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EL-1J Electrical Distribution Journeyman Exam
ACTUAL QUESTIONS AND DETAILED
SOLUTIONS LATEST
EL-1J Electrical Distribution Journeyman Exam — Summarized Coverage
The New Mexico EL-1J Electrical Distribution Journeyman Exam evaluates competency in high-voltage
electrical distribution systems, including transmission lines, substations, overhead/underground
networks, and utility safety practices based on electrical theory and field operations.
1. New Mexico electrical licensing rules and EL-1J journeyman scope of work
2. OSHA electrical safety standards (including high-voltage utility work requirements)
3. Electrical theory fundamentals (Ohm’s law, power, AC/DC circuits)
4. Kirchhoff’s laws and circuit analysis principles
5. Three-phase power systems and distribution network operation
6. Electrical distribution system layout (feeders, substations, transformers)
7. Transmission line construction and maintenance principles
8. Overhead line components (poles, towers, conductors, insulators, hardware)
9. Underground distribution systems (cables, trenching, duct banks)
10. Substation equipment (switchgear, breakers, busbars, relays)
11. Power transformers: operation, sizing, installation, and maintenance
12. Voltage regulation and power factor correction methods
13. Grounding and bonding systems for distribution networks
14. Fault types (short circuit, ground fault, arc fault) and protection methods
15. Protective devices (fuses, reclosers, relays, circuit breakers)
16. Load calculations and system balancing in distribution networks
17. Line clearance requirements and right-of-way safety rules
18. Pole setting, guying, and structural stability considerations
19. Conductor types, ampacity, sag, and tension principles
20. Electrical insulation and dielectric strength concepts
21. Hot line tools and live-line working procedures
22. Lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures for high-voltage systems
23. Arc flash hazards and PPE requirements
24. Switching procedures and utility operational protocols
25. Electrical testing, commissioning, and fault diagnosis methods
26. SCADA and utility communication systems basics
27. Lightning protection and surge arresters
28. Maintenance of energized and de-energized systems
29. Emergency response procedures for electrical incidents
30. Real-world scenario-based problems involving system faults, substation troubleshooting,
transmission line repair, and safe utility operations
Batch 1: Questions 1–50
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1. Under New Mexico EL-1J scope of work, which task is a journeyman allowed to perform
independently?
A) Engineering a new substation layout
B) Installing and maintaining overhead distribution lines up to 69 kV
C) Setting utility pole rates for a municipal bond
D) Designing protective relay settings for a transmission line
Rationale: The EL-1J license covers high-voltage distribution construction and maintenance, not
engineering design, rate-setting, or advanced protection schemes requiring a professional engineer.
2. OSHA standard 1910.269 requires that before any employee climbs a distribution pole, they must:
A) Notify the local fire department
B) Perform a visual inspection for decay, cracks, or unsafe conditions
C) Wear a full-body metal suit
D) Remove all grounding connections
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Rationale: Pole inspection prevents falls or structural failure; OSHA mandates visual inspection for
hazards like wood decay or broken crossarms before ascending.
3. Ohm’s law states that current in a distribution circuit is equal to:
A) Voltage multiplied by resistance
B) Resistance divided by voltage
C) Voltage divided by resistance
D) Power divided by voltage squared
Rationale: I = V/R is fundamental; distribution journeymen use this to predict fault currents, load
currents, and voltage drops.
4. Kirchhoff’s voltage law (KVL) applied to a closed distribution loop says:
A) Currents into a node equal currents leaving
B) The sum of voltage rises and drops equals zero
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C) Power factor must be unity
D) Impedance is constant regardless of frequency
Rationale: KVL ensures energy conservation; it helps troubleshoot series voltage drops in feeders and
substation loops.
5. A three-phase wye-connected distribution feeder has a line-to-neutral voltage of 7.2 kV. The line-to-
line voltage is approximately:
A) 7.2 kV
B) 12.47 kV
C) 14.4 kV
D) 4.16 kV
Rationale: V_L-L = V_L-N × √3 ≈ 7.2 × 1.73 = 12.47 kV, common for primary distribution.
EL-1J Electrical Distribution Journeyman Exam
ACTUAL QUESTIONS AND DETAILED
SOLUTIONS LATEST
EL-1J Electrical Distribution Journeyman Exam — Summarized Coverage
The New Mexico EL-1J Electrical Distribution Journeyman Exam evaluates competency in high-voltage
electrical distribution systems, including transmission lines, substations, overhead/underground
networks, and utility safety practices based on electrical theory and field operations.
1. New Mexico electrical licensing rules and EL-1J journeyman scope of work
2. OSHA electrical safety standards (including high-voltage utility work requirements)
3. Electrical theory fundamentals (Ohm’s law, power, AC/DC circuits)
4. Kirchhoff’s laws and circuit analysis principles
5. Three-phase power systems and distribution network operation
6. Electrical distribution system layout (feeders, substations, transformers)
7. Transmission line construction and maintenance principles
8. Overhead line components (poles, towers, conductors, insulators, hardware)
9. Underground distribution systems (cables, trenching, duct banks)
10. Substation equipment (switchgear, breakers, busbars, relays)
11. Power transformers: operation, sizing, installation, and maintenance
12. Voltage regulation and power factor correction methods
13. Grounding and bonding systems for distribution networks
14. Fault types (short circuit, ground fault, arc fault) and protection methods
15. Protective devices (fuses, reclosers, relays, circuit breakers)
16. Load calculations and system balancing in distribution networks
17. Line clearance requirements and right-of-way safety rules
18. Pole setting, guying, and structural stability considerations
19. Conductor types, ampacity, sag, and tension principles
20. Electrical insulation and dielectric strength concepts
21. Hot line tools and live-line working procedures
22. Lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures for high-voltage systems
23. Arc flash hazards and PPE requirements
24. Switching procedures and utility operational protocols
25. Electrical testing, commissioning, and fault diagnosis methods
26. SCADA and utility communication systems basics
27. Lightning protection and surge arresters
28. Maintenance of energized and de-energized systems
29. Emergency response procedures for electrical incidents
30. Real-world scenario-based problems involving system faults, substation troubleshooting,
transmission line repair, and safe utility operations
Batch 1: Questions 1–50
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1. Under New Mexico EL-1J scope of work, which task is a journeyman allowed to perform
independently?
A) Engineering a new substation layout
B) Installing and maintaining overhead distribution lines up to 69 kV
C) Setting utility pole rates for a municipal bond
D) Designing protective relay settings for a transmission line
Rationale: The EL-1J license covers high-voltage distribution construction and maintenance, not
engineering design, rate-setting, or advanced protection schemes requiring a professional engineer.
2. OSHA standard 1910.269 requires that before any employee climbs a distribution pole, they must:
A) Notify the local fire department
B) Perform a visual inspection for decay, cracks, or unsafe conditions
C) Wear a full-body metal suit
D) Remove all grounding connections
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Rationale: Pole inspection prevents falls or structural failure; OSHA mandates visual inspection for
hazards like wood decay or broken crossarms before ascending.
3. Ohm’s law states that current in a distribution circuit is equal to:
A) Voltage multiplied by resistance
B) Resistance divided by voltage
C) Voltage divided by resistance
D) Power divided by voltage squared
Rationale: I = V/R is fundamental; distribution journeymen use this to predict fault currents, load
currents, and voltage drops.
4. Kirchhoff’s voltage law (KVL) applied to a closed distribution loop says:
A) Currents into a node equal currents leaving
B) The sum of voltage rises and drops equals zero
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C) Power factor must be unity
D) Impedance is constant regardless of frequency
Rationale: KVL ensures energy conservation; it helps troubleshoot series voltage drops in feeders and
substation loops.
5. A three-phase wye-connected distribution feeder has a line-to-neutral voltage of 7.2 kV. The line-to-
line voltage is approximately:
A) 7.2 kV
B) 12.47 kV
C) 14.4 kV
D) 4.16 kV
Rationale: V_L-L = V_L-N × √3 ≈ 7.2 × 1.73 = 12.47 kV, common for primary distribution.
