HOLT Electricians Practice Exam

According to safety standards, low-voltage equipment frequently in contact with persons must be either intrinsically safe or _____.

1. Double insulated

2. Single insulated

3. Moisture sealed

4. None of the above

The correct answer is: Double insulated

The correct answer is that low-voltage equipment frequently in contact with persons must be either intrinsically safe or double insulated. Double insulation is an important safety feature for electrical devices, especially those used in environments where they may come into contact with people. This design consists of two layers of insulation that provide extra protection against electric shock. The first layer is the basic insulation that surrounds the live parts of the equipment, and the second layer provides a fail-safe in case the first layer is compromised. This means that even if the first layer fails, the second acts as a barrier, ensuring safety for users who might inadvertently touch the device. This requirement for either intrinsic safety or double insulation helps to minimize the risk of electrical shock in scenarios where equipment is frequently handled by individuals. The focus on safety is critical in many applications, particularly in household and commercial environments, where users may not be trained to handle electrical equipment. Intrinsically safe designs also aim to limit the energy output of equipment to prevent ignition in hazardous environments. Although this is a different approach to ensuring safety, both methods serve the crucial goal of protecting users from electrical hazards.