IMSA Traffic Signal Technician 2 Exam Questions and Answers PDF – Study Guide & Practice Test 2025/2026 Update (Verified Elaborations)

IMSA Traffic Signal Technician 2 Exam Questions and Answers PDF – Study Guide & Practice Test 2025/2026 Update (Verified Elaborations) Q: In a TS2 cabinet, how many times can the MMU experience a "Port 1 Fail" in a 24 hour period before the fault is latched? Answers 1 Q: On a 2070 MMU monitor unit, how does the field tech program allowable phases? Answers Remove diode on program card for allowable phases Q: On an MMU, is it possible to tape the reset button to prevent the traffic signal from going into flash? Answers Yes, it by-passes the conflict feature and will not flash Q: On a NEMA CMU program card, how does the signal tech program allowable phases? Answers Install copper jumpers and soldering them on the program card Q: According to best maintenance practices, how often should CMU/MMU be tested? Answers Annually Q: The MMU indicates a RED-FAIL fault on phase 6. Why? Answers The load switch/switch pack produces no outputs. Q: The purpose of the controller CVM (Controller Voltage Monitor) output is to allow the CMU/MMU to Answers monitor the Controller health Q: When a Technician is recertifying the CMU/MMU at an intersection, what should the technician do to have the intersection exit flash? Answers Replace the CMU/MMU with a newly tested unit Q: Absence of all colors on a load switch will be indicated by what fault on an MMU or MMU2? Answers Red Fail Q: Which of the following can be programmed on an MMU to latch after a fault occurs? Answers Field check Q: How often is an MMU's clock updated from the controller? Answers Once a second Q: In a signal cabinet, on the signal monitor, what does a field check indicate? Answers The signal indications don't match the controller output for a phase Q: A NEMA CMU/MMU uses a program card to tell the monitor which phases are permitted to run together. Which answer is CORRECT? Answers NEMA monitors have wire jumpers missing in all positions, the tech solders the ones in that allow phases to run together. Q: When the controller timings DO NOT match the timing sheet, who should be contacted for correct times? Answers Traffic Engineer Q: An older TS1 cabinet experiences a flash condition but the signal heads are also showing active green, yellow, and red indications. What is the MOST COMMON issue? Answers The mercury contactor is stuck in the normal position. Q: In a Dual-Ring, 8-phase traffic signal controller, how many phases can run in each ring at the same time? Answers 1 Q: Observations indicate that vehicles are being detected in one lane and that this is shown on the detection interface unit. However, the controller does not show any detection for that phase. This could be caused by Answers Improper detection phase assignment programming in the controller Q: As soon as vehicles leave the detection zone of an approach that has met its minimum green time, a signal immediately goes to yellow from the green display. This could be a result of Answers no extension time programmed. Q: What is one reason the phase interval may change even though there is still vehicle demand? Answers maximum green time has been met Q: A signal tech is reviewing the controller logs and continually sees a cycle fault error. What does that mean? Answers The CU has not serviced a call in two cycles while in free mode. Q: A coordinated corridor is working well except at one intersection where a platoon of vehicles is being stopped. The MOST LIKELY problem is the Answers clock has drifted affecting the offset and needs adjusting Q: Observations indicate that right turning vehicles approach the intersection on the side street, stop and then make a right turn on red. When this happens the signals cycle to the side street even though there are no longer vehicles present in the detection zone. This could be caused by Answers the detection being set to locking detection Q: Of the following, which answer MOST LIKELY would require a controller database be verified to be correct? Answers When a controller upgrade has been performed Q: Which offset mode is the easiest way to view progression in a coordinated corridor? Answers Beginning of green Q: Why is it important for a Signal Tech to verify that the phase concurrency is the same in the controller as it is in the MMU or ATC CMU? Answers The MMU/CMU will keep the cabinet in flash until MMU mirrors what is programmed in the controller Q: NEMA Standard TS2-2003 requires all but which of these detector faults to be reported to the controller? Answers Erratic counts Q: Observations indicate that a phase is extending to maximum green on every cycle despite no vehicles being present in the detection zone. This could be caused by Answers a damaged loop detector for that phase Q: A Tech is troubleshooting a cabinet where the controller is reporting a cycle fail. What does that mean? Answers There is more time in the sum of the splits than the time programmed for the first cycle. Q: An intersection goes into flash every morning at exactly the same time. Which of the following is the LEAST IMPORTANT piece of data that can be retrieved from the cabinet? Answers Controller Voltage Q: If a Signal Tech is required to change a timing parameter in the controller, it is MOST IMPORTANT to Answers do which of the following? Alert their supervisor of the changes made Q: A signal tech sees that the detection is working properly at the detection device, and is connected to the controller but the controller does not get the input. What could be one of the issues preventing the detection from getting to the controller? Answers The detector is not mapped in the controller correctly. Q: Which reference contains the calculation of pedestrian timing? Answers MUTCD 2009 Q: What is the basic standard a timing engineer uses to calculate the pedestrian clearance times? Answers Pedestrian clearance time is computed as the crossing distance divided by the walking speed. Q: When installing an APS detector (Accessible Pedestrian Signal) unit, at which distance does the MUTCD require the audible sound to be heard from the push button? Answers Pushbutton locator tones shall be intensity responsive to ambient sound, and be audible 2 to 6 feet from the button, or the building line, whichever is less. Q: What is the BEST way to verify that the proper PED actuation corresponds to the proper phase? Answers One technician pushes individual buttons while another technician verifies inputs in the controller are correct. Q: When testing a countdown pedestrian head, how does an IMSA traffic signal field tech II determine the correct time that should be displayed in the countdown? Answers The previous pedestrian clearance time is recorded in the pedestrian head and used for the next cycle. Q: What is the MINIMUM pedestrian clearance time for a crosswalk that is 80 feet (24 meters)? Answers 23 seconds Q: When checking the pedestrian timing in the controller, what is the proper amount of time that should be given to a pedestrian signal? Answers The clearance time is equal to the width of the intersection divided by 3.5ft/second Q: The proper timing for a pedestrian crossing clearance phase is based on which of the following equations? Answers Length of intersection divided by 3.5 f/s (1m/s) Q: What is the BEST way to observe proper pedestrian push button activation? Answers Walk the intersection and push each button and observe the response Q: According to the NEC(National Electrical Code), GREEN wires in the traffic signal cabinet are only to Answers be used for earth ground within the signal cabinet Q: After connecting the phase (2) NB through movement's loops to the vehicle detection board in the traffic signal, what should be verified? Answers That the NB through detection is placing calls on Phase (2) in the controller. Q: Which observations for failed loop detection will indicate a field problem? Answers A failed continuity test Q: What equipment is NOT used in troubleshooting a video detection system? Answers lightmeter Q: What happens when a vehicle parks in a detector zone at an intersection using non-intrusive detection? Answers The detection system learns to remove the effect of the parked vehicle. Q: Two adjacent lanes each have loop detectors which are connected to one channel of detection. Observations indicate that vehicles are not being detected in one lane. This could be Answers caused by a damaged loop connected in parallel. Q: Which of the following terms is used to describe when two loop fields interact with each other in an adverse way? Answers Cross-talking Q: Adding turns to a loop Answers Increases the inductance Q: Which detection systems typically cannot be used for pedestrian detection? Answers Loops Q: What is the BEST way to determine if a loop wire's insulation has failed? Answers Visual Inspection Q: When installing a ground rod it MUST BE installed so that the Technician can obtain an ohm reading of Answers 25 ohm or less. Q: Logic ground should be Answers Isolated from cabinet. Q: What is one of the QUICKEST ways to determine if a piece of electrical equipment has been burnt by a short or high voltage? Answers there will be an odor that can be detected Q: What is a MAJOR reason for an AC line filter being installed in a cabinet? Answers To limit damaging effects of transient noise and other interference Q: For the Emergency Vehicle Pre-Emption system, what is the BEST way for the Tech to test the operation of the system? Answers Drive the corridor with a vehicle equipped with an EVP transmitter. Q: What is the importance of track clearance time in a railroad preemption? Answers It provides the time for vehicles to exit the track area prior to the gates being lowered. Q: What is the LAST set of steps a Technician should do after repairing any pedestrian problems? Answers Document repairs in log book and observe the traffic signal operating for several cycles. Ensure that the pedestrian and vehicle phases are operating per plan. Q: After a Tech has made a modification to a traffic signal, which of the follow is the MOST IMPORTANT to complete? Answers Document in cabinet log book and on signal intersection schematic. Q: While in the field, where would an Tech find information about work that has been performed at a traffic signal intersection? Answers The cabinet log book, located inside traffic signal cabinet. Q: The cabinet has been modified and new detection is added. Where is the MOST appropriate place to note the additions? Answers Add details to the log book noting all the changes Q: Which of the following documents should a technician check when performing controller troubleshooting? Answers Maintenance logs/intersection drawings/timing charts Q: What is the standard used to define how traffic signal controllers and networks communicate? Answers National Transportation Communications for Intelligent Transportation systems (ITS) protocol (NTCIP). Q: The traffic management center notifies a field tech that the communications to maple st. And 1st street cuts in and out. The tech arrives at the intersection finding the modem is overheating and indicator lights are blank. After about twenty minutes of checking cables, the tech notices the modem is active again and cool to the touch. The TMC confirms communications are restored. The tech Checks the log book and finds this problem is a recuring issue. what should the tech do? Answers Replace the modem Q: A managed network switch is being used in the cabinet. What is needed in the IP programming of the controller to get through the switch and to the TOC? Answers Gateway Q: The pedestrian assembly (pedestrian 6) on the SW corner was damaged in a traffic accident and the tech cannot repair until the following day. What should the Tech do until they return to replace the pedestrian assembly? Answers Make wiring safe. Bag opposite signal display pedestrian phase (6). Document in cabinet log book and work order system. Notify supervisor that they need a pedestrian display assembly and to schedule the installation. Q: After doing any repairs at a traffic signal which of the following is the MOST IMPORTANT to do before leaving the intersection? Answers Observe signal is operating per plans. Q: Which of the following could cause signals at an intersection to repeatedly go into flash? Answers The MMU shows conflict on phases 2, 6, and 4 during the red interval on 2 and 6. The phase 4 field terminal is blackened and the terminal screw is loose Q: A traffic signal head for phase 8 east bound amber is out; the load switch is blown. The Tech checks field terminals in the cabinet with a multimeter and verifies the wire is shorted. Which of the following options describes the MOST LIKELY cause of the shorted wire? Answers Signal cable has rubbed through to bare copper. Q: A technician is at an intersection with a signal indication that is out. What is the FIRST step the technician should take? Answers check output voltage in field wiring. Q: A pedestrian phase is not being serviced after the push button is activated. What is the FIRST thing the technician should do? Answers Verify input is received in the controller. Q: The Tech receives a call for a damaged signal head. When arriving on the scene, what is the FIRST thing the technician does? Answers Observe the intersection. Q: The technician arrives at an intersection where all the signals are out. What does the technician do FIRST? Answers check the line service to make sure there is main power. Q: The technician arrives at an intersection that is dark. What type of meter does the technician use the check voltage? Answers Multimeter Q: A technician received a call that a signal head was knocked down. The technician arrives on scene, repairs the problem, observes the intersection is functioning properly and completes his job duties. What is the technician's LAST task before leaving the intersection? Answers Document all repairs and the incident in the maintenance logs. Q: A technician observes two different colored signals displayed at the same time in one direction. The Tech knows the problem is LEAST LIKELY related to the Answers incoming power Q: A technician arrives at the intersection and the light is on flash. What should the technician do? Answers Check the conflict monitor display and then reset it. Q: The MOST IMPORTANT thing to do when completing work is to Answers document all changes in the maintenance logs. Q: Faulty components should be Answers labelled and marked for repair or disposal. Q: What is required where wires enter the traffic fixtures and/or poles to eliminate wire chaffing? Answers Grommets Q: All wiring not being used should be Answers attached to ground bar Q: What type of connectors should the tech use when repairing wires underground or in a manhole? Answers Waterproof Q: Which of the following should a Technician look for when performing an inspection on the traffic signal head? Answers Frayed or damaged wires. Q: What should be inspected during preventative maintenance of concrete traffic signal poles? Answers Pole is free of visual cracks and chips. Q: During an inspection, a technician discovers a severely chipped or cracked concrete pole. What should the tech do? Answers Document and inform management and/or engineer of damage. Q: When inspecting batteries, which of the following is NOT REQUIRED while performing this task? Answers Ohmmeter. Q: During a pole inspection, it is IMPORTANT to check the pole and foundation for Answers broken anchor bolts. Q: During scheduled preventative maintenance the Tech observes that the catenary wire is cut next to a street sign on a span wire. What should the tech do? Answers Install a Strandvice inline of catenary wire, and make a note in the work order for management to schedule replacement of catenary wire. Q: After a trouble call, the tech observes that the catenary 9/16" strandvise at the concrete pole is broken. What should the tech do? Answers Using a come along, loosen the 9/16" wire then remove the broken 9/16" strandvise. Install the new 9/16" strandvise onto the eyebolt on the pole than pull the 9/16" catenary steel wire through the strandvise and release the tension on the come along slowly. Q: When replacing a signal head, what is NOT important? Answers Manufacturer of signal. Q: How does the technician know that signal poles are installed in the correct locations? Answers Check the intersection schematics/drawings. Q: Glancing at the cabinet wiring schematic, how can a technician know they are working in a NEMA TS-1 8 phase cabinet? Answers Controller is connected to cabinet wiring using 3-4 multiwire connectors. Q: What is the BEST test instrument to assist the Tech for locating bad fiber optic splices or cut fiber optic cables in the field? Answers Optical Time Domain Reflectometer (OTDR) Q: What testing device would a tech use to verify continuity of a detector home run cable? Answers Multimeter. Q: What is a way to verify the UPS has been connected and is operating properly? Answers Turn off the main breaker at the electric service disconnect. Q: During inspection of the UPS connected at the traffic signal, the tech notices one of four batteries has expanded and bubbled. What is the recommended response? Answers Test other batteries, and replace the expanded bubbled battery along with other failing batteries. Q: Which of the following MUST be done after changing the UPS batteries? Answers Document initial battery voltages and work done in the traffic signal cabinet log book. Q: What should you do if the signal indications do not function properly after replacing the faulty signals? Answers Review cabinet blueprints to verify the wiring method. Q: In a NEMA TS1 cabinet, a loop detector provides a call or input to the controller by providing Answers 12 VDC to the controller on the input pin Q: Which statement does NOT include a step to evaluate detection inputs to the controller? Answers Perform a "one-call" to check for any utilities located underground. Q: An approach has four signal heads for the through lanes, three overhead and one on the corner. In a cabinet without load resistors, how many reds have to fail before the CMU/MMU in the cabinet puts the cabinet in flash? Answers 3 Q: Which alternative below presents a correct action to inspect a pedestrian actuation? Answers Use multimeter to verify voltage and continuity of wiring connected to the push button. Q: While visible solder bubbles are acceptable in soldering joints, we should re-solder if there is any soldering leaking through the jumper board. Answers False Q: What should we do if we see an indicator light or display screen with an "incorrect program" message in the controller display? Answers Reprogram the phase in the MMU/CMU and the controller. Q: When must the technician reprogram the detector processor? Answers When adding new equipment, such as cameras and loops.