http://www.electricaltechnology.

org/2013/09/Basic-Electrical-and-Electronics-Interview-
Questions-and-Answers-Electrical-electronics-notes.html

Why we can’t store AC in Batteries instead of DC.or Can we store AC in batteries instead of DC?
We cannot store AC in batteries because AC changes their polarity upto 50 (When frequency =
50 Hz) or 60 (When frequency = 60 Hz) times in a second. Therefore the battery terminals keep
changing Positive (+ve) becomes Negative (-Ve) and vice versa, but the battery cannot change
their terminals with the same speed so that’s why we can’t store AC| in Batteries.
Also when we connect a battery with AC Supply, then It will charge during positive half cycle
and discharge during negative half cycle because the Positive (+ve) half cycle cancel the
negative (-Ve) half cycle, so the average voltage or current in a complete cycle is Zero. So there
is no chance to store AC in the Batteries.
Also note that Average Voltage x Average Current ≠ Average Power.

 Why Motor rated in kW instead of kVA?

We know that Transformer rating may be expressed in kVA as well as Generator and Alternator
rated in kVA Designer doesn’t know the actual consumer power factor while manufacturing
transformers and generators i.e. the P.F (Power factor) of Transformer and
Generator/Alternator depends on the nature of connected load such as resistive load,
capacitive load, and inductive load as Motors, etc. But Motor has fixed Power factor, i.e. motor
has defined power factor and the rating has been mentioned in KW on Motor nameplate data
table. That’s why we are rated Motor in kW or HP (kilowatts/ Horsepower) instead of kVA.
In addition, Motor is a device which converts Electrical power into Mechanical power. In this
case, the load is not electrical, but mechanical (Motor’s Output) and we take into the account
only active power which has to be converted into mechanical load. Moreover, the motor power
factor does not depend on the load and it works on any P.F because of its design.

For the following reasons, a Power plant capacity rating may be expressed in MW instead of
MVA.
In a Generating station, the prime mover (Turbine) generates only Active Power. That’s why we
rated a power plant capacity in MW instead of MVA. Its mean no matter how large your
generator is, but it depends on the capacity of the engine (Prime mover/Turbine) I.e. a 50MW
turbine connected to a 90MVA alternator in a power plant will generate only 50MW at full load.
In short, a power plant rating is specified in terms of prime mover /Turbine (Turbine rating may
be seen by nameplate rating which is in MW or Horsepower (HP) not in MVA) and not by the
alternator set coupled to it.
Another thing is that, electric power company charges their consumer for kVA while they
generate kW (or MW) at the power station (Power plant).They penalize their consumer for
low Power factor because they are not responsible for low power factor and kVA but you.
Moreover, in power plant, power factor is 1 therefore MW is equal to MVA …… (MW = MVA x
P.f).
Another interesting & funny answer by one of our Facebook page fan…“Power House means,
house of the Power, and we know that the unit or power is Watt. That’s why we rated power
plant capacity in MW and not in MVA”. ;)

Why Battery rating in Ah (Ampere hour) and not in VA.

Battery stores charge in the form of chemical energy and then converts it into electrical energy
to utilize for a specific time. The amount of available charge is the capacity of a cell or battery
which may be expressed in Ah (Ampere-hour). Moreover, in a charged battery, the numbers of
molecules are limited to create a flow of electron in electric circuits, so, there must be a limited
number of electrons in a cell/battery which they motivate through a circuit to fully discharge.
Now we have the option to rate the battery capacity in Number of flowing electrons for a
specific time, but, it would be a headache, because there are a vast number of electrons in
it. So we have another option (1C (Coulomb) = 6.25 x 1018 electrons, or
6,250,000,000,000,000,000 electrons.
In addition, 1A (Ampere) = 1 coulomb of electrons per second and,
1h = 3600 Seconds
Therefore;
1Ah = (1A) x (3600s) = (C/s) x (3600s) = 3600 C.
∴ A (1 Ampere) = 1 Coulomb per second = C/s
But,
Why make up a new unit for battery capacity rating when an old one unit is doing just fine? L
Of course! To make your lives as technicians and students more difficult. ;)
As they do for electricity units… i.e. 1 Unit of Electricity = 1kWh = 1 board of Trade Unit...

Why AC rated in Tons, Not in kW?

AC (Air-conditions and Refrigeration are always rated in Tons.
Air conditioners are always rated in Tons capacity instead of kW because Air conditioners are
designed on the basis of quantity of heat removal from room, hall or specific area. Quantity of
heat is termed in Tons means if an air conditioner is able to remove 1000 kilocalories of heat or
4120 kilojoules or 12000 BTU of heat in an hour that AC rated as 1Ton of AC because 1000
Kilocalories or 4120 kilojoules or 12000 BTU equal to one Ton of heat. Also, this is the same
case for freezer and refrigerator i.e. refrigeration system.
Good to know:
BTU = British thermal unit. A measurement of heat, specifically, the amount of heat needed to
raise the temperature of a pound of water by 1°F.

Definition of Ton
A Ton of refrigeration (RT) is approximately equivalent to 12,000 BTU/h or 3,516.8528 W or
4.7142Hp.
A Ton of refrigeration (RT) is a unit of power used to describe the heat-extraction capacity of air
conditioning and refrigeration equipments. It is defined as the heat of fusion absorbed by
melting 1 short ton of pure ice at 0 °C (32 °F) in 24 hours.

How many kW and HP are there in 1 Ton?

1 Ton = 3.5168525 kW = 4.714Hp

Explanation
1 Ton = 12,000 BTU/h
1 Watt = 3.412141633 BTU/h
1 Ton = 12,000 / 3.412141633 = 3,516.8528 Watts = 3.5168528 kW.
1 Ton = 3,516.8528 Watts = 3.516 kW.
Also
1 Ton = 3,516.8528W / 746 = 4.7142798928 Hp →→→ (1 Hp = 746 Watts)
1 Ton = 4.714 Hp

How to convert Ton to Kw and vice versa?

One RT (Refrigeration Ton) = 3.5168528 kW…
1 RT = 3.5168528 kW
1 kW = 0.284345 RT (Refrigeration Ton)
1 kW = 0.28434517 RT
So,
The power P in kW = Power P in RT (Refrigeration Ton) times 3.5168528….
P(kW) = P(RT) × 3.5168528

Example
Convert 3 Ton AC into kW i.e. Convert 3 RT to kW.
Solution:
P(kW) = 3 RT × 3.5168528
P(kW) = 10.55 kW
3 Ton AC = 10.55 kW

How much Current in Ampere will a 2 Tons AC draw in Single Phase & Three Phase System?
Suppose, There are 230V and Power factor = Cosθ = 0.95 in Single Phase AC system…
1 Ton = 3,516.8528 Watts = 3.516 kW.
2 Ton = 2 x 3.516 kW = 7.032kW = 7032W
Power in a Single Phase AC System
P = VxI Cosθ and current…
I = P / (V x Cosθ) ….. Where Cosθ = Power factor
I = 7032W / (230V x .95)
I = 32.18 A
Therefore, a 2 Ton AC (Air-condition in Single Phase AC system will take 31.18 Ampere Current

And in Three Phase System

Suppose, There are 440V and Power factor = Cosθ = 0.85 in Three Phase AC system…
Power in a Three Phase AC System
P =√3 x VLxIL Cosθ and current….
I = P /( √3xVxCosθ)
I = 7032W / (1.732 x 440V x .85) Where Cosθ = Power factor and √3 = 1.732
I = 10.855 A
Therefore, a 2 Ton AC (Air-condition in Three Phase AC system will take 10.855 Ampere Current

Good to Know: This is just calculation based on Electrical formulas. In real, Air conditioner
current depends a lot on operating conditions such as ambient temperature, refrigerant
pressure, Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) etc. for instance, if EER is 6, then input power for 2 Tons
Air conditioner is 24000BTU/ 6 = 4000 watts..
If this is a 230 volt system, then air conditioner load current would be = 4000/(230x.95) = 18.5 A
For More detail…Check the Air conditioner Name plate rating.
Another similar rating is Coefficient of power (COP) which is the output power in watts divided
by input power, so with a COP = 1.8, for instance, input power for 2 Tons Air conditioner is
7032W / 1.8 = 3906 watts. Now you can find current by using the above method which is equal
to 18A approx.

How many 2 Ton A.C (Air conditioner) can I run on a 25 kVA Generator?
2 Ton = 2 x 3.516 kW = 7.032kW = 7032W
The Efficiency of Utility Power Generator is 90% approximately.
Efficiency of Generator = 25kVA x (90/100) = 22.5kVA
Now the Number of 2 Ton AC (Air conditioners) which you can run on a 25 kVA Generator
smoothly..
22.5kVA / 7032W
=3
So you can run Three Air conditioners of 2 Tons each on a 25kVA Generator.
Why star delta starter is preferred with induction motor?

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.

State the difference between generator and alternator

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.

Why AC systems are preferred over DC systems?

Due to following reasons, AC systems are preferred over DC systems:

a. It is easy to maintain and change the voltage of AC electricity for transmission and
distribution.
b. Plant cost for AC transmission (circuit breakers, transformers etc) is much lower than the
equivalent DC transmission
c. From power stations, AC is produced so it is better to use AC then DC instead of converting it.
d. When a large fault occurs in a network, it is easier to interrupt in an AC system, as the sine
wave current will naturally tend to zero at some point making the current easier to interrupt.

How can you relate power engineering with electrical engineering?

Power engineering is a sub division of electrical engineering. It deals with generation,

transmission and distribution of energy in electrical form. Design of all power equipments also
comes under power engineering. Power engineers may work on the design and maintenance of
the power grid i.e. called on grid systems and they might work on off grid systems that are not
connected to the system.

What are the various kind of cables used for transmission?

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.

What is slip in an induction motor?

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’.

Explain the application of storage batteries.

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.

9. Explain advantages of storage batteries

Few advantages of storage batteries are mentioned below:

• Most efficient form of storing energy portably.
• Stored energy is available immediately because there is no lag of time for delivering the
stored energy.
• Reliable source for supply of energy.
• The energy can be drawn at a fairly constant rate.
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.

Following motors are used: -

• Vacuum cleaners- Universal motor.
• Phonographic appliances – Hysteresis motor.
• Vending machines – Shaded pole motor.
• Refrigerators – Capacitor split phase motors.
• Rolling mills – Cumulative motors.
• Lathes – DC shunt motors.
• Power factor improvement – Synchronous motors.

12. State Thevenin’s Theorem:

According to thevenin’s theorem, the current flowing through a load resistance

Connected across any two terminals of a linear active bilateral network is the ratio open circuit
voltage (i.e. the voltage across the two terminals when RL is removed) and sum of load
resistance and internal resistance of the network. It is given by Voc / (Ri + RL).

13. State Norton’s Theorem

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.

14. State Maximum power transfer theorem

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.

15. Explain different losses in a transformer.

There are two types of losses occurring in transformer:

• Constant losses or Iron losses: The losses that occur in the core are known as core losses or
iron losses. Two types of iron losses are:
o eddy current loss
o Hysteresis loss.
These losses depend 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 losses.
• Variable losses or copper losses: when the transformer is loaded, current flows in primary and
secondary windings, there is loss of electrical energy due to the resistance of the primary
winding, and secondary winding and they are called variable losses. These losses depend upon
the loading conditions of the transformers. Therefore, these losses are also called as variable
losses.

16. Explain different types of D.C motors? Give their applications

Different type of DC motors and their applications are as follows:-

• Shunt motors: It has a constant speed though its starting torque is not very high. Therefore, it
is suitable for constant speed drive, where high starting torque is not required such as pumps,
blowers, fan, lathe machines, tools, belt or chain conveyor etc.
• Service motors: It has high starting torque & its speed is inversely proportional to the loading
conditions i.e. when lightly loaded, the speed is high and when heavily loaded, it is low.
Therefore, motor is used in lifts, cranes, traction work, coal loader and coal cutter in coalmines
etc.
• Compound motors: It also has high starting torque and variable speed. Its advantage is, it can
run at NIL loads without any danger. This motor will therefore find its application in loads
having high inertia load or requiring high intermittent torque such as elevators, conveyor,
rolling mill, planes, presses, shears and punches, coal cutter and winding machines etc.

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.

18. Comment on the working principle of operation of a single-phase transformer.

Working principle of operation of a single-phase transformer can be explained as

An AC supply passes through the primary winding, a current will start flowing in the primary
winding. As a result, the flux is set. This flux is linked with primary and secondary windings.
Hence, voltage is induced in both the windings. Now, when the load is connected to the
secondary side, the current will start flowing in the load in the secondary winding, resulting in
the flow of additional current in the secondary winding. Hence, according to Faraday’s laws of
electromagnetic induction, emf will be induced in both the windings. The voltage induced in the
primary winding is due to its self inductance and known as self induced emf and according to
Lenze’s law it will oppose the cause i.e. supply voltage hence called as back emf. The voltage
induced in secondary coil is known as mutually induced voltage. Hence, transformer works on
the principle of electromagnetic induction.

19. Define the following terms:-

• 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?

Disadvantages of low power factor:

• Line losses are 1.57 times unity power factor.
• Larger generators and transformers are required.
• Low lagging power factor causes a large voltage drop, hence extra regulation equipment is
required to keep voltage drop within prescribed limits.
• Greater conductor size: To transmit or distribute a fixed amount of power at fixed voltage, the
conductors will have to carry more current at low power factor. This requires a large conductor
size.

How to Calculate the value of Ceramic / Non-Polarized Capacitors?

Below is a very useful chart for calculation the right value of Ceramic / Non - Polarized
Capacitors.
Example:
Here is the Capacitor marking is "105"
It's mean that = 10 + 5 Zeros = 1,000,000 pF
= 1000 nF = 1 µF

Active and passive Commonest (Very Easy Explanation with Examples)

Active Components:
Those devices or components which required external source to their operation is called Active
Components.
For Example: Diode, Transistors, SCR etc...
Explanation and Example: As we know that Diode is an Active Components. So it is required an
External Source to its operation.
Because, If we connect a Diode in a Circuit and then connect this circuit to the Supply voltage.,
then Diode will not conduct the current Until the supply voltage reach to 0.3(In case of
Germanium) or 0.7V(In case of Silicon). I think you got it :)

Passive Components:
Those devices or components which do not required external source to their operation is called
Passive Components.
For Example: Resistor, Capacitor, Inductor etc...
Explanation and Example: Passive Components do not require external source to their
operation.
Like a Diode, Resistor does not require 0.3 0r 0.7 V. I.e., when we connect a resistor to the
supply voltage, it starts work automatically without using a specific voltage. If you understood
the above statement about active Components, then you will easily get this example. :)

In other words:
Active Components:
Those devices or components which produce energy in the form of Voltage or Current are
called as Active Components
For Example: Diodes Transistors SCR etc…
Passive Components:
Those devices or components which store or maintain Energy in the form of Voltage or Current
are known as Passive Components
For Example: Resistor, Capacitor, Inductor etc...
In very Simple words;
Active Components: Energy Donor
Passive Components: Energy Acceptor
Also Passive Components are in linear and Active Components are in non linear category.

A Voltmeter, an ammeter (Ampere meter) and a battery cell are connected in series. It is
observed that ammeter practically shows No Deflection. Why?
Due to the large resistance of the voltmeter, the circuit resistance becomes very high. As a
result, very small current will flow in the circuit. this small current f on passing through the coil
of voltmeter will produce some deflection. However, in case of ammeter (Ampere meter), most
of this small current will flow through the shunt. Consequently the deflection of the ammeter
will be practically nil.

21. State the methods of improving power factor?

Methods of improving power factor:

• By connecting static capacitors in parallel with the load operating at lagging power factor.
• A synchronous motor takes a leading current when over excited and therefore behaves like a
capacitor.
• By using phase advancers to improve the power factor of induction motors. It provides
exciting ampere turns to the rotor circuit of the motor. By providing more ampere-turns than
required, the induction motor can be made to operate on leading power factor like an
overexcited synchronous motor.

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.

23. What are the advantages of VSCF wind electrical system?

Advantages of VSCF wind electrical system are:

• No complex pitch changing mechanism is needed.
• Aero turbine always operates at maximum efficiency point.
• Extra energy in the high wind speed region of the speed – duration curve can be extracted
• Significant reduction in aerodynamic stresses, which are associated with constant – speed
operation.

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.

28. Compare JFET’s and MOSFET’s.

Comparison of JFET’s and MOSFET’s:

• JFET’s can only be operated in the depletion mode whereas MOSFET’s can be operated in
either depletion or in enhancement mode. In a JFET, if the gate is forward-biased, excess-carrier
injunction occurs and the gate-current is substantial.
• MOSFET’s have input impedance much higher than that of JFET’s. Thus is due to negligible
small leakage current.
• JFET’s have characteristic curves more flat than that of MOSFET is indicating a higher drain
resistance.
• When JFET is operated with a reverse-bias on the junction, the gate-current IG is larger than it
would be in a comparable MOSFET.

30. Explain thin film resistors and wire-wound resistors

a. Thin film resistors- It is constructed as a thin film of resistive material is deposited on an

insulating substrate. Desired results are obtained by either trimming the layer thickness or by
cutting helical grooves of suitable pitch along its length. During this process, the value of the
resistance is monitored closely and cutting of grooves is stopped as soon as the desired value of
resistance is obtained.
b. Wire wound resistors – length of wire wound around an insulating cylindrical core are known
as wire wound resistors. These wires are made of materials such as Constantan and Manganin
because of their high resistivity, and low temperature coefficients. The complete wire wound
resistor is coated with an insulating material such as baked enamel

31. What is a differential amplifier? Also, explain CMRR.

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.

Electrical interview question

: What is meant by regenerative braking?
Answer
: When the supply is cut off for a running motor, it still continue runningdue to inertia. In order to stop it quickly
we place a load (resistor) across thearmature winding and the motor should have maintained continuous field
supply.so that back e.m.f voltage is made to apply across the resistor and due to loadthe motor stops quickly.
This type of breaking is called as "RegenerativeBreaking".
Electrical interview question
: Why is the starting current high in a DC motor?
Answer
: In DC motors, Voltage equation is V=Eb-IaRa (V = Terminal voltage,Eb= Back emf in Motor,Ia = Armature
current,Ra = Armature resistance).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.
Electrical interview question
: What are the advantages of star-delta starter withinduction motor?
Answer
:( 1). The main advantage of using the star delta starter is reduction ofcurrent during the starting of the motor.
Starting current is reduced to 3-4 timesOf current of Direct online starting.(2). Hence the starting current is
reduced; thevoltage drops during the starting of motor in systems are reduced.
Electrical interview question
: Why Delta Star Transformers are used forLighting Loads?
Answer:
For lighting loads, neutral conductor is must and hence the secondarymust be star winding. And this lighting load
is always unbalanced in all threephases. To minimize the current unbalance in the primary we use delta
windingin the primary. So delta / star transformer is used for lighting loads.
Electrical interview question:
Why in a three pin plug the earth pin is thickerand longer than the other pins?Answer: It depends upon R=rho l/a
where area(a) is inversely proportional toresistance (R), so if (a) increases, R decreases & if R is less the leakage
currentwill take low resistance path so the earth pin should be thicker. It is longer because the First to make the
connection and last to disconnect should be earthPin. This assures Safety for the person who uses the electrical
instrument.
Electrical interview question
: Why series motor cannot be started on no-load?Answer: Series motor cannot be started without load because
of high startingtorque. Series motor are used in Trains, Crane etc
.
Electrical interview question
: Why ELCB can't work if N input of ELCB do notconnect to ground?
Answer
: ELCB is used to detect earth leakage fault. Once the phase and neutralare connected in an ELCB, the current will
flow through phase and that muchcurrent will have to return neutral so resultant current is zero. Once there is
aground fault in the load side, current from phase will directly pass through earthand it will not return through
neutral through ELCB. That means once sidecurrent is going and not returning and hence because of this
difference in currentELCB will trip and it will safe guard the other circuits from faulty loads. If theneutral is not
grounded, fault current will definitely high and that full fault currentwill come back through ELCB, and there will
be no difference in current.
Electrical interview question
: Why we do 2 types of earthing on tranformer ie:body earthing & neutral earthing, what is function. i am going
to install a 5oo kvatranformer & 380 kva DG set what should the earthing value?
Answer
: The two types of earthing are Familiar as Equipment earthing andSystem earthing. In Equipment earthing: body
(non conducting part)of theequipment should be earthed to safeguard the human beings. System Earthing:In
this neutral of the supply source (Transformer or Generator) should begrounded. With this, in case of
unbalanced loading neutral will not be shifted .sothat unbalanced voltages will not arise. We can protect the
equipment also. Withsize of the equipment( transformer or alternator)and selection of relying system
earthing will be further classified into directly earthed, Impedance earthing,resistive (NGRs) earthing.
Electrical interview question
: What is the difference between MCB & MCCB,Where it can be used?
Answer:
MCB is miniature circuit breaker which is thermal operated and use forshort circuit protection in small current
rating circuit. MCCB moulded case circuitbreaker and is thermal operated for over load current and magnetic
operation forinstant trip in short circuit condition. under voltage and under frequency may beinbuilt. Normally it
is used where normal current is more than 100A.
Electrical interview question
: Where should the lighting arrestor be placed indistribution lines?
Answer
: Near distribution transformers and out going feeders of 11kv andincoming feeder of 33kv and near power
transformers in sub-stations.
Electrical interview question
: Define IDMT relay?
Answer
: It is an inverse definite minimum time relay. In IDMT relay its operatingis inversely proportional and also a
characteristic of minimum time after whichthis relay operates. It is inverse in the sense ,the tripping time will
decrease asthe magnitude of fault current increase.
Electrical interview question
: What are the transformer losses?
Answer
: TRANSFORMER LOSSES - Transformer losses have two sources-copper loss and magnetic loss. Copper losses
are caused by the resistance ofthe wire (I2R). Magnetic losses are caused by eddy currents and hysteresis inthe
core. Copper loss is a constant after the coil has been wound and therefore ameasureable loss. Hysteresis loss is
constant for a particular voltage and current.Eddy-current loss, however, is different for each frequency passed
through thetransformer
Electrical interview question
: What is the difference between Isolator andCircuit Breaker?
Answer
: Isolator is a off load device which is used for isolating the downstreamcircuits from upstream circuits for the
reason of any maintenance on downstreamcircuits. It is manually operated and does not contain any solenoid
unlike circuitbreaker. it should not be operated while it is having load. first the load on it mustbe made zero and
then it can safely operated. Its specification only rated currentis given. But circuit breaker is on load automatic
device used for breaking thecircuit incase of abnormal conditions like short-circuit, overload etc., it is havingthree
specification 1 is rated current and 2 is short circuit breaking capacity and 3is instantaneous tripping current.
Electrical interview question
: what is boucholz relay and the significance of it into the transformer?
Answer
: Boucholz relay is a device which is used for the protection oftransformer from its internal faults; it is a gas based
relay. whenever any internalfault occurs in a transformer, the boucholz relay at once gives a horn for sometime,
if the transformer is isolated from the circuit then it stop its sound itself otherwise it trips the circuit by its own
tripping mechanism.
Electrical interview question
: What is SF6 Circuit Breaker?
Answer
:SF6 is Sulpher hexa Fluoride gas.. if this gas is used as arc quenchingmedium in a Circuit breaker means SF6 CB.
Electrical interview question
: what is ferranti effect?
Answer
: Output voltage is greater than the input voltage or receiving end voltageis greater than the sending end voltage.
Electrical interview question
: what is meant by insulation voltage in cables?explain it?
Answer
: It is the property of a cable by virtue of it can withstand the appliedvoltage without rupturing it is known as
insulation level of the cable.
Electrical interview question
: how to calculate capacitor bank value to maintainunity power factor with some suitable example?
Answer
:KVAR= KW(TAN(COS(-1)#e)- TAN(COS(-1)#d) )
#e= EXISTING P.F.
#d= DESIRED P.F.
Electrical interview question
: Tell me in detail about c.t. and p.t. ?(Company:reliance)
Answer:
The term C.T means current transformer, and the term P.T meanspotential transformer. In ckt where
measurements of high voltage and highcurrent is involved they are used there. Particularly when a measuring
device likevoltmeter or ammeter is not able to measure such high value of quantity becauseof large value of
torque due to such high value it can damage the measuringdevice. so, CT and PT are introduced in the ckts. They
work on the sameprinciple of transformer, which is based on linkage of electromagnetic fluxproduced by
primary with secondary. They work on the ratio to they aredesigned.E.g if CTis of ratio 5000\5A and it has to
measure secondary current of8000A.then ANS=8000*5\5000=8Aand this result will be given to ammeter
.andafter measuring 8A we can calculate the primary current. same isthe operation of PT but measuring voltage.
Electrical interview question
: There are a Transformer and an inductionmachine. Those two have the same supply. For which device the load
current willbe maximum? And why?
Answer:
The motor has max load current compare to that of transformer bcozthe motor consumes real power.. and the
transformer is only producing theworking flux and its not consuming.. hence the load current in the transformer
isbecause of core loss so it is minimum.
Electrical interview question
: what is power factor? Whether it should be highor low? why?

Prepared By Satish Kumar.K

Answer
: Power factor should be high in order to get smooth operation of thesystem. Low power factor means losses will
be more. it is the ratio of true powerto apparent power. it has to be ideally 1. if it is too low then cable over
heating &equipment overloading will occur. if it is greater than 1 then load will act ascapacitor and starts feeding
the source and will cause tripping.(if pf is poor ex:0.17 to meet actual power load has to draw more current(V
constant),result inmore losses if pf is good ex: 0.95 to meet actual power load has to draw lesscurrent(V
constant),result in less losses).
Electrical interview question
: What happens if i connect a capacitor to agenerator load?
Answer
: Connecting a capacitor across a generator always improves powerfactor, but it will help depends up on the
engine capacity of the alternator,otherwise the alternator will be over loaded due to the extra watts consumed
dueto the improvement on pf. Secondly, don't connect a capacitor across analternator while it is picking up or
without any other load.
Electrical interview question:
Why the capacitors work on ac only?
Answer
: Generally capacitor gives infinite resistance to dc components (i.e.,block the dc components). it allows the ac
components to pass through.
Electrical interview question
: Explain the working principal of the circuitbreaker?
Answer
: Circuit Breaker is one which makes or breaks the circuit. It has twocontacts namely fixed contact & moving
contact. Under normal condition themoving contact comes in contact with fixed contact thereby forming the
closedcontact for the flow of current. During abnormal & faulty conditions (when currentexceeds the rated
value) an arc is produced between the fixed & movingcontacts & thereby it forms the open ckt.Arc is
extinguished by the ArcQuenching media like air, oil, vacuum etc.
Electrical interview question
: How many types of cooling system ittransformers?
Answer:
1. ONAN (oil natural, air natural)
2. ONAF (oil natural, air forced)3. OFAF (oil forced, air forced)4. ODWF (oil direct, water forced)5. OFAN (oil
forced, air forced)
Electrical interview question
: What is the function of anti-pumping in circuitbreaker?
Answer
: when breaker is close at one time by close push button he anti pumpingcontactor prevent re close the breaker
by close push button after if it alreadyclose.
Electrical interview question
: what is stepper motor. What is its uses?
Answer
:Stepper motor is the electrical machine which act upon input pulseapplied to it. it is one type of synchronous
motor which runs in steps in eitherdirection instead of running in complete cycle. so, in automation parts it is
used.
Electrical interview question
: What is Automatic Voltage regulator (AVR)?
Answer
: AVR is an abbreviation for Automatic Voltage Regulator. It is importantpart in Synchronous Generators; it
controls the output voltage of the generator bycontrolling its excitation current. Thus it can control the output
Reactive Power ofthe Generator.
Electrical interview question
: What is an exciter and how does it work?
Answer
: There are two types of exciters, static exciter and rotary exciter.Purpose of exciter is to supply the excitation dc
voltage to the fixed poles ofgenerator.Rotory exciter is an additional small generator mounted on the shaft
ofmain generator. if it is dc generator, it will supply dc to the rotor poles through slipring and brushes(
conventional alternator). if it is an ac exciter, out put of acexciter is rectified by rotating diodes and supply dc to
main fixed poles.ac exciter
is the ac generator whose field winding are stationary and armature rotates. initialvoltage is built up by residual
magnetisim.It gives the starting torque to thegenerator.
Electrical interview question
: Difference between a four point starter and threepoint starter?
Answer:
The shunt connection in four point starter is provided separately fromthe line where as in three point state it is
connected with line which is thedrawback in three point starter
Electrical interview question
: Why use the VCB at High Transmission System?Why can't use ACB?
Answer
: Actually the thing is vacuum has high arc quenching property compareto air becoz in VCB ,the die electric
strength is equal to 8 times of air . That yalways vacuum used as in HT breaker and air used as in LT .
Electrical interview question
: What is the difference between surge arrestorand lightning arrestor?
Answer
: LA is installed outside and the effect of lightning is grounded, where assurge arrestor installed inside panels
comprising of resistors which consumes theenergy and nullify the effect of surge.
Electrical interview question
: Why syn. generators r used for the production ofelectricity?
Answer
: synchronous machines have capability to work on different powerfactor(or say different imaginary power
varying the field emf. Hence syn.generators r used for the production of electricity.
Electrical interview question
: What is the difference between synchronousgenerator & asynchronous generator?
Answer
: In simple, synchronous generator supply's both active and reactivepower but asynchronous generator
(induction generator) supply's only activepower and observe reactive power for magnetizing. This type of
generators isused in windmills.
Electrical interview question
:1 ton is equal to how many watts?
Answer
:1 ton = 12000 BTU/hr and to convert BTU/hr to horsepower,12,000 * 0.0003929 = 4.715 hp therefore 1 ton =
4.715*.746 = 3.5 KW.
Electrical interview question
: why syn. generators r used for the production ofelectricity?
Answer
: synchronous machines have capability to work on differentpowerfactor(or saydifferent imaginary pow varying
the field emf. Hence syn. generators r used forthe production of electricity.
Electrical interview question
: Enlist types of dc generator?
Answer
: D.C.Generators are classified into two types 1)separately excitedd.c.generator 2)self excited d.c.generator,
which is further classified into;1)series2)shunt and3)compound(which is further classified into cumulative and
differential).
Electrical interview question
: Give two basic speed control scheme of DCshunt motor?
Answer:
1. By using flux control method: in this method a rheostat is connectedacross the field wdg to control the field
current. so by changing the current theflux produced by the field wdg can be changed, and since speed is
inverselyproportional to flux speed can be controlled 2.armature control method:in thismethod a rheostat is
connected across armature wdg.by varying the resistancethe value of resistive drop(IaRa)can be varied,and since
speed is directlypropotional to Eb-IaRa the speed can be controlled.
Electrical interview question
: what is the principle of motor?
Answer
: Whenever a current carrying conductor is placed in a magnetic field itproduce turning or twisting movement is
called as torque.
Electrical interview question
: what is meant by armature reaction?
Answer
: The effect of armature flu to main flux is called armature reaction. Thearmature flux may support main flux or
opposes main flux.
Electrical interview question
: Give two basic sprrd control scheme of DC shuntmotor?
Answer
:1. By using flux control method:in this method a rheostat is connectedacross the field wdg to control the field
current.so by changing the current the fluxproduced by the field wdg can be changed, and since speed is
inverselyproportional to flux speed can be controlled 2.armature control method:in thismethod a rheostat is
connected across armature wdg.by varying the resistancethe value of resistive drop(IaRa)can be varied,and since
speed is directlypropotional to Eb-IaRa the speed can be controlled.
Electrical interview question
: what is the difference between synchronousgenerator & asynchronous generator?
Answer
: In simple, synchronous generator supply's both active and reactivepower but asynchronous
generator(induction generator) supply's only activepower and observe reactive power for magnetizing. This type
of generators areused in windmills.
Electrical interview question
: What is the Polarisation index value ? (pivalue)and simple definition of polarisation index ?
Answer
: Its ratio between insulation resistance(IR)i.e megger valuefor 10min to insulation resistance for 1 min. It ranges
from 5-7 for new motors &normally for motor to be in good condition it should be Greater than 2.5 .
Electrical interview question:
What will happen when power factor is leading indistribution of power?
Answer
: If their is high power factor, i.e if the power factor is close to one:
1.losses in form of heat will be reduced,
2.cable becomes less bulky and easy to carry, and verycheap to afford, &3. it also reduces over heating of
tranformers.
Electrical interview question
: what is the one main difference between UPS &inverter ? And electrical engineering & electronics engineering
?
Answer
: uninterrupted power supply is mainly use for short time meansaccording to ups VA it gives backup. ups is also
two types : on line and offline .online ups having high volt and amp for long time backup with with high
dcvoltage. but ups start with 12v dc with 7 amp. but inverter is start with 12v,24,dcto 36v dc and 120amp to
180amp battery with long time backup.
Electrical interview question
: What is 2 phase motor?
Answer
: A two phase motor is a motor with the starting winding and the runningwinding have a phase split. e.g;ac servo
motor.where the auxiliary winding andthe control winding have a phase split of 90 degree.
Electrical interview question
: Advantages of vvvf drives over non vvvf drivesfor EOT cranes?
Answer
:1.smooth start and stop.
2.no jerking of load.
3.exact posiitoning4.better protection for motor.5.high/low speed selection.6.reliability of break
shoe.7.programmable break control.8.easy circutry9.reduction in controls10.increases motor life
Electrical interview question
: What is the significance of vector grouping inPower Transformers?
Answer
: Every power transformer has a vector group listed by its manufacturer.Fundamentally it tells you the
information about how the windings are connected(delta or wye) and the phase difference between the current
and voltage. EG.DYN11 means Delta primary, Wye Secondary and the current is at 11 o clockreffered to the
voltage.
Electrical interview question
:Which type of A.C motor is used in the fan(ceiling fan, exhaust fan, padestal fan, bracket fan etc) which are find
in thehouses ?
Answer
:Its Single Phase induction motor which mostly squirrel cage rotor andare capacitor start capacitor run.
Electrical interview question
: why, when birds sit on transmission lines orcurrent wires doesn't get shock?
Answer
: Its true that if birds touch the single one line (phase or neutral) theydon't get electrical shock... if birds touch 2
lines than the circuit is closed and theyget electrical shock.. so if a human touch single one line(phase) then he
doesn'tget shock if he is in the air (not touching - standing on the ground if he is standingon the ground then
touching the line (phase) he will get a shock because theground on what we standing is like line (ground bed -
like neutral) and in themost of electric lines the neutral is grounded... so that means that human whotouch the
line closes the circuit between phase and neutral.
Electrical interview question
: what is meant by armature reaction?
Answer
: The effect of armature flu to main flux is called armature reaction. Thearmature flux may support main flux or
opposes main flux.
Electrical interview question
: what happen if we give 220 volts dc supply to dbulb r tube light?
Answer
: Bulbs [devices] for AC are designed to operate such that it offers highimpedance to AC supply. Normally they
have low resistance. When DC supply isapplied, due to low resistance, the current through lamp would be so
high that itmay damage the bulb element.
Electrical interview question
: Which motor has high Starting Torque andStaring current DC motor, Induction motor or Synchronous motor?
Answer
: DC Series motor has high starting torque. We can not start theInduction motor and Synchronous motors on
load, but can not start the DC seriesmotor without load.
Electrical interview question
: what is ACSR cable and where we use it?
Answer
: ACSR means Aluminum conductor steel reinforced, this conductor isused in transmission & distribution.
Electrical interview question
: What is vaccum currcuit breaker.define withcause and where be use it Device?
Answer
:A breaker is normally used to break a ciruit. while breaking the circuit,the contact terminals will be separated. At
the time of seperation an air gap isformed in between the terminals. Due to existing current flow the air in the
gap isionised and results in the arc. various mediums are used to quench this arc inrespective CB's. but in VCB the
medium is vaccum gas. since the air in the CB ishaving vaccum pressure the arc formation is interrupted. VCB's
can be used upto11kv.
Electrical interview question
: How tubelight circuit is connected and how itworks?
Answer
: A choke is connected in one end of the tube light and a starter is inseries with the circuit. When supply is
provided the starter will interrupt the supplyintermittent cycle of AC. Due to the sudden change of supply the
choke willgenerate around 1000volts. This volt will capable of to break the electrons insidethe tube to make
electron flow. Once the current passes through the tube thestarter circuit will be out of part. Now there is no
change of supply causes chokevoltage normalized and act as minimize the current.
Electrical interview question
: what is MARX CIRCUIT?
Answer
: It is used with generators for charging a number of capacitor in paralleland discharging them in series. It is used
when voltage required for testing ishigher than the available.
Electrical interview question
: What is encoder, how it function?
Answer
: An encoder is a device used to change a signal (such as a bitstream) ordata into a code. The code may serve any
of a number of purposes such ascompressing information for transmission or storage, encrypting or
addingredundancies to the input code, or translating from one code to another. This isusually done by means of
a programmed algorithm, especially if any part isdigital, while most analog encoding is done with analog circuitry.
Electrical interview question
: What are the advantages of speed control usingthyrister?
Answer
: Advantages :1. Fast Switching Characterestics than Mosfet, BJT, IGBT2. Low cost 3. Higher Accuract.
Electrical interview question
: Why Human body feel Electric shock ?? n in anElectric train during running , We didnt feel any Shock ? why?
Answer
: Unfortunately our body is a pretty good conductor of electricity, Thegolden rule is Current takes the lowest
resistant path if you have insulation to ourfeet as the circuit is not complete (wearing rubber footwear which
doing somerepairs is advisable as our footwear is a high resistance path not much currentflows through our
body).The electric train is well insulated from its electricalsystem.
Electrical interview question
: what is the principle of motor?
Answer
: Whenever a current carrying conductor is placed in an magnetic field itproduce turning or twisting movement is
called as torque.
Electrical interview question
: What is electric traction?
Answer
: Traction means using the electric power for traction system i.e. forrailways, trams, trolleys etc. electric traction
means use of the electricity for allthese . now a days, magnetic traction is also used for bullet trains. basically
dcmotors aroused for electric traction systems.
Electrical interview question
: How can you start-up the 40w tube lite with 230vAC/DC without using any choke/Coil?
Answer
: I t's possible by means of Electronic choke. Otherwise it's not possibleto ionise the particles in tube. Light, with
normal voltage.
Electrical interview question
: What is "pu" in electrical engg?
Answer:
Pu stands for per unit and this will be used in power system single linediagram there it is like a huge electrical
circuit with no of componenets(generators, transformers, loads) with different ratings (in MVA and KV). To
bringall the ratings into common platform we use pu concept in which, in generallargest MVA and KV ratings of
the component is considered as base values, thenall other component ratings will get back into this basis. Those
values are calledas pu values. (p.u=actual value/base value).
Electrical interview question
: Operation carried out in Thermal power station?
Answer
: The water is obtained in the boiler and the coal is burnt so that steam isobtained this steam is allowed to hit the
turbine , the turbine which is coupledwith the generator generates the electricity
Electrical interview question
: Why link is provided in neutral of an ac circuitand fuse in phase of ac circuit?
Answer
: Link is provided at a Neutral common point in the circuit from whichvarious connection are taken for the
individual control circuit and so it is given ina link form to withstand high Amps. But in the case of Fuse in the
Phase of ACcircuit it is designed such that the fuse rating is calculated for the particular circuit(i.e load) only.So if
any malfunction happens the fuse connected in the particularcontrol circuit alone will blow off.
Electrical interview question
: what is the diff. btwn. electronic regulator andordinary rheostat regulator for fans?
Answer
: The difference between the electronic and ordinary regulator is that inelectronic reg. power losses are lessi.e.for
as we decrease the speed theelectronic reg. give the power needed for that particular speed but in case
ofordinary rh type reg. the power wastage is same for every speed and no power issaved. In electronic regulator
triac is employed for speed cntrl.by varying thefiring angle speed is controlled but in rheostat ctrl resistance is
decreased bysteps to achieve speed control