🔹 Basic Technical Questions for Electrical Engineer

Q1. Difference between MCB, MCCB, ACB, and VCB?

A1. MCB – low current, MCCB – high current & adjustable, ACB – LV high capacity, VCB –
MV switching in vacuum.

Q2. How do you select cable size for a motor or load?

A2. Based on current, voltage drop, short-circuit rating, and derating factors.

Q3. Difference between LT and HT systems?

A3. LT < 1kV, HT > 1kV (like 11kV, 33kV).

Q4. What is power factor and why is it important?

A4. Ratio of active to apparent power; improves efficiency and reduces losses.

Q5. Explain star-delta starter.

A5. Starts motor in star (low current), then shifts to delta (full voltage).

Q6. Formula to calculate 3-phase motor current?

A6. I= P/(√3*V*PD*n)

Q7. Difference between isolator and circuit breaker?

A7. Isolator – no-load switching, CB – interrupts load/fault current.

Q8. What are harmonics?

A8. Distorted waveforms from non-linear loads; cause heating & malfunction.

Q9. Why do we use capacitor banks?

A9. To improve power factor and reduce penalties.

Q10. Difference between earthing, grounding, and bonding?

A10. Earthing – connect equipment to earth, Grounding – neutral to earth, Bonding –
interconnect for safety.

🔹 Practical / Site
Q11. What are standard voltages in Gulf countries?
A11. LV: 230/400V, MV: 11kV, HV: 33kV/132kV/220kV.

Q12. How do you test a transformer at site?

A12. IR test, ratio test, polarity test, oil BDV test.

Q13. What tests are done before commissioning a motor?

A13. Insulation test, continuity, rotation, no-load run.
Q14. How to identify underground cable faults?
A14. Using megger, TDR, or cable fault locator.

Q15. What safety steps before working on live systems?

A15. Lockout-tagout, discharge, PPE, permit to work.

Q16. Procedure for motor megger testing?

A16. Disconnect motor, apply 500/1000V DC, check IR ≥ 1 MΩ.

Q17. What protections are used for motors?

A17. Overload, short-circuit, earth fault, thermal relay.

Q18. Precautions before HV panel maintenance?

A18. Isolate, earth, discharge, use interlocks, follow PTW.

Q19. How to check phase sequence?

A19. Use phase sequence meter or by motor rotation.

Q20. How to handle load balancing in distribution panel?

A20. Measure currents, redistribute loads across phases.

🔹 Standards & Codes

Q21. Which standards are used in Gulf?
A21. IEC, BS, NEC, local utility standards (DEWA, SEC, Kahramaa).

Q22. What is the earthing resistance limit as per IEC?

A22. Less than 1 ohm for substations, 5 ohms for normal.

Q23. Difference between TN-S, TN-C, and TT systems?

A23. TN-S – separate neutral & earth, TN-C – combined, TT – direct earth electrode.

Q24. What is IP rating?

A24. Ingress protection against dust & water (e.g., IP55 = dust protected, water jet).

Q25. Cable color coding as per IEC?

A25. Phase – Brown/Black/Grey, Neutral – Blue, Earth – Green-Yellow.

⚠️Electrical Safety & Standards

1. Which standards are commonly followed in Gulf projects?

IEC, BS, IEEE, NEC, NFPA 70E, local utility codes.

2. What is an electrical permit-to-work system?

Formal authorization ensuring safe isolation, LOTO, monitoring.

3. What precautions before working on a live panel?standby man.

4. What are LOTO procedures?

Lockout: Lock breaker/switch.

Tagout: Tag with name/date/job info. Prevents accidental energization.

5. What is arc flash and how to protect against it?

Sudden release of energy due to fault arc. Protection: Arc-rated PPE, relays, remote
racking.

Add a6. What PPE is required for HV switchgear maintenance?

Arc-rated suit, insulated gloves, dielectric boots, helmet, face shield, ear protection.

Troubleshooting & Practical Scenarios

1. Motor trips after 10 sec of starting – causes?

Overload, wrong relay settings, single phasing, jamming, high starting current.

2. Transformer overheating – possible causes?

Overload, unbalanced load, poor cooling, winding fault, low oil, high ambient temp.

3. Why does a VFD generate harmonics? How to mitigate?

Due to rectifier stage (non-linear loads). Use reactors, filters, multi-pulse VFDs.

4. Panel shows earth leakage – how to find faulty cable?

IR test feeders one by one, isolate defective cable.

5. Generator running in parallel with grid – synchronizing conditions?

Same voltage, frequency, phase sequence, phase angle.

6. PLC-controlled motor not starting – troubleshooting steps?

Check PLC logic, inputs, outputs, power, contactor, field wiring.

7. Steps during MCC panel commissioning?

Visual check, IR test, CT polarity, relay settings, busbar tightening, functional check,
trial run.

🏭 Industrial Installation & Maintenance

1. How do you decide cable sizing for a 3-phase motor?

Based on motor FLC, voltage drop (≤5%), short circuit rating, derating factors.

2. What is derating of cables and why is it important in Gulf conditions?

Reducing cable ampacity due to high temp, sand, ducts. Prevents overheating.

3. How do you prepare a cable schedule for an industrial project?

Document listing cable size, type, source-destination, length, termination.

4. What is the safe distance for laying HV & LV cables?

300–600 mm separation (depends on standard).

5. How do you check motor rotation before connecting load?

Jog test or phase rotation meter.

6. What is IR test? Explain procedure using megger.

Disconnect equipment → apply 500V/1000V (LV), 5kV (HV) → insulation ≥1MΩ (LV),
≥100MΩ (HV).

7. How do you test earth resistance on site?

Fall-of-potential method using earth tester. Safe values: <1Ω (substations), <5Ω
(general).

8. What is the difference between Type Test, Routine Test & FAT?

Type: Prototype test (IEC compliance).

Routine: Every unit at factory.

FAT: Customer-witness test before dispatch.

⚙️Panels, Switchgear & Protection

1. What are the protection schemes for motors in MCC panels?

Overload, short circuit, earth fault, phase failure, under-voltage, over-temperature.

2. How do you size a VFD for a motor?

Based on motor kW/HP, FLC, overload factor, derating (ambient, harmonics).

3. What are the typical protections used in transformers?

Buchholz relay, differential protection, overcurrent, earth fault, temperature, pressure

relief.

4. Explain the working principle of differential protection.

Compares incoming & outgoing current. Difference > limit → trip.

5. What is the significance of busbar sizing and how do you calculate it?

Must withstand full load + fault current. Calculated by current density (A/mm²),
allowable temp rise, short-circuit level.
6. How do you test an HV circuit breaker before energizing?

IR test, contact resistance test, timing test, mechanical operation, HV withstand test.

7. Why do we use SF6 in GIS?

High dielectric strength, superior arc quenching, compact design, low maintenance.

8. What are the types of relays used in protection systems?

Electromechanical (old), static, digital, numerical (modern multifunction).

🔌 General Electrical Knowledge

1. What are the differences between LV, MV, and HV systems?

LV: up to 1 kV (0.4 kV common in industries).

MV: 1 kV – 33 kV (distribution).

HV: above 33 kV (transmission, substations).

2. Explain the difference between MCB, MCCB, ACB, and VCB.

MCB: up to 125A, short-circuit/overload protection (residential/light loads).

MCCB: up to 3200A, adjustable trip (industrial use).

ACB: >3200A, LV switchgear (main incomer).

VCB: Medium voltage breaker, vacuum arc extinction.

3. What is the function of CT and PT in electrical systems?

CT: Steps down current for measurement/protection.

PT: Steps down voltage for metering/protection.

4. Explain star vs delta connection. Where are they used?

Star: Neutral available, lower current, good for long distance.

Delta: No neutral, more torque, used in motors.

5. What is the difference between neutral and earth?

Neutral: Current return path in circuit.

Earth: Safety path for leakage/fault current.

6. Why do we use 50 Hz in Gulf countries and what issues occur if frequency deviates?

Standardized supply system.

Deviation → motor overheating, poor efficiency, malfunction in sensitive equipment.

Common Electrical Engineer Interview

Questions & Answers
1. Tell me about yourself.
👉 Answer:

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2. What is the difference between an Electrical Engineer and an Electrician?

👉 Answer:
“An Electrician mainly does installation and maintenance on-site, while an Electrical
Engineer focuses on design, planning, testing, and supervising projects along with
technical problem-solving.”

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3. What is the difference between MCCB, MCB, and ELCB?

👉 Answer:

MCB: Protects against overload & short circuit (small loads).

MCCB: Same but for higher loads & adjustable settings.

ELCB/RCCB: Protects against earth leakage and shock.

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4. What is power factor?

👉 Answer:
“Power factor is the ratio of real power to apparent power. A high power factor means
efficient use of electricity. Low power factor wastes energy.”

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5. Why do we use capacitors in industries?

👉 Answer:
“To improve power factor, reduce power loss, and avoid penalties from the electricity
board.”

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6. What is the difference between Transformer and Generator?

👉 Answer:

Transformer: Transfers electrical energy from one voltage level to another without
frequency change.

Generator: Converts mechanical energy into electrical energy.

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7. What is the difference between a relay and a contactor?

👉 Answer:

Relay: Low-power switching device, used in control circuits.

Contactor: High-power switch used for motors and heavy loads.

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8. What are harmonics in electrical systems?
👉 Answer:
“Harmonics are unwanted higher-frequency currents or voltages, mainly caused by
nonlinear loads like VFDs. They cause overheating and reduce efficiency.”

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9. What is the difference between Earthing and Neutral?

👉 Answer:

Neutral: Return path for current.

Earthing: Safety path for fault current to ground.

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10. What protection systems are used in motors?

👉 Answer:

Overload relay

Short circuit protection (MCB/MCCB)

Thermistors/temperature sensors

Earth fault protection

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11. What is SCADA?

👉 Answer:
“SCADA means Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition. It is used for remote
monitoring and control of electrical and industrial systems.”

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12. What is a PLC and where is it used?

👉 Answer:
“PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) is used to control machines and processes
automatically. It replaces hardwired relay logic and is widely used in automation.”

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13. How do you calculate cable size for a load?
👉 Answer:

Based on current (I = P/√3 × V × PF for 3-phase)

Length of cable (voltage drop)

Safety factor

Standard cable charts are used to select proper size.

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14. What is a short circuit and how do you prevent it?

👉 Answer:
“A short circuit happens when live and neutral/earth come in contact, causing a sudden
current surge. Prevented by using fuses, MCBs, insulation, and proper wiring.”

Transformer Testing
Polarity and Phase Relation Test for Three-Phase
Transformer
👉 Purpose:

* Polarity Test ➔ Confirm each phase winding is correctly connected (no reverse
winding).
* Phase Relation Test ➔ Confirm correct phase shift between primary and secondary
(very important in star-delta, delta-star, etc.).

👉 Both are necessary before:

* Parallel operation
* Commissioning
* System synchronization

👉 Equipment:

* Low Voltage three-phase supply (e.g., 100V AC)

* Voltmeter or Multimeter
* Test leads and safety equipment
👉 Step-by-Step Test Procedure:

1. Polarity Test (Phase by Phase):

👉 Goal:
Check if primary and secondary windings are connected in the same direction.

👉 Procedure:

1-Apply 100V AC 3-phase supply to the Primary (H1, H2, H3).

2-Secondary (X1, X2, X3) will have a lower voltage based on transformer ratio.
3-Connect H1 and X1 together.
4-Measure the voltage between:
* H2 and X2
* H3 and X3

👉 Summary:

If measured voltage = (Primary Voltage - Secondary Voltage) ➔ Correct Polarity ✅

If measured voltage = (Primary Voltage + Secondary Voltage) ➔ Reverse Polarity ❌

👉 Repeat the process for H2-X2 and H3-X3 if needed.

2. Phase Relation Test (Overall Phase Displacement Check):

👉 Goal:

1-Confirm the expected phase shift between Primary and Secondary.

(Example: Dyn11 = 30° lagging phase shift)
2-Confirm that the secondary voltages have the correct phase sequence relative to the
primary voltages.

👉 Needed to avoid:

1-Short circuits
2-Reverse power flow
3-Malfunction in parallel operation

👉 Procedure:

1. Apply Low Three-Phase Voltage

Apply a balanced three-phase low voltage to the primary terminals (H1, H2, H3).
Secondary (X1, X2, X3) will have proportional voltages depending on the transformer's
turns ratio.

2. Measure Phase-to-Phase Voltages

On Primary Side:
Measure and record:

H1–H2
H2–H3
H3–H1

On Secondary Side:
Measure and record:

X1–X2
X2–X3
X3–X1

This ensures that individual windings are behaving correctly.

3. Check Phase Sequence

Use a Phase Sequence Meter OR manual method:

Check the primary phase sequence (A ➔ B ➔ C).

Then check the secondary phase sequence (X1 ➔ X2 ➔ X3).

If sequence is same, it’s good ✅.

If sequence is reverse, you must swap two secondary phases to correct it.

4. Cross Voltage Measurement (Confirm Phase Shift)

Now do special cross-measurements:

Measure voltage between:

H1 and X1
H2 and X2
H3 and X3

Depending on your transformer’s vector group, there should be a certain phase shift.

Example for Dyn11:

The secondary side lags the primary side by 30 degrees.

The voltages you measure (H1-X1, H2-X2, H3-X3) should show values that match the
30° displacement.

👉 Simple Check:

Phase sequence (rotation) should be the same: A ➔ B ➔ C

Phase difference (angle) should match the vector group: 30°, 150°, etc.
Q1. What are the different protection methods
used for transformers?
A1. Several protection methods are used to safeguard transformers from damage.
These include:

Buchholz Relay Protection

Differential Protection

Overcurrent Protection

Earth Fault Protection

Thermal Protection

Oil Level and Temperature Monitoring

Surge/Lightning Arresters

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Q2. What is Buchholz Relay Protection?

A2. Buchholz Relay is a mechanical protection device used in oil-immersed
transformers. It detects gas formation due to internal faults like winding short circuits
and trips the transformer if needed.

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Q3. What is Differential Protection in a transformer?

A3. Differential protection compares the current entering and leaving the transformer
(primary and secondary). If there's a significant difference, indicating an internal fault,
the relay operates to disconnect the transformer.

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Q4. How does Overcurrent Protection work in transformers?

A4. Overcurrent protection activates when the current exceeds safe limits due to
overload or external faults. It trips the transformer to prevent damage.

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Q5. What is Earth Fault Protection in a transformer?
A5. Earth fault protection detects leakage current when any part of the winding comes
in contact with the ground. The system trips to isolate the transformer.

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Q6. What is Thermal Protection in transformers?

A6. Thermal protection monitors the temperature of the winding and transformer oil. If
the temperature exceeds safe levels, it sends a trip signal to prevent overheating
damage.

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Q7. How is oil level and temperature monitored in transformers?

A7. Transformers are equipped with sensors to continuously monitor oil level and
temperature. Alarms or trips are activated if levels are too low or temperature is too
high.

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Q8. What is the role of Surge/Lightning Arresters in transformer protection?

A8. Surge arresters protect the transformer from high voltage spikes caused by
lightning or switching surges by safely diverting the surge to the ground.