1: 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.
2: 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.
3: 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.
4: 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.
5: 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.
6. What is an Encoder?
An encoder is a device used to change a signal or data point into a functionable code.
7: 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.
8: 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.
9: 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.
10: Explain why the capacitors work only on AC ?
This is because Capacitors usually provide infinite resistance to direct current.
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Advanced Electrical Interview Questions
1: What precaution should one take before replacing a fuse?
Before replacing a fuse, the main power source should be switched off.
2: 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.
3: What precautions should be adhered to before pulling off the main switch?
Ensure that nobody is working on the corresponding transmission lines.
4: What corresponds to the length of a screw – driver?
The length of the screw – drive refers to the size of the bit.
5: Elucidate the full form of the acronym S.W.G?
The acronym S.W.G stands for standard wire gauge.
6: 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.
7: 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.
8: Explain the role of a circuit breaker?
An apparatus used to protect a circuit from damage by a short circuit.
9: 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.
10: 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.
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Conclusion
So whether you are looking to gather the basic electrical engineering knowledge or looking to brush up on some electrical interview questions for your future interview, look no further. By simply remembering the list of 30 electrical engineering interview questions & answers, you can make sure that you are prepared for your next big interview.
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