Electrical Engineering Terminology Quiz

Definitions and Key Terms

• Isolate: Rerouting power to leave a specific area without energy while repairs are conducted.
• K (kilovolt): Abbreviation for 1,000 volts (e.g., 12 kV = 12,000 volts).
• Momentary Outage: Electrical interruption lasting two minutes or less.
• Pothead: Device transitioning from underground cables to overhead lines.
• Primary Voltage: Electric service between 2,000 and 50,000 volts delivered to a distribution transformer.
• Recloser: Automatic device that interrupts faults in the distribution system.
• Riser: Conductor leading from underground to overhead lines, sometimes including a pothead.
• Secondary Voltage: Electric service under 2,000 volts, primarily for residential and commercial customers.
• Sectionalize: Opening switches or fuses to isolate the cause of a power outage, minimizing impact on other customers.
• Stopcock Valve: Quarter-turn valve to restrict or isolate liquid or gas flow in a pipe.
• Substation: Facility with transformers and circuit breakers to reduce voltage and protect circuits.
• Sustained Outage: Electrical outage exceeding two minutes.
• Switch: Device for making, breaking, or altering connections within an electric circuit.
• Switching: Opening and closing switches to detach an area from electricity flow.
• Time Weighted Average (TWA): Average exposure to a condition over time (e.g., 8-hour workday) without harmful effects.

Overview of Utility Emergencies

• Utility emergencies encompass a wide spectrum from minor gas leaks to large-scale incidents needing extensive management.
• Requires either single or multiple agency responses for effective resolution.
• Emphasizes the need for utility company coordination for expert mitigation.
• Manual aids decision-making for company officers until further resources arrive.

Safety Guidelines

• Immediate contact with utility companies is crucial for managing gas leaks or electrical issues.
• Ensure standard operating guidelines are understood and adhered to by fire departments during gas leaks.
• Gas monitoring equipment must be properly maintained, with personnel trained in its usage.
• Establish ventilation techniques post-ignition source mitigation.
• Create rapid intervention teams and control zones when facing explosion risks.

Virginia Utility Marking Standards

• Approved APWA color codes are used to mark underground utilities to prevent damage and accidents.
• Surface marks, vertical markers, and offset markings indicate utility locations and routes.
• Utility markers must be clearly labeled with the operating company’s identification and width of the facility.
• Fire departments should avoid operating street box or manhole valves; only utility personnel can perform this task.
• Familiarization with residential gas meters and curb boxes is essential for firefighters.

Gas Service Management

• The regulator steps down street pressure for gas, typically to ½ to ¼ psi for appliances.
• Inaccessible gas shut-offs should be handled at the curb box by trained personnel.
• Identifying curb boxes involves searching for yellow lines and utility discs embedded in asphalt.
• Safe gas service operation protocols are vital to preventing accidental increases in gas pressure leading to potential hazards.