Electrician's Licensing Practice Exam

What type of protection is provided for small power tools?

1. Rubber insulation

2. Insulated housings and ground prong on plugs

3. Overload circuits

4. Automatic shut-off features

The correct answer is: Insulated housings and ground prong on plugs

The provision of insulated housings and ground prongs on plugs is crucial for the safety and effective functioning of small power tools. Insulated housings are designed to prevent electrical shock by ensuring that live electrical components are not accessible to the user. This is particularly important in handheld tools that might be used in various environments. The inclusion of ground prongs on plugs adds an extra layer of safety by allowing any stray voltage to be redirected safely to the ground, minimizing the risk of electrical shock. This grounding ensures that in the event of an insulation failure or short circuit, the electrical current has a clear path to the ground, preventing the user from becoming the pathway for electricity. While the other options may contribute to safety in various contexts, they do not specifically target the risks associated with using small power tools. Rubber insulation, for example, provides some form of protection but does not comprehensively address the potential hazards presented by live electrical components and the user’s direct interaction with the tool. Overload circuits and automatic shut-off features relate more to equipment protection or operational safety rather than direct protection for users, like insulated housings and ground prongs do. Thus, the correct answer effectively encapsulates the most critical safety measures implemented for small power tools.