ASE xEV (Level 1) Exam Questions

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21.

What does the dashboard warning light with a battery and a lightning symbol mean?

  • Low battery

  • Batteries are too hot

  • The battery is being charged

  • There's a mechanical defect with the battery

Correct answer: Low battery

This symbol is the Battery Charge Level Warning. It indicates that the battery charge has become low and the driver should recharge.

This warning symbol has nothing to do with battery temperature or mechanical failure. The battery temperature warning shows a battery with the temperature symbol, while mechanical failure is often indicated by a wrench. It also doesn't tell you that the vehicle is charging, as most EVs don't indicate when it is plugged in by a dashboard light. 

22.

What is an energy control program?

  • A program set by the employer that determines energy control procedures

  • A program that limits power for lower electricity bills

  • A program to control how much power is sent to various EV components

  • A program that determines the charging of EVs

Correct answer: A program set by the employer that determines energy control procedures

The employer is responsible for establishing a program of energy control procedures. Employee training and regular inspections are also required.

This program ensures that employees are protected from unexpected startup, stored energy release, or energizing of equipment while servicing or maintaining an EV. Without this program in place, there's a higher chance of injury. 

23.

What type of voltage is considered dangerous by OSHA?

  • AC and DC

  • AC only

  • DC only

  • Neither AC nor DC

Correct answer: AC and DC

OSHA states that both AC and DC voltages are considered dangerous. Any voltage of 50 volts or more is deemed hazardous by OSHA without a differentiation of what type it is.

Voltage can create an electrical current that passes through the body. When the electrical current is too high, injury, or death may occur. 

24.

What is the condition called when the heart stops beating?

  • Cardiac arrest

  • Heart attack

  • Insomnia

  • Arrhythmia

Correct answer: Cardiac arrest

Cardiac arrest is the term used to describe the sudden failure of the heart to beat. It's considered an electrical problem because the heart is no longer receiving the signal to beat.

A heart attack is when the blood flow to the heart is blocked. In many cases, the victim of a heart attack remains conscious during the event, but could enter into cardiac arrest as a result of the blockage. An arrhythmia is when the heart beat is irregular. 

25.

What device(s) need to identify the employee that applied it?

  • Both lockout and tagout devices

  • Lockout devices

  • Tagout devices

  • None

Correct answer: Both lockout and tagout devices

OSHA states that both lockout and tagout devices need to identify the employee that applied it. This step helps to keep unauthorized people from using the devices. 

No one else is supposed to manage the lockout or tagout devices other than the person whose name is on it. 

26.

Who is responsible for creating a defined safety zone around the high-voltage system repairs before they are left unattended?

  • The technician working on them

  • Other technicians

  • Employers

  • Customers

Correct answer: The technician working on them

The technician performing the repairs or maintenance is also responsible for alerting others of the danger. If the repairs are left unattended, the technician must set up a defined safety zone that clearly warns of the danger.

Other technicians can support this role by being available to help, but it's not their responsibility. It's also not the job of the employer to make sure the safety areas are marked. 

27.

At what point would you disconnect the high-voltage source when someone is suffering from a high-voltage shock?

  • After calling 911 and getting the go-ahead from first responders

  • After separating the person from the supply of voltage with a non-conducting object

  • After body tackle impact has been performed on the person

  • After the person has recovered from the initial jolt

Correct answer: After calling 911 and getting the go-ahead from first responders

Once you've called 911, you will be ready to disconnect the source of high voltage. These steps differ depending on where the voltage is coming from, so it's always best to trust the advice given by first responders.

You don't want to attempt separating the person from the voltage because you could become part of the circuit.

28.

How can a high-voltage vehicle be identified?

  • Vehicle labels and badging

  • Make/model of vehicle

  • Ask the driver

  • Lack of front grille

Correct answer: Vehicle labels and badging

The best way to determine if a vehicle has high voltage is to read the labels and badging. You can also look at the underhood high-voltage cables and warning labels, see if there's a charging port (on some vehicles), or inspect for batteries on the roof or along the frame rails (with buses and trucks).

Researching the make and model of a vehicle may lead to differing results. Asking the driver could lead to false information if the operator isn't sure of the systems. While EVs don't need a front grille because there's less cooling required, the lack of a grille doesn't automatically indicate it has an electrified powertrain. 

29.

According to federal regulations, how quickly must live parts contain fewer than 60 VDC or 30 VAC once the connector is separated from mating components?

  • Within one second

  • Within two seconds

  • Within five seconds

  • There are no regulations

Correct answer: Within one second

The Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) designed the EV so that any high-voltage parts would reach these guidelines within one second of separating the connector from the component.

With this guideline in place, there's less chance of electrical shock or fires after the connector is removed. The same regulations apply when using the Manual Service Disconnect (MSD).

30.

How is a PHEV different from an HEV?

  • PHEV gets plugged in to recharge 

  • HEV has a longer wheelbase

  • PHEV has more interior electrical features

  • HEV contains a bigger fuel tank

Correct answer: PHEV gets plugged in to recharge 

The PHEV and HEV are both hybrid electric vehicles. The PHEV stands for Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle, while HEV stands for Hybrid Electric Vehicle.

The difference between the two is that the PHEV has a charging port to be plugged in. The hybrid electric vehicle does not get plugged in, but both have a gas engine that works in conjunction with an electric motor. 

31.

How should the high-voltage battery and heavy EV components be lifted?

  • With the help of lifting equipment

  • By bending at the knees

  • Using two technicians

  • They don't need to be lifted

Correct answer: With the help of lifting equipment

Whenever the high-voltage battery of heavy EV components needs to be lifted, special equipment should be used. With an average weight of around 1,000 pounds, the EV battery isn't meant to be lifted without equipment.

Special care is also needed when lifting the EV. A dual-post lift with a battery fixture jack should always be used.

32.

Working on or near high-voltage electrical equipment and systems can present hazards, such as which of the following?

  • Arc flashes and blasts

  • Power outage

  • Flooding

  • Gas leak

Correct answer: Arc flashes and blasts 

When working around high-voltage electrical systems, arc flashes and blasts are a safety concern. When proper safety precautions aren't followed, high voltage can be dangerous. 

In addition to arc flash and blast, you must also be concerned about electrical shock. These situations can lead to injury or death. 

33.

What kind of traffic in the EV repair area can be hazardous?

  • All traffic

  • Vehicles only

  • Foot traffic only

  • Shop equipment traffic only

Correct answer: All traffic

Any type of traffic in the EV work area can be hazardous. Not only does this include foot traffic from customers and technicians, but also vehicle traffic and that from shop equipment.

Technicians are required to set up barriers, signs, and barricades to prevent any unnecessary traffic in this area. Attendants may also be needed to prevent intrusion. 

34.

Which of the following battery conditions does not signify shorting?

  • Full charge

  • Leaking

  • Popping

  • Sparking

Correct answer: Full charge

Shorting of the battery can occur at any level of charge. It's often noticed by sizzling or popping sounds.

Shorting can also occur when there's leaking or dripping fluids, a chemical odor, spark, or smoke. Any of these issues should prompt a call to emergency responders. 

35.

The electrolytes in lithium-ion batteries are what?

  • Flammable

  • Sweet-smelling

  • Odorless

  • Non-toxic

Correct answer: Flammable

Lithium-ion batteries contain flammable electrolytes. If damaged, overheated, or incorrectly charged, the batteries can ignite.

These electrolytes and substances are toxic. EV batteries should always be handled with care, due to the flammable and toxic nature. 

36.

What condition do tagout devices not need a warning for?

  • Do Not Move

  • Do Not Start

  • Do Not Operate

  • Do Not Open

Correct answer: Do Not Move

According to 1910.147(c)(5)(iii) of the OSHA guidelines, tagout devices don't need a warning about moving the equipment. 

Tagout devices must warn about hazardous conditions if the equipment is energized. These warnings can include: Do Not Start, Do Not Close, Do Not Energize, Do Not Open, and Do Not Operate.

37.

If you need to separate a person from an object creating high-voltage shock, what should be used?

  • An insulated retrieval hook (hot stick)

  • A metal pole

  • Your body

  • Both hands

Correct answer: An insulated retrieval hook (hot stick)

Use an insulated retrieval hook, known as a hot stick, to separate the affected person from the electrical flow. You can also touch the person if you are wearing high-voltage gloves and the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE).

You should never use an object that conducts electricity, such as a metal pole. You also don't want to use your body or you may become part of the electrical circuit.

38.

What voltage can DC motors run on?

  • 96 to 192 volts

  • 80 to 160 volts

  • 120 to 220 volts

  • 64 to 142 volts

Correct answer: 96 to 192 volts.

DC motors receive power from direct current and run on voltages between 96 to 192. This is different from the AC motor, which requires 240 volts of alternating current to run.

39.

What is the term used to describe a source of electrical, mechanical, pheumatic, thermal, chemical, hydraulic, or any other type of energy?

  • Energy source

  • Power supply

  • Origin of power

  • Energy origin

Correct answer: Energy source

The term energy source describes the source of any type of energy. This includes mechanical and electrical energy.

Energy source is also used to describe power coming from pneumatic, thermal, chemical, hydraulic, or other sources. 

40.

What is the highest amount of voltage contained in a high-voltage battery?

  • More than 1200 V DC     

  • 800 V DC

  • 600 V DC

  • 400 V DC

Correct answer: More than 1200 V DC

Battery packs in large buses and trucks can exceed 1200 V DC. In most electric vehicles, the range is lower.

For example, the majority of EVs have battery packs measuring between 100 V and 400 V DC. On the higher end, they may reach to 800 V DC, but it's bound to go up as technology increases.