Basic Electricity Oral Questions for GP Rating
- What is electricity?
→ Electricity is the flow of electric charge (electrons) through a conductor, like a wire. - What is voltage?
→ Voltage is the electrical pressure that pushes current through a circuit. It is measured in volts (V). - What is current?
→ Current is the flow of electrons in a circuit. It is measured in amperes (A). - What is resistance?
→ Resistance is the opposition to the flow of current in a circuit. It is measured in ohms (Ω). - What is the unit of power?
→ The unit of electrical power is the watt (W). - What is Ohm’s Law?
→ Ohm’s Law: V = I × R, where:- V = Voltage
- I = Current
- R = Resistance
- What is the difference between AC and DC?
→ AC (Alternating Current): Current changes direction periodically.
→ DC (Direct Current): Current flows in one direction only. - What is a fuse?
→ A fuse is a safety device that breaks the circuit when current exceeds the safe limit to prevent damage or fire. - What is a circuit breaker?
→ A circuit breaker is an automatic switch that turns off the electrical circuit during overload or short circuit. - What is the function of an earth wire?
→ Earth wire provides a path for excess current to safely go into the ground and protects against electric shock. - What is a short circuit?
→ A short circuit happens when a live wire touches a neutral or ground wire, causing excess current flow and possible damage. - Why is insulation important?
→ Insulation prevents current from leaking and protects people from electric shock. - Name any two types of electrical hazards.
→ Electric shock, Fire due to short circuit. - What is a generator?
→ A generator converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. - What precautions should you take while working with electricity onboard?
→ Use dry hands, wear safety gear, ensure power is off before touching wires, and follow ship’s safety procedures.
âš¡ Additional Basic Electricity Oral Questions for GP Rating
16. What is a conductor?
→ A conductor is a material that allows electric current to pass through easily (e.g., copper, aluminum).
17. What is an insulator?
→ An insulator is a material that does not allow current to pass through (e.g., rubber, plastic, glass).
18. What is the purpose of a switch?
→ A switch is used to open or close an electrical circuit to control the flow of current.
19. What is the function of a multimeter?
→ A multimeter is used to measure voltage, current, and resistance in an electrical circuit.
20. What is the standard voltage used onboard ships?
→ Ships may use 110V, 220V, or 440V AC, depending on the system.
21. What is a battery?
→ A battery stores electrical energy in chemical form and provides DC power.
22. What is polarity in electricity?
→ Polarity refers to the positive (+) and negative (–) terminals in a DC circuit.
23. What is an electric motor?
→ A motor converts electrical energy into mechanical energy (used to run pumps, fans, etc.).
24. What is grounding or earthing?
→ Grounding means connecting the electrical system to the earth to prevent electric shock.
25. What happens if you touch a live wire?
→ You may receive an electric shock, which can be dangerous or fatal.
26. Name any two personal protective equipment (PPE) used during electrical work.
→ Insulated gloves, safety shoes.
27. What is the color coding of electrical wires?
→ Generally:
·        Red or Brown – Live wire
·        Black or Blue – Neutral wire
·        Green/Yellow – Earth wire
(Color codes may vary by country/ship.)
28. What should you do if someone gets an electric shock?
→ Switch off the power, use a non-conductive stick to move the person, and call for medical help.
29. What is an overload?
→ Overload happens when too much current flows through a circuit, which can overheat wires and damage equipment.
30. What is a capacitor?
→ A capacitor stores electrical energy and is used in circuits for various functions like starting motors.
31. What is an inverter?
→ An inverter converts DC to AC power.
32. What is a transformer?
→ A transformer is used to increase (step-up) or decrease (step-down) voltage in AC circuits.
33. Why is electrical equipment bonded to the hull on a ship?
→ To prevent static electricity buildup and ensure safety during faults.
34. Why is 440V dangerous?
→ It is a high voltage and can cause severe electric shock or burns.
35. What is a solenoid?
→ A solenoid is a coil of wire that acts like a magnet when electricity flows through it.
- What is the function of a relay?
→ A relay is an electrically operated switch used to control a high-power circuit with a low-power signal. - What is a diode?
→ A diode allows current to flow in only one direction. - What is the function of a circuit diagram?
→ A circuit diagram shows the components and wiring of an electrical circuit for easy understanding and maintenance. - What is a terminal block?
→ A terminal block is used to connect wires together safely in an electrical panel. - Why is proper lighting important in the engine room?
→ To ensure safe working conditions and avoid accidents or errors while working on machinery. - What is a three-phase supply?
→ A three-phase supply has three alternating currents, each 120° apart, providing more power efficiently. - What is a single-phase supply?
→ A single-phase supply has only one alternating current and is used for smaller loads. - What is meant by ‘live’ wire?
→ A live wire carries current from the power source to the equipment. - What is a ‘neutral’ wire?
→ A neutral wire completes the circuit by carrying current back to the power source. - What is a megger?
→ A megger (megohmmeter) is used to measure insulation resistance of electrical cables. - What does LUX mean in lighting?
→ Lux is the unit of light intensity. It measures the amount of light on a surface. - Why are emergency lights provided on-board?
→ To provide lighting during power failure or blackout for safe evacuation and emergency operations. - What is a load?
→ A load is any electrical device or equipment that consumes electrical power. - What is a power factor?
→ Power factor is the ratio between real power and apparent power. A high power factor means efficient power usage. - What are the dangers of using a damaged extension cord?
→ Risk of short circuit, electric shock, or fire hazard. - Why are electrical panels kept locked onboard?
→ To prevent unauthorized access and ensure safety. - What is an ELCB or RCCB?
→ ELCB (Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker) and RCCB (Residual Current Circuit Breaker) are safety devices that cut power during earth leakage. - What is static electricity?
→ Static electricity is the buildup of electrical charge on the surface of objects, which can cause sparks. - What is bonding?
→ Bonding is the electrical connection between metallic parts to equalize potential and avoid sparks. - Why is regular electrical maintenance important on a ship?
→ To ensure safety, avoid breakdowns, and comply with maritime regulations.
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🔌 Basic Questions on Electric Resistance for GP Rating Oral Exam
1.     What is resistance?
→ Resistance is the opposition to the flow of electric current in a circuit.
2.     What is the unit of resistance?
→ The unit of resistance is Ohm (Ω).
3.     What instrument is used to measure resistance?
→ Resistance is measured using an Ohmmeter or Multimeter.
4.     What is the symbol of resistance in a circuit diagram?
→ The symbol is a zig-zag line (R).
5.     Which materials have high resistance?
→ Insulators like rubber, plastic, and glass have high resistance.
6.     Which materials have low resistance?
→ Conductors like copper, aluminum, and silver have low resistance.
7.     What is the effect of resistance on current?
→ Higher resistance means less current flows.
→ Lower resistance means more current flows.
8.     What is Ohm’s Law?
→ V = I × R, where:
o   V = Voltage
o   I = Current
o   R = Resistance
9.     What happens if resistance increases in a circuit?
→ Current decreases, and some energy may be lost as heat.
10. Why are resistors used in electrical circuits?
→ To control or limit the current flow and protect components.
11. Does the length of a wire affect resistance?
→ Yes. Longer wires have more resistance.
12. Does the thickness of a wire affect resistance?
→ Yes. Thicker wires have less resistance.
13. What is the relationship between resistance and temperature?
→ In most conductors, resistance increases with temperature.
14. Why does a fuse wire have high resistance?
→ So it heats up and melts quickly when excess current flows, breaking the circuit for safety.
15. Give an example of where resistance is useful onboard.
→ Electric heaters and toaster coils work based on resistance heating.
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