Electricity Inspection Section#3 The Distribution System Quiz#3

You should have finished Study Session 2 before starting this study session. This study session discusses knob-and-tube wiring, aluminum wiring, and outdoor wiring.

The estimated completion time is 30 to 45 minutes.

Objectives
At the end of this study session, you should be able to:

• Describe how to identify knob-and-tube wiring.
• Explain how knob-and-tube wiring differs from modern wiring.
• Describe the issues surrounding knob-and-tube wire.
• Describe how to identify aluminum wiring.
• Describe the issues surrounding aluminum wiring.
• Identify when aluminum wiring was used.
• List common outdoor wiring problems.

• Question 1

  Needs Grading

  	Describe how knob-and-tube wiring is visibly different from modern cable.
  	Selected Answer: There are two separate cables running to each electrical point.  Correct Answer:   The black and white wires are separate, so the circuit wires usually run in pairs. There are ceramic tubes protecting the wires where they pass through joists or studs. There are ceramic knobs where the wires change direction.

• Question 2

  Needs Grading

  	How would you identify aluminum wiring?
  	Selected Answer: Aluminum wiring can be identified by its silver-color, visible where the insulation has been stripped.  Correct Answer:   The conductor itself is silver coloured. The sheathing usually has the word ALUMINUM, ALUM or AL.

• Question 3

  Needs Grading

  	List 3 common conditions found with aluminum wiring.
  	Selected Answer: 1. Connectors not compatible with aluminum 2. No anti-oxidant grease on stranded wires 3. Overheating Correct Answer:   1. Connectors not compatible with aluminum 2. No anti-oxidant grease on stranded wires 3. Overheating

• Question 4

  Needs Grading

  	List 4 common conditions with knob-and-tube wiring.
  	Selected Answer: 1. Connections not in boxes 2. Brittle wire, insulation or sheathing 3. Wire buried in insulation 4. Fused neutrals Correct Answer:   1. Connections not in boxes 2. Brittle wire, insulation or sheathing 3. Wire buried in insulation 4. Fused neutrals

• Question 5

  Needs Grading

  	List 9 examples of outdoor wiring problems commonly associated with homes.
  	Selected Answer: 1. Indoor-type wire used outdoors 2. Garage door opener powered with extension cord 3. Wires within 5 to 7 feet of grade level or garage floor level 4. Wire not well secured to wall 5. Wires run across roof surfaces 6. Wires run through gutters or downspouts 7. Overhead wires to outbuilding solid rather than stranded 8. Extension cords power permanent exterior outlets 9. Buried wire not suitable for use underground Correct Answer: 1. Indoor-type wire used outdoors 2. Garage door opener powered with extension cord 3. Wires within 5 to 7 ft of grade level or garage floor level 4. Wires not well secured to walls. 5. Wires run across roof surfaces. 6. Wires run through gutters or downspouts. 7. Overhead wires to out buildings are solid rather than stranded conductors. 8. Extension cords are used as permanent exterior wires. 9. Buried wires not suitable for use underground.

• Question 6

  Needs Grading

  	What improvements are typically recommended for aluminum wiring?
  	Selected Answer: [None Given] Correct Answer: Replacement of receptacles with those designated CO/ALR and other connections with components designated CUL. Special wire nuts can be used. Pig-tailing is an option. COPALUM connectors can be used in some areas, and split bolt connectors can be used.

• Question 7

  Needs Grading

  	What were the problems with aluminum wiring? (List 3 things, at least.)
  	Selected Answer: 1. tends to creep out from under terminal screws 2. forms a rust(oxide) that is an electrical insulator 3. is softer than copper and easier to damage when working with the wire 4. was, in some of the early wrei, a low quality material, prone to weakness and breaking Correct Answer: Aluminum wire ? 1. Tends to creep out from under terminal screws. 2. Forms rust (oxide) that is an electrical insulator. 3. Is softer than copper and easier to damage when working with the wire. 4. Was, in some of the early material, a low quality wire prone to weakness and breaking.

• Question 8

  Needs Grading

  	When was aluminum wiring used?
  	Selected Answer: mid 1960s to 1970 Correct Answer:   Aluminum wiring was used from the mid 1960s to the late 1970s.

• Question 9

  Needs Grading

  	Where is the anti-oxidant grease typically used?
  	Selected Answer: Anti-oxidant grease is used to prevent aluminum oxides forming where the aluminum is exposed to the air.  Correct Answer:   Anti-oxidant grease is typically used on stranded wires.

• Question 10

  Needs Grading

  	Which aluminum wired receptacles are most likely to overheat?
  	Selected Answer: CUAL Correct Answer:   Receptacles with heat generating appliances are most likely to overheat. This includes outlets used for kettles, toasters, hair dryers, curling irons, electric heaters, etc.

• Question 11

  0 out of 0 points

  	Does knob-and-tube wiring have a ground wire associated with it?
  	Selected Answer:   No Correct Answer:   No