1. Why we use 3-phase supply? Why are not 4 or something else?

Answer:

3 phase power generating and delivering is more efficient than 2 phase which in turn is
more efficient than 1 phase. Similarly, going up in the number of phases result in
increased efficiency as well, i.e. 4 phase and 5 phases is more efficient than 3 phases.
The increase of efficiency as the number of phases increase is attributed to that power
delivery becomes more continuous as the number of phases increases and It affects the
Installation cost of transmission of Transmission towers.
 2. 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.

3. What are the advantages of star-delta starter with induction motor?

Answer:

 The main advantage of using the star delta starter is the reduction of current
during the starting of the motor. Starting current is reduced to 3-4 times Of current of
Direct online starting.

 Hence the starting current is reduced; the voltage drops during the starting of the
motor in systems are reduced.

4. Why are Delta-Star-Transformers used for Lighting Loads?

Answer:

For lighting loads, neutral conductor is must and hence the secondary must be star
winding. And this lighting load is always unbalanced in all three phases. To minimize the
current unbalance in the primary we use delta winding in the primary. So delta/star
transformer is used for lighting loads.

5. Why can series motor not be started on no-load?

Answer:

Series motor cannot be started without load because of high starting torque. Series
motor is used in Trains, Crane etc.

6. What is 2 phase motor?

Answer:

A two-phase motor is a motor with the starting winding and the running winding have a
phase split. e.g; ac servo motor.where the auxiliary winding and the control winding
have a phase split of 90 degrees.
7. what is the difference between synchronous generator & asynchronous generator?

Answer:

In simple, synchronous generator supply’s both active and reactive power but
asynchronous generator(induction generator) supply’s only active power and observe
reactive power for magnetizing.This type of generators is used in windmills.

8. What is Automatic Voltage regulator(AVR)?

Answer:

AVR is an abbreviation for Automatic Voltage Regulator.It is important part in

Synchronous Generators, it controls the output voltage of generator by controlling its
excitation current. Thus it can control the output Reactive Power of the Generator.

9. 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.

10. What is the function of anti-pumping in circuit breaker?

Answer:

When the breaker is closed at one time by close push button, the anti-pumping
contactor prevents reclose the breaker by close push button after already close.

11. Define IDMT relay?

Answer:

It is an inverse definite minimum time relay. In IDMT relay its operating is inversely
proportional and also a characteristic of minimum time after which this relay operates. It
is inverse in the sense, the tripping time will decrease as the magnitude of fault current
increase.

12. What is SF6 Circuit Breaker?

Answer:

SF6 is Sulpher hexa Fluoride gas… if this gas is used as arc quenching medium in a
Circuit breaker means SF6 CB.
 13. What is the function of anti-pumping in circuit breaker?

Answer:

when the breaker is close at one time by close push button he anti-pumping contactor
prevent reclose the breaker by close push button after if it already close.

14. How many types of cooling system it transformers?

Answer:

 ONAN (oil natural, air natural)

 ONAF (oil natural, air forced)
 OFAF (oil forced, air forced)
 ODWF (oil direct, water forced)
 OFAN (oil forced, air forced)

15. What is frantic effect?

Answer:

The output voltage is greater than the input voltage or receiving end voltage is greater
than the sending end voltage.

16. What are HRC fuses and where it is used?

Answer:

HRC stands for “high rupturing capacity” fuse and it is used in the distribution system for
electrical transformers.

17. What is electrical diversity factor in electrical installations?

Answer:

Electrical diversity factor is the ratio of the sum of the individual maximum demands of
the various subdivisions of a system, or part of the system, to the maximum demand of
the whole system, or part of the system, under consideration. Electrical diversity factor
is usually more than one.

18. What is the difference between delta-delta, delta-star transformer?

Answer:
Delta-delta transformer is used at generating station or a receiving station for Change of
Voltage (i,e) generally it is used where the Voltage high & Current is low.Delta-star is a
distribution kind of transformer where from secondary star neutral is taken as a return
path and this configuration is used for Step down voltage phenomena.

19. Why are transformer ratings in kva?

Answer:

Since the power factor of the transformer is dependent on load we only define VA rating
and does not include power factor. In case of motors, power factor depends on
construction and hence the rating of motors is in K Watts and include power factor.

20. what is a stepper motor? What are its uses?

Answer:

Stepper motor is the electrical machine which acts upon input pulse applied to it. it is
one type of synchronous motor which runs in steps in either direction instead of running
in a complete cycle. so, in automation parts, it is used.

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
equipment’s 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.

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.

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.

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.
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.
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

Electrical interview questions from AC & DC motor principle and working

 
what is the principle of motor?
Whenever a current carrying conductor is placed in an magnetic field it produce turning
or twisting movement is called as torque.
 
Types of dc generator?
DC Generators are classified into two types 1)separatly excited DC generator 
2)self excited DC generator, which is further classified into; 1)series 2)shunt and
3)compound(which is further classified into cumulative and differential).
 
Which motor has high Starting Torque and Staring current DC motor, Induction
motor or Synchronous motor?
DC Series motor has high starting torque. We can not start the Induction motor and
Synchronous motors on load, but can not start the DC series motor without load.
 
Define stepper motor. What is the use of stepper motor?
The motor which work or act on the applied input pulse in it, is called as stepper motor.
This stepper motor is under the category of synchronous motor, which often does not
fully depend of complete cycle. It likes to works in either direction related to steps. for
this purpose it mainly used in automation parts.
 
What is 2 phase motor?
A two phase motor is a motor with the the starting winding and the running winding have
a phase split. e.g;ac servo motor.where the auxiliary winding and the control winding
have a phase split of 90 degree.
 
Which type of A.C motor is used in the fan (ceiling fan, exhaust fan, padestal fan,
bracket fan etc) which are find in the houses ?
Its Single Phase induction motor which mostly squirrel cage rotor and are capacitor start
capacitor run.
 
Give two basic speed control scheme of DC shunt motor?
1. By using flux control method:in this method a rheostat is connected across the field
winding to control the field current.so by changing the current the flux produced by the
field winding can be changed, and since speed is inversely proportional to flux speed
can be controlled
2.armature control method:in this method a rheostat is connected across armature
winding by varying the resistance the value of resistive drop(I aRa) can be varied, and
since speed is directly proportional to Eb-IaRathe speed can be controlled.
 
Difference between a four-point starter and three-point starter?
The shunt connection in four-point starter is provided separately form the line where as
in three-point starter it is connected with line which is the drawback in three point
starter.
What is the difference between synchronous generator & asynchronous generator?
In simple, synchronous generator supply's both active and reactive power but
asynchronous generator(induction generator) supply's only active power and observe
reactive power for magnetizing. This type of generators are used in windmills.
 
Why syn. generators are used for the production of electricity?
Synchronous machines have capability to work on different power factor (or say
different imaginary power varying the field EMF. Hence syn. generators r used for the
production of electricity.
 
Why is the starting current high in a DC motor?
In DC motors, Voltage equation is V=Eb-IaRa (V = Terminal voltage, Eb = Back emf in
Motor, Ia = Armature current,Ra = Aramture 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.
 
What are the advantages of star-delta starter with induction motor?
The main advantage of using the star delta starter is reduction of current during the
starting of the motor. Starting current is reduced to 3-4 times Of current of Direct online
starting.(2). Hence the starting current is reduced , the voltage drops during the starting
of motor in systems are reduced.
 
Why series motor cannot be started on no-load?
Series motor cannot be started without load because of high starting torque. Series
motor are used in Trains, Crane etc.
 
Mention the methods for starting an induction motor?
The different methods of starting an induction motor
DOL:direct online starter
Star delta starter
Auto transformer starter
Resistance starter
Series reactor starter
 
What are Motor Generator Sets and explain the different ways the motor
generator set can be used ? 
Motor Generator Sets are a combination of an electrical generator and an engine
mounted together to form a single piece of equipment. Motor generator set is also
referred to as a genset, or more commonly, a generator The motor generator set can
used in the following different ways: 
1.Alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC)
2.DC to AC
3.DC at one voltage to DC at another voltage
4.AC at one frequency to AC at another harmonically-related frequency
 
Which type of motor is used in trains, what is the rating of supply used explain
Working principal?
Dc series is in the trains to get high starting torque while starting of the trains and
operating voltage is 1500v dc.
 
What are the Application of DC Motors in Thermal Power Plant?
In thermal power plants dc motors are employed for certain control and critical
emergency operations which are supplied by dedicated batteries. DC motors operate as
backup drives for normal ac drive systems when ac power supply to the plant is lost.
In thermal power plant, the dc motors finds applications for performing control functions
such as

Turbine governor motor

Governor limit setting
Motor operated rheostats
Emergency lubrication for the turbines (main, boiler feed pumps)
Generator (H2 oil seal).
DC motor operated valves

DC motors employed in thermal plants are classified in to two types based on the type
of application.

DC motors carrying out Control function 

Dc motors carrying out Emergency function

Control functions:This category consists of the turbine governor motor, governor

limiting setting, motor operated rheostats, etc. These motors are small, about 1/8 hp or
less. They are operated quite infrequently for short duration.
Emergency functions:This category consists of turbine-generator emergency
(lubrication) bearing oil pumps and emergency seal oil pumps. Such pumps may also
be provided for steam turbine drives of feedwater pumps, fans, and other large loads.
The lack of lubrication during a shutdown without ac power will ruin the linings of the
bearings and damage the shaft. 
Hydrogen seal oil pump is provided to prevent the escaping of hydrogen (for large
turbine-generators hydrogen cooling is provided for efficient cooling) from the casing by
providing a tight seal with high pressure oil
 
 
What are the different operation regions of the SCR?
SCR or thyristor will have three regions of operations based on the mode in which the
device is connected in the circuit.
Reverse blocking region: When the cathode of the thyristor is made positive with
respect to the anode and no gate signal is applied. In this region scr exhibits the reverse
blocking characteristics similar to diode.
Forward blocking region: In this region the anode of the thyristor is made positive with
respect to the cathode and no gate signal is applied to the thyristor. A small leakage
current flow in this mode of operation of the thyristor
Forward conduction region: when the forward voltage applied between the anode and
cathode increases at particular break over voltage avalanche breakdown takes place
and thyristor starts conducting current in forward direction. By this type of triggering the
device damages the scr. Hence a gate signal is applied before the forward break over
voltage to trigger the scr.
 
Why thyristor is considered as Charge controlled device?
During the triggering process of the thyristor from forward blocking state to forward
conduction state through the gate signal, by applying the gate signal (voltage between
gate and cathode) increases the minority carrier density in the p-layer and thereby
facilitate the reverse break over
of the junction J2 and thyristor starts conducting. Higher the magnitude of the gate
current pulse, lesser is the time required to inject the charge and turning on the scr. By
controlling the amount of charge we can control the turning on time of the scr.
  
What happens if i connect a capacitor to a generator load?
Connecting a capacitor across a generator always improves powerfactor, but it will help
depends up on the engine capacity of the alternator, other wise the alternator will be
over loaded due to the extra watts consumed due to the improvement on pf. Secondly,
don't connect a capacitor across an alternator while it is picking up or without any other
load.
 
Why the capacitors works on ac only?
Generally capacitor gives infinite resistance to dc components (i.e., block the dc
components). it allows the ac components to pass through.
 
Explain the working principal of the circuit breaker?
Circuit Breaker is one which makes or breaks the circuit. It has two contacts namely
fixed contact & moving contact under normal condition the moving contact comes in
contact with fixed contact thereby forming the closed contact for the flow of current.
During abnormal & faulty conditions (when current exceeds the rated value) an arc is
produced between the fixed & moving contacts & thereby it forms the open circuit Arc is
extinguished by the Arc Quenching media like air, oil, vacuum etc.
 
What is the difference between Isolator and Circuit Breaker?
Isolator is a off load device which is used for isolating the downstream circuits from
upstream circuits for the reason of any maintenance on downstream circuits. it is
manually operated and does not contain any solenoid unlike circuit breaker. it should
not be operated while it is having load. first the load on it must be made zero and then it
can safely operated. its specification only rated current is given. But circuit breaker is
onload automatic device used for breaking the circuit in case of abnormal conditions like
short circuit, overload etc., it is having three specification 1 is rated current and 2 is
short circuit breaking capacity and 3 is instantaneous tripping current.
 
What is the difference between earth resistance and earth electrode resistance?
Only one of the terminals is evident in the earth resistance. In order to find the second
terminal we should recourse to its definition: Earth Resistance is the resistance existing
between the electrically accessible part of a buried electrode and another point of the
earth, which is far away.
The resistance of the electrode has the following components:
(A) the resistance of the metal and that of the connection to it.
(B) the contact resistance of the surrounding earth to the electrode.
 
What is use of lockout relay in ht voltage?
A lock-out relay is generally placed in line before or after the e-stop switch so the power
can be shut off at one central location. This relay is powered by the same electrical
source as the control power and is operated by a key lock switch. The relay itself may
have up to 24 contact points within the unit itself. This allows the control power for
multiple machines to be locked out by the turn of a single key switch.
 
What is the power factor of an alternator at no load?
At no load Synchronous Impedance of the alternator is responsible for creating angle
difference. So it should be zero lagging like inductor.
 
How to determine capacitor tolerance codes?
In electronic circuits, the capacitor tolerance can be determined by a code that appears
on the casing. The code is a letter that often follows a three-digit number (such as
130Z).The first two are the 1st and 2nd significant digits and the third is a multiplier
code. Most of the time the last digit tells you how many zeros to write after the first two
digits and these are read as Pico-Farads.
 
Why most of analog o/p devices having o/p range 4 to 20 mA and not 0 to 20 mA?
4-20 mA is a standard range used to indicate measured values for any process. The
reason that 4ma is chosen instead of 0 mA is for fail safe operation .For example- a
pressure instrument gives output 4mA to indicate 0 psi, up to 20 mA to indicate 100 psi,
or full scale. Due to any problem in instrument (i.e) broken wire, its output reduces to 0
mA. So if range is 0-20 mA then we can differentiate whether it is due to broken wire or
due to 0 psi.
Two bulbs of 100w and 40w respectively connected in series across a 230v
supply which bulb will glow bright and why?
Since two bulbs are in series they will get equal amount of electrical current but as the
supply voltage is constant across the bulb(P=V^2/R).So the resistance of 40W bulb is
greater and voltage across 40W is more (V=IR) so 40W bulb will glow brighter.

What is meant by knee point voltage?

Knee point voltage is calculated for electrical Current transformers and is very important
factor to choose a CT. It is the voltage at which a CT gets saturated.(CT-current
transformer).
 
What is reverse power relay?
Reverse Power flow relay are used in generating station's protection. A generating
stations is supposed to fed power to the grid and in case generating units are off,there
is no generation in the plant then plant may take power from grid. To stop the flow of
power from grid to generator we use reverse power relay.

What are the advantage of free wheeling diode in a Full Wave rectifier?
It reduces the harmonics and it also reduces sparking and arching across the
mechanical switch so that it reduces the voltage spike seen in a inductive load
 
what is the full form of KVAR? 
We know there are three types of power in Electrical as Active, apparent & reactive. So
KVAR is stand for ``Kilo Volt Amps with Reactive component.
 
3. What are different types of Control Systems?
Two major types of Control Systems are 1) Open loop Control System 2) Closed Loop
Control Systems
Open loop Control Systems:The Open loop Control System is one in which the Output
Quantity has no effect on the Input Quantity. No feedback is present from the output
quantity to the input quantity for correction.
Closed Loop Control System:The Closed loop Control System is one in which the
feedback is provided from the Output quantity to the input quantity for the correction so
as to maintain the desired output of the system.

7. What is Latching current?

Gate signal is to be applied to the thyristor to trigger the thyristor ON in safe mode.
When the thyristor starts conducting the forward current above the minimum value,
called Latching current, the gate signal which is applied to trigger the device in no
longer require to keep the scr in ON position.

8. What is Holding current ?

When scr is conducting current in forward conduction state, scr will return to forward
blocking state when the anode current or forward current falls below a low level called
Holding current
Note: Latching current and Holding current are not same. Latching current is associated
with the turn on process of the scr whereas holding current is associated with the turn
off process. In general holding current will be slightly lesser than the latching current.

11. What is meant by knee point voltage?

Knee point voltage is calculated for electrical Current transformers and is very important
factor to choose a CT. It is the voltage at which a CT gets saturated.(CT-current
transformer).

12. What is reverse power relay?

Reverse Power flow relay are used in generating stations's protection. A generating
stations is supposed to fed power to the grid and in case generating units are off,there
is no generation in the plant then plant may take power from grid. To stop the flow of
power from grid to generator we use reverse power relay.

13. What will happen if DC supply is given on the primary of a transformer?

Mainly transformer has high inductance and low resistance.In case of DC supply there
is no inductance ,only resistance will act in the electrical circuit. So high electrical
current will flow through primary side of the transformer.So for this reason coil and
insulation will burn out.

14. What is the difference between isolators and electrical circuit breakers? What
is bus-bar?
Isolators are mainly for switching purpose under normal conditions but they cannot
operate in fault conditions .Actually they used for isolating the CBs for maintenance.
Whereas CB gets activated under fault conditions according to the fault detected.Bus
bar is nothing but a junction where the power is getting distributed for independent
loads.
15. What are the advantage of free wheeling diode in a Full Wave rectifier?
It reduces the harmonics and it also reduces sparking and arching across the
mechanical switch so that it reduces the voltage spike seen in a inductive load.

16. Mention the methods for starting an induction motor?

The different methods of starting an induction motor:
a)DOL:direct online starter
b)Star delta starter
c)Auto transformer starter
d)Resistance starter
e)Series reactor starter

17. What is the power factor of an alternator at no load?

At no load Synchronous Impedance of the alternator is responsible for creating angle
difference. So it should be zero lagging like inductor.

18. What is the function of anti-pumping in circuit breaker?

When breaker is close at one time by close push button,the anti pumping contactor
prevent re close the breaker by close push button after if it already close.

19. What is stepper motor.what is its uses?

Stepper motor is the electrical machine which act upon input pulse applied to it. it is one
type of synchronous motor which runs in steps in either direction instead of running in
complete cycle.so, in automation parts it is used.

20. There are a Transformer and an induction machine. Those two have the same
supply. For which device the load current will be maximum? And why?
The motor has max load current compare to that of transformer because the motor
consumes real power.. and the transformer is only producing the working flux and its not
consuming.. hence the load current in the transformer is because of core loss so it is
minimum.
21. What is SF6 Circuit Breaker?
SF6 is Sulpher hexa Flouride gas.. if this gas is used as arc quenching medium in a
Circuitbreaker means SF6 CB.

22. What is ferrantic effect?

Output voltage is greater than the input voltage or receiving end voltage is greater than
the sending end voltage.

23. What is meant by insulation voltage in cables? explain it?

It is the property of a cable by virtue of it can withstand the applied voltage without
rupturing it is known as insulation level of the cable.

24. What is the difference between MCB & MCCB, Where it can be used?
MCB is miniature circuit breaker which is thermal operated and use for short circuit
protection in small current rating circuit. MCCB moulded case circuit breaker and is
thermal operated for over load current and magnetic operation for instant trip in short
circuit condition.under voltage and under frequency may be inbuilt. Normally it is used
where normal current is more than 100A.

25. Where should the lighting arrestor be placed in distribution lines?

Near distribution transformers and out going feeders of 11kv and incomming feeder of
33kv and near power transformers in sub-stations.

26. Define IDMT relay?

It is an inverse definite minimum time relay.In IDMT relay its operating is inversely
proportional and also a characteristic of minimum time after which this relay operates.It
is inverse in the sense ,the tripping time will decrease as the magnitude of fault current
increase.

27. What are the transformer losses?

TRANSFORMER LOSSES - Transformer losses have two sources-copper loss and
magnetic loss. Copper losses are caused by the resistance of the wire (I2R). Magnetic
losses are caused by eddy currents and hysteresis in the core. Copper loss is a
constant after the coil has been wound and therefore a measurable loss. Hysteresis
loss is constant for a particular voltage and current. Eddy-current loss, however, is
different for each frequency passed through the transformer.
 
28. what is the full form of KVAR?
We know there are three types of power in Electricals as Active, apparent & reactive. So
KVAR is stand for ``Kilo Volt Amps with Reactive component.

29. Two bulbs of 100w and 40w respectively connected in series across a 230v
supply which bulb will glow bright and why?
Since two bulbs are in series they will get equal amount of electrical current but as the
supply voltage is constant across the bulb(P=V^2/R).So the resistance of 40W bulb is
greater and voltage across 40W is more (V=IR) so 40W bulb will glow brighter.

30. Why temperature rise is conducted in bus bars and isolators? 

Bus bars and isolators are rated for continuous power flow, that means they carry heavy
currents which rises their temperature. so it is necessary to test this devices for
temperature rise.

31. What is the difference between synchronous generator & asynchronous

generator?
In simple, synchronous generator supply's both active and reactive power but
asynchronous generator(induction generator) supply's only active power and observe
reactive power for magnetizing.This type of generators are used in windmills.

32. What is Automatic Voltage regulator(AVR)?

AVR is an abbreviation for Automatic Voltage Regulator.It is important part in
Synchronous Generators, it controls theoutput voltage of the generator by controlling its
excitation current. Thus it can control the output Reactive Power of the Generator.

33. Difference between a four point starter and three point starter?
The shunt connection in four point stater is provided separately form the line where as
in three point stater it is connected with line which is the drawback in three point stater

34. Why the capacitors works on ac only?

Generally capacitor gives infinite resistance to dc components(i.e., block the dc
components). it allows the ac components to pass through.

35. How many types of colling system it transformers?

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)

36. Operation carried out in Thermal power stations?

The water is obtained in the boiler and the coal is burnt so that steam is obtained this
steam is allowed to hit the turbine , the turbine which is coupled with the generator
generates the electricity.

37. What is 2 phase motor?

A two phase motor is a motor with the the starting winding and the running winding have
a phase split. e.g;ac servo motor.where the auxiliary winding and the control winding
have a phase split of 90 degree.
 

38. What is the principle of motor?

Whenever a current carrying conductor is placed in an magnetic field it produce turning
or twisting movement is called as torque.

39. What is meant by armature reaction?

The effect of armature flu to main flux is called armature reaction. The armature flux
may support main flux or opposes main flux.
40. What is the difference between synchronous generator & asynchronous
generator?
In simple, synchronous generator supply's both active and reactive power but
asynchronous generator(induction generator) supply's only active power and observe
reactive power for magnetizing.This type of generators are used in windmills.

41. Whats is MARX CIRCUIT?

It is used with generators for charging a number of capacitors in parallel and
discharging them in series. It is used when voltage required for testing is higher than the
available.

42. What are the advantages of speed control using thyristor?

Advantages :
1. Fast Switching Characterstics than Mosfet, BJT, IGBT 
2. Low cost 
3. Higher Accurate.

43. What is ACSR cable and where we use it?

ACSR means Aluminium conductor steel reinforced, this conductor is used in
transmission & distribution.

44. What’s the one main difference between UPS & inverter ? And electrical
engineering & electronics engineering ?
Uninterrupted power supply is mainly use for short time . means according 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 dc voltage.but ups start with 12v dc with 7 amp.
but inverter is startwith 12v,24,dc to 36v dc and 120amp to 180amp battery with long
time backup.

45. What will happen when power factor is leading in distribution of power?
If their is high power factor, i.e if the power factor is close to one:
a)Losses in form of heat will be reduced,
b)Cable becomes less bulky and easy to carry, and very cheap to afford, &
c)It also reduces over heating of tranformers.
46. What are the advantages of star-delta starter with induction motor?
(1). The main advantage of using the star delta starter is reduction of current during the
starting of the motor.Starting current is reduced to 3-4 times Of current of Direct online
starting.(2). Hence the starting current is reduced , the voltage drops during the starting
of motor in systems are reduced.

47. Why Delta Star Transformers are used for Lighting Loads?
For lighting loads, neutral conductor is must and hence the secondary must be star
winding. and this lighting load is always unbalanced in all three phases. To minimize the
current unbalance in the primary we use delta winding in the primary. So delta / star
transformer is used for lighting loads.

48. Why computer humming sound occurred in HT transmission line?

This computer humming sound is coming due to ionization (breakdown of air into
charged particles) of air around transmission conductor. This effect is called as Corona
effect, and it is considered as power loss.
 
49. What is rated speed?
At the time of motor taking normal current (rated current)the speed of the motor is called
rated speed. It is a speed at which any system take small current and give maximum
efficiency.

50. If one lamp connects between two phases it will glow or not?
If the voltage between the two phase is equal to the lamp voltage then the lamp will
glow. When the voltage difference is big it will damage the lamp and when the
difference is smaller the lamp will glow depending on the type of lamp.

What are different insulators employed in substations?

Some of the insulators employed in substations are:
 Pin insulators
 Post insulators
 Strain insulators
 Suspension insulators
  Hallow apparatus insulators
 Dead-end insulators
 Solid core insulators
 What is creepage distance?
Answer: Creepage distance is the shortest distance between two conducting points
along the surface of the insulating material.
What is Basic Impulse Level (BIL)?
Answer: Basic Impulse Level (BIL) refer to the peak value of lightning impuse voltage
withstand capability of the equipment
What are the disadvantages of corona?
Answer: Some of the disadvantages of corona are:
 Corona causes power loss
 Corona causes unacceptable noise
 Corona cause radio interference
What is the significance of Corona rings in substations?
Answer: It is observed that corona discharge occurs mostly at sharp corners, edges
near the conductor fixing points. Corona rings also called grading rings are hallow
metallic rings having large diameter and will have a smooth surface. These corona rings
are placed suitably to metal clamps, joints to encircle the conductors surface. This have
the advantage of shifting of high stress point shifted from conductor surface to corona
ring surface. As the diameter and surface area of the ring is higher than that of the
conductor. This helps in:
 Field distribution is made uniform
 Surface stress is reduced to much lower value
 Corona discharge is eliminated
 Dust deposition is also minimized
What is the neutral point earthing and its advantages?
In substation all the neutrals of rotating machines, transformers, busbars and other
equipmentare connected to ground. Some of the advantages are:
 Earth fault protection is based on the method of neutral grounding
 The system voltage during earth faults depends on the neutral grounding. During
line to ground faults, grounding of neutral helps to reduce the over-voltages which
occur on the onehealthy phases.
What are the different substation components ?
Circuit Breakers, Disconnecting switches, Grounding switches, Current Transformers,
Potential Transformers or Capacitor voltage Transformers, Line Traps, Lightning
Arrestors, Power Transformers, Shunt Reactors, Current limiting reactors, Station
Buses and Insulators, Grounding system, Series capacitors and shunt capacitors.

What are different types of busbar arrangement Schemes in Substations?

Different switching schemes or busbar arrangement scheme employed in switch-yard
are:

 Single Bus Scheme

 Double bus single breaker scheme
 Main and Transfer busbar scheme
 Double bus single breaker scheme
  Breaker and half scheme
 Ring main bus scheme
Which type of bus arrangement is costlier and more reliable?
One and half breaker scheme is most reliable and costlier scheme. In one and half
breaker scheme 3 circuit breakers are provided for 2 bus-bars.  Hence the name is
coined as One and half breaker scheme

For distribution network which type of Switching scheme is employed?

For distribution network Ring Main busbar scheme is employed. It has the provision that
if power interruption occurs to one bus section due to maintenance or fault, power can
be fed the bus from other side of the power system.

Factors on which material of station busbar depends?

Some of the factors on which station busbar depends are:

 Current Carrying capacity

 Short Circuit Stresses
 Establishing minimum electrical clearances
What are the different electrical clearances in Substation?
Ground Clearance: This is the minimum distance between any live conductor and the
earth or ground.
Phase Clearance: It is the clearance between the different phases in a circuit or same
phases in different circuits
Sectional Clearance: This is the minimum clearance between the live conductor and
the limits of work, where spacial clearance is related to the safety of the operating
personnel. The limits of work section may be ground or the platform on which the
person is working.
Why EHV busbars are hallowed and circular?
To avoid corona effect.

What are different Bus bar materials used in Substation?

Busbars are generally made of copper and Aluminum. Aluminim has the advantage of
one third the weight of the copper and also Aluminum requires less maintenance and
proper use of alloys provide necessary rigidity required for bus material. Aluminum is
used widely in EHV and HV stations

What is the first equipment of the substation connected to the incoming

transmission line?
Lightning arrestor is the first equipment of the substation connecting the incoming
transmission lines. It protects other substation equipment from lightning and switching
surges by suppressing them to ground. Lightning arrestors also placed in the substation
between both the ends of major equipment  such as power transformers for protection.

Where does Negative phase sequence relay is employed?

Negative sequence relay is employed for the protection of generators and motors
against unbalanced loading that may arise due to phase to phase faults.

What is the operation principle of differential relay?

A differential relay operates when the phasor difference of two or more similar electrical
quantities exceeds a pre-determined amount.

Why distance protection is preferred as primary protection compared to over

current protection for transmission lines?
Distance relay is superior to over current protection for the protection of transmission
lines. Some the reasons are faster protection, simpler coordination, simpler application,
permanent settings without need for readjustment, less effect of the amount of
generation and fault levels, fault current magnitude, permits the high line loading.

Why biased differential protection is preferred over simple differential protection?

Biased differential relay is preferred because its operation is not affected by the trouble
arising out of the difference in the CTs ratios for high values of external short circuit
currents.

Where Impedance relay, Reactance relay and Mho relays are employed?
The Impedance relay is suitable for the phase faults relaying for the lines of moderate
lengths Reactance type relays are employed for the ground faults while Mho type of
relays are best suited for the long transmission lines and particularly where
synchronizing power surge may occur.

What is percentage differential relay?

It is a differential relay where the operating current required to trip can be expressed as
a percentage of load current.

What are the main functions of Differential Relays?

Differential Relays must have the following features:

 High speed operation

 High sensitivity
 Adequate short circuit thermal rating
 Ability to operate operate with low values of voltage
 Burden must not be excessive
 There should be no voltage and current creep
What is meant by “Relay Settings”?
Relay settings means actual value of the energizing or characteristic quantity at which
the relay is designed to operate under given conditions.

Define Plug Setting Multiplier?

Plug Setting Multiplier and is defined as the ratio of fault current in the relay coil to the
pick up value.

Where is directional relay used?

Directional relay are used when graded time overload protection is applied to ring mains
and interconnected networks.

For what type of fault does Buchholz relay is employed?

Buchholz relay provides protection only against transformer internal fault.

How definite time lag is achieved in attraction armature relays?

The instantaneous type attraction armature can be made a definite time lag or inverse
time lag by using a oil dash pot, an air escapement chamber a clock work mechanism
or by placing a fuse in parallel with it.

Transmission Lines Protection Questions Answers

What is meant by Tine Graded Protection?
Time Graded protection is a scheme of over current protection, in which the
discrimination is incorporated i.e, the time setting of the relays is so graded that in the
event of the fault, the smallest part of the system is disconnected

What are the main elements of current carrier protection?

The main elements of the carrier current protection are: Transmitter, Receiver, Coupling
equipment and Line trap.

Why Merz-Price Protection is not suitable beyond 33kV?

Difficulties are experienced in balancing the secondaries of the CTs and this is why
Merz-Price protection is not employed beyond 33kV.

What types of relays are suitable for the protection of radial feeders?
Induction type IDMT relays are more suitable for protection of the radial feeders
because the time current characteristics are similar in shape and in no case they cross
each other at any time.

What is the purpose of Line trap and Coupling capacitors in carrier channels?
Line trap is an LC network inserted between the busbar and connection of coupling
capacitors to the line and tuned to resonance at the high frequency and are used to
confine the carrier currents to the protected section so as to avoid interference with or
from adjacent carrier current channel.

Coupling capacitors is used to connect the high frequency (carrier) equipment to one of
the line conductors and simultaneously serves to isolate the carrier equipment from high
power line voltage.

What is Unit Protection?

Unit system of protection is one in which the protection responds to the faults in the
protected zone alone and it does not respond to through faults (faults beyond the
protected zone). None unit systems does not have zone boundry.

What is the minimum time interval set for two adjacent circuit breakers to operate
in radial feeders?
It will be usually around 0.4 sec