ASE xEV (Level 1) Exam Questions

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1.

Which of the following is not a risk associated with electric vehicle repair?

  • Power loss to the shop

  • Fire in the shop

  • Possibility the vehicle will turn itself on

  • High-voltage electrical shock

Correct answer: Power loss to the shop

One of the main concerns with working on EVs is the potential fire risk. These are more prevalent if the high-voltage battery has been punctured or damaged, especially after an accident.

There's also the threat of high-voltage electrical shock if the systems are de-energized. Another risk is that the vehicle will turn itself on while the technician is working on it. 

2.

Electrical hazards depend on all of the following, except:

  • Ambient temperatures

  • Vehicle operating voltages

  • Battery chemistry or design

  • Insulation protection and design

Correct answer: Ambient temperatures

The ambient temperatures don't play a role in electrical hazards. Shock and injury can occur whether it is cold or warm outside.

Electrical hazards do depend on the vehicle operating voltages, and the battery chemistry or design. Insulation protection and design also plays a role in the risk of electrical shock. 

3.

What must be used in conjunction with signs and tags to prevent access to work areas with live activated components?

  • Barricades

  • Masking tape

  • Cones

  • Rubber mats

Correct answer: Barricades

Barricades are required when live activated components are present at 30 V AC rms or 60 V DC. These are to be used with signs and tags.

Attendants may also be used when the barricades or signs won't provide enough warning to keep people protected from electrical hazards. Any barricade used must be non-conductive to reduce the risk of electric shock.     

4.

Why must tagout devices be constructed to withstand wet, damp conditions?

  • So the tag doesn't deteriorate

  • So they float

  • To prevent electric shock

  • So they can be used in the snow

Correct answer: So the tag doesn't deteriorate

Wet conditions can lead to deterioration of the tag. The message on the tag could become illegible.

Tagout devices must be able to endure harsh weather conditions and extreme humidity. If the messages can't be seen, risk increases. 

5.

What is an arc flash?

  • Flashover of electric current leaves the intended path and travels in the air from one conductor to another

  • Flash of electricity that arcs in front of you and sparks

  • Electrical current that arcs in its wiring

  • Electricity that travels from one end of a wire to another, in a continuous intended loop

Correct answer: Flashover of electric current leaves the intended path and travels in the air from one conductor to another

An arc flash occurs when there's a flashover of electric current that leaves its intended path. This arc travels in the air from one conductor to another, or to the ground. 

Arc flash is a serious condition that can lead to injury or death. All employers are required to have protocols and safety practices in place to protect workers from arc flashes. 

6.

What does HEV stand for?

  • Hybrid Electric Vehicle

  • Hybrid Energy Vehicle

  • Has Electric Volts

  • Hybrid Electrical Vehicle

Correct answer: Hybrid Electric Vehicle

The HEV is a Hybrid Electric Vehicle. It has a gas engine paired with an electric motor for efficiency. 

HEVs are different from the plug-in hybrid vehicle that is recharged with a plug. The HEV also varies from the Electric Vehicle (EV) because it has a gas engine. 

7.

Which of these types of employees should become a Level 1 technician?

  • EV salesperson

  • Dealership office administrator

  • Dealership janitor/cleaning crew

  • Marketing department

Correct answer: EV salesperson

Anyone coming in contact with EVs in the workplace should become a Level 1 technician. This recommendation includes those people working in EV sales.

If employees aren't going to be in contact with the EVs, there's no reason for training. Examples include the office administrator or cleaning team for the dealership. The marketing department also shouldn't be in direct contact with EVs and wouldn't require training. 

8.

What is the name of the energy that is stored in the capacitors or battery following an accident?

  • Stranded

  • Trapped

  • Held

  • Taken

Correct answer: Stranded

The lithium-ion battery can contain stranded energy after an accident. This energy is stored in the capacitors or battery and could create a safety concern. 

With the possibility of thermal runaway, it's important that the battery is handled properly. Otherwise, injury or death could occur. 

9.

What is the warning symbol with a car and an exclamation mark?

  • General electric issue

  • Overheating batteries

  • Eco mode enabled

  • Low battery level

Correct answer: General electric issue

The warning symbol with a car and an exclamation mark means there's trouble with the electrical system. It's a broad warning symbol, indicating trouble with the motors, battery, or wiring. This warning light can be of various colors, with red indicating that the problem is more serious than if it's amber-colored.

10.

Where should the keyless fob be secured while working on an electric vehicle?

  • Out of key detection range

  • In your pocket

  • In the car

  • It doesn't matter

Correct answer: Out of key detection range

The keyless fob, if equipped, should be kept out of key detection range while working on the EV. It should be closed in a secured container. This keyless fob should be secured along with the high-voltage battery disconnects. 

It should never be on your person or in the vehicle while working on high-voltage components. 

11.

Barricades need to be used with tags and signs to limit access to any work area where live-activated components are operating at what voltages?

  • At or above 30V AC RMS or 60V DC

  • Under 30 V AC RMS or 60 V DC

  • At or above 40 V AC RMS or 70V DC

  • Under 40 V AC RMS or 70V DC

Correct answer: At or above 30V AC RMS or 60V DC

Barricades are needed to prevent access to work areas where components are operating at or above 30V AC RMS or 60V DC. Conductive barricades shouldn't be used anywhere where there's an electrical contact hazard present. In some cases, attendants are also needed if the barricades and signs won't provide enough protection from hazards.

12.

What battery in the electric car is considered to be high-voltage?

  • Traction battery

  • Auxiliary battery

  • AGM battery

  • Lead-acid battery

Correct answer: Traction battery

The traction battery is where the electricity is stored to be used by the electric motor. The amount of voltage held by the traction battery depends on the make and model of the vehicle.

Electric cars also have auxiliary batteries, but these are low voltage. They are the same that can be found in a gas-powered vehicle, available in different types, such as AGM, lithium-ion, or lead-acid, depending on the manufacturer.

13.

When should lockout be used?

  • Uncontrolled environments

  • In every situation

  • Never

  • Only when the service manager specifies

Correct answer: Uncontrolled environments

If working in an uncontrolled environment, lockout must be used. The keyless fob, removed fuses, relays, and Manual Service Disconnect (MSD) should all be locked up in a secure location to prevent electrical shock.

In controlled environments, tagouts can be used instead. When in doubt, it's best to consult the employer's policies. 

14.

Which of the following safety measures must be present to use tagout?

  • Removal of an isolating circuit element

  • Technician must stand on a rubber mat

  • Protective gloves must be worn at all times

  • Signs and barriers must be set up around the bay

Correct answer: Removal of an isolating circuit element

For tagout to be used and the procedure to be considered safe, the isolating circuit element must be removed. Otherwise, the control switch needs to be blocked or an extra disconnecting device must be opened. 

These steps ensure that the component cannot be inadvertently electrified. These steps are part of OSHA requirements, ensuring a safe work environment.   

15.

The bodily damage done from electrical shock depends on several factors. Which one of these options doesn't affect the outcome?

  • Height of the victim

  • How high the voltage is

  • How the current travels through the body

  • Amount of time it takes to get help

Correct answer: Height of the victim

The outcome of an electrical shock depends on what type of current and how high the voltage was. It also depends on how the current travels around the body, and the person's health. There's also a difference based on how quickly the person is treated. 

What doesn't matter is who the person is, as far as height, nationality, or gender. Electrical shock can be fatal  to people of any size. 

16.

What is a device called that locks an energy-isolating component so it reduces risk?

  • Lockout device

  • Energy locker

  • Storage locker

  • Energy lockout

Correct answer: Lockout device

The lockout device contains a lock that holds an energy-isolating component safely. It can contain either a combination or a key-type lock.

By locking this component, the work environment is safer. It prevents electrical shock and injury. 

17.

What is the disconnect for the high-voltage battery?

  • There may not be one

  • At the source

  • Manual Service Disconnect (MSD)

  • Ignition

Correct answer: There may not be one

When the source of high-voltage is the battery, a disconnect may not be available. Extra care is needed when working around a high-voltage battery.

With line voltage, the power can be shut down at the source. Electric vehicles need to be de-energized and the Manual Service Disconnect (MSD) should be used. 

18.

What is the meaning of a high-voltage source?

  • Any electrical component with a working voltage greater than 30 V AC or 60 V DC

  • Power outlet

  • Car charger

  • Auxiliary battery

Correct answer: Any electrical component with a working voltage greater than 30 V AC or 60 V DC

A high-voltage source is defined as an electrical component contained within the electric powertrain or connected to it that has a working voltage of more than 30 V AC or 60 V DC. High-voltage sources are only present in electric-powered vehicles.

While the power outlet, car charger, and auxiliary battery are all sources of power. These aren't defined as high-voltage sources for the EV. 

19.

What is the BEV lacking that a hybrid vehicle contains?

  • Fuel tank

  • Auxiliary battery

  • Brakes

  • Fuses

Correct answer: Fuel tank

The Battery Electric vehicle (BEV) doesn't run on fuel. Instead, it has a battery and electric motor that it uses for propulsion.

While the hybrid vehicles contain an electric motor and battery, they also work with fuel. Both types of vehicles contain an auxiliary battery, brakes, and fuses.

20.

What color is acceptable for high-voltage cables?

  • Only orange

  • Orange or red

  • Orange or yellow

  • Orange or pink

Answer: Only orange

As per the US FMVSS 305 S5.4.1.2 guidelines, all high-voltage cables must be orange. The insulation or wrapping is orange, no matter which company manufacturers the vehicle.

This orange color warns of the potential danger, making it easy to see which cables are considered high-voltage.