Free Ramsay Electrical Practice Test: 17 Realistic Questions & Answers to Help You Master the Exam

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Welcome to your free Ramsay Electrical practice test, designed to set you on the right track for scoring high.

The following 17 questions simulate the actual question types you’ll see on the exam.

Use them to get a feel for what you’re up against, identify your stronger and weaker areas, and understand where to focus your prep efforts.

In addition to the free test, you’ll find below lots of insights and helpful information about the test.

So, let’s dive right in!

Before starting the sample test, see the following overview section that explains what you should expect on the test. This will help you better understand the format, structure, and topics you’ll encounter.

What Is the Ramsay Electrical Test?

The Ramsay Electrical Test measures the electrical aptitude and knowledge of candidates applying for positions in many industries, such as maintenance and installation. It evaluates your understanding of basic electrical concepts and your ability to solve problems related to electrical systems.

The Ramsay Electrical test goes by three more names, all referring to the same test: Electrical Maintenance Test, Ramsay ElecTest, and Ramsay Maintenance Electrician Test.

Preparing for a different Ramsay test? Check our Free Ramsay practice test to try sample questions for all Ramsay tests.

Format and Structure

External calculators are usually not allowed on the Ramsay ElecTest, as with the Ramsay Mechanical Aptitude Test and other Ramsay tests. However, you may receive a non-scientific on-screen calculator during the test.

The test comprises 60 multiple-choice questions, takes approximately one hour, and is divided into 8 content areas: 

  • Motors
  • Digital and Analog Electronics
  • Electrical Schematics, Print Reading, and Control Circuits
  • Basic AC/DC Theory and Electrical Maintenance
  • Computers/PLC and Test Instruments
  • Power Supplies
  • Power Distribution and Construction/Installation
  • Mechanical and Hand/Power Tools

Other Ramsay tests, such as the Ramsay Maintenance Test, have overlapping subjects with the ElecTest. So, if you’ve taken a Ramsay test before, you’ll likely recognize some of these content areas and question types.

Applying to a maintenance technician role at Walmart? Check our in-depth prep guide here.

Is the Ramsay Electrical Test Hard?

The Ramsay Electrical Test is considered a challenging exam since it evaluates theoretical and practical knowledge on various topics, which are often not used in your day-to-day job. Also, the test is taken under a tight time limit, with only one minute per question.

Master the Ramsay Electrical Test using these accurate practice simulations.

Free Ramsay Electrical Test Practice Questions

Motors

Sample Question #1

Which motors are shown in the image?

ramsay electrical test motors sample question

1. A – Shunt, B – Series, C – Parallel
2. A – Series, B – Parallel, C – Shunt
3. A – Shunt, B – Compound, C – Series
4. A – Series, B – Shunt, C – Compound

The correct answer is (4).

In a series motor, the armature (symbolized by a circle) and the shunt field (symbolized by a helix) are connected in series, as in A. In a shunt motor, they are connected in parallel, as in B. A compound motor combines these two structures, as in C.

Sample Question #2

A reversing starter contains _____ main-line contactors.

A. two
B. three
C. four
D. zero

The correct answer is A.

A reversing starter controls the motor’s operation and connects the motor for rotation in both directions. Therefore, two contactors are needed, one for clockwise rotation and the other for counterclockwise rotation.

An interlocking mechanism is also required, to prevent simultaneous rotation in both directions.

Digital and Analog Electronics

Sample Question #3

What voltages are used to erase Flash memory?

A. Same as PC voltage
B. Lower than PC voltage
C. Higher than PC voltage
D. Flash memory cannot be erased electrically

The correct answer is C.

EEPROMs and flash memory are erased electrically. Thus, D cannot be true. Flash memories are erased by applying higher voltages for programming or erasing them. These voltages are normally in the 5-15 V range, which is higher than the PC voltage. Therefore, A and B cannot be correct, and C is the correct choice.

Print Reading

Sample Question #4

ramsay electest print reading sample question

In the circuit diagram shown above, the reason for using the transformer is to:

A. Step down 480V for AC motor to run
B. Covert AC to DC because the motor used is a PMDC motor
C. Provide speed control of the AC motor
D. None of the above

The correct answer is D.

The transformer in the schematic is used to control the coils of the contactors. Therefore, D is the correct choice. 

Statement A cannot be correct because the contactors directly relay the 3-phase 480 V power to motors. 

Statement B cannot be correct because the motor’s wiring represents a three-phase motor. 

Statement C cannot be correct because transformers do not perform speed control and the speed of AC motor is controlled with the frequency of excitation, and the transformer does not change the frequency of the input power.

Electrical Theory & Control Circuits

Sample Question #5

If the voltage applied between Node A and B is 100 V, how much voltage is dropped in every resistor?

ramsay electrical maintenance test controls circuit sample question

A. 50
B. 100
C. 25
D. None of the above

The correct answer is A.

Each branch is exposed to 100 V since they are in parallel. The two series resistors will drop half of the applied voltage because all resistances are identical. Therefore, A is the correct choice.

Sample Question #6

The bimetallic circuit breakers, used in the motor, control circuit’s _____ and breaks if the _____ on/of the bimetallic strip is increased.

A. voltage, pressure
B. voltage, temperature
C. current, pressure
D. current, temperature

The correct answer is D.

The bimetallic circuit breakers consist of two metal strips (bimetallic strips) in which one of the metal strips expands earlier than the other, consequently bending the strip.

These strips are connected between two points and if the expansion continues, it breaks the connection. If these two points are connected to a circuit, this expansion breaks the path for the current in the line that contains the circuit breaker.

The bimetallic circuit breakers are based on temperature change. However, the temperature in the metallic strips is a product of the current.

Therefore, the bimetallic circuit breakers, that are used in the motor control circuits, control the current and break if the temperature of the bimetallic strip is increased.

Thus, D is the correct choice.

AC/DC Basics

Sample Question #7

A sag in an overhead power line is required to reduce

A. Operating temperature
B. Power waste
C. Tension in the line
D. Corrosion

The correct answer is C.

A sag in an overhead power line is the distance between the point of support and the lowest point of the line.

Sag is designed intentionally in power lines to reduce tension. If power lines are stretched so they are taut, great tensile stress would develop in them under external conditions such as wind and temperature changes. This type of stress may eventually cause damage to the line or break it.

Electrical Maintenance

Sample Question #8

Transistors have an emitter-base junction that must be forward-biased for the transistor to conduct. This means that in PNP transistors, the base is _______ with respect to the emitter.

A. Positive
B. Negative
C. Ground
D. At an equal potential

The correct answer is B.

Transistors consist of three terminals: base, emitter, and collector. This makes three junctions on a transistor: base-emitter, base-collector, and collector-emitter junctions. To switch on a transistor, a specific voltage must be applied to the base-collector junction. 

In the case of PNP, the base should be at a lower potential than the emitter to switch on the terminal. In other words, the base should be negative concerning the emitter. 

Therefore, A cannot be true, and B is the correct choice. ‘Ground’ cannot be true since the potential at the emitter is not mentioned. Thus, C cannot be true as well. Base-emitter cannot be at equal potential to switch on the transistor. Thus, D is not correct as well.

Maxmize your test score with these accurate Ramsay Electrical practice tests.

Computers

Sample Question #9

Which one is NOT a standard baud rate for serial communication?

A. 9600
B. 19200
C. 28800
D. 57600

The correct answer is C.

Baud rate is the rate of data bits transmitted and/or received per second in serial communication. Standard baud rates include 110, 300, 600, 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600, 14400, 19200, 38400, 57600, 115200, 128000, and 256000 bits per second. Therefore, C is the correct choice.

PLC and Electronics

Sample Question #10

The ladder shown below represents a/an _________ gate.

A. OR
B. NOT
C. AND
D. None of the above

The correct answer is C.

The ladder shown in the image represents an AND gate. The ladder logic for NOT and OR are shown below as well.

ramsay electest plc sample question solution

Sample Question #11

Which of the following is NOT an isolation element that is used for PLC?

A. Optocouplers
B. Relays
C. Fuse
D. None of the above

The correct answer is C.

Isolation elements separate the digital side from the power side. These elements are essential for the protection of digital processors.

In case of failure in any of the power devices, the digital lines can carry power voltages due to short circuits and may damage the device.

Optocouplers and relays are used for isolation purposes. Therefore, A and B cannot be correct.

Fuses are low-cost over current protection circuit elements and are used in the power lines. They do not create isolation. Therefore, C is the correct choice.

Test Instruments

Sample Question #12

The frequency of an AC signal can be measured by selecting:

ramsay electest instruments sample question

A. 4 and 5
B. 5 and 1
C. 6 and 4
D. None of the above

The correct answer is A.

The knob selects the specified electrical quantity to be measured. When the yellow button (marked 4) is not pressed, the quantities written in white are functional, whereas when pressed, the quantities written in yellow will be measured. 

Since the signal is AC, the knob should be at 5. Hence, B and C are incorrect. When 4 (yellow button) is pressed, the quantity written in yellow at 5 is Hz which refers to the frequency of the AC signal. Therefore, A is the correct choice.

Sample Question #13

When two different metals are connected together in thermocouples, an electromotive force (voltage) is generated which is a function of temperature. This phenomenon is called _____.

A. Hall effect
B. Induction
C. Thermoelectric effect
D. None of the above

The correct answer is C.

When two different metals are connected together in thermocouples, an electromotive force (voltage) is generated which is a function of temperature. This phenomenon is called thermoelectric effect.

Therefore, C is the correct choice.

Induction is creating a voltage in a coil with a changing magnetic field. Generating a measurable voltage by using a magnetic field is called the Hall Effect. Hence, A and B are incorrect.

Power Supply

Sample Question #14

Which electronic device will you select to switch on and off a load containing a higher current magnitude?

A. Electromechanical relay
B. Solid-state relay
C. Mechanical switch
D. None of the above

The correct answer is B.

Switches/relays, when used to switch higher current, produces sparks on the contact terminals. It is not advised to use electromechanical relays since the contacts are made mechanically, and sparks are produced. Therefore, A cannot be correct. 

Solid-state relays (SSR) are electrical switches made of semiconductors, especially for higher loads. Since there is no mechanical motion, the sparks are not generated on the contact terminals. Therefore, B is the correct choice. 

A mechanical switch is not an electronic device, and it produces sparks as well. Thus, C cannot be correct as well.

Sample Question #15

Which of the following wear type occurs the least in a bearing when used in a turbine?

A. Corrosion
B. Local wear and cracks
C. Cavitation
D. None of the above

The correct answer is A.

Corrosion rarely occurs in turbine bearings because of the controlled moisture content. However, local wear, cracks, and cavitation occur in them due to heavy vibrations and insufficient supply of oil.

Power Distribution

Sample Question #16

ramsay electest power distribution sample question

What load, as shown in the figure above, is lifted by a force of 500 lb.?

A. 1000 lb.
B. 250 lb.
C. 500 lb.
D. None of the above

The correct answer is D.

The relationship between the load (L), the pulling force (F), and the number of pulleys (N) is given by:

L = NF = 4 * 500 -> L =4 * 500 = 2000lb.

Therefore, D is the correct choice.

Tools

Sample Question #17

What voltage range is used to measure the insulation with a megaohm meter?

A. 100 V or less
B. 500 V or less
C. 1000 V or less
D. None of the above

The correct answer is B.

A megaohm meter measures the insulation resistance between two conducting surfaces. This instrument measures a certain potential in the range of 500 V or less.

Therefore, A, C, and D are incorrect, and B is the correct choice. This potential is provided by the internal power of the instrument and is not applied externally to the device.

Master the Ramsay Electrical Test with Targeted Practice

Consistent practice is key to success on the Ramsay Electrical Test. Realistic practice tests help you:

  • Familiarize yourself with the question types and exam format
  • Pinpoint areas where you need additional study
  • Build speed and confidence under pressure

For the best practice materials, JobTestPrep offers a comprehensive Ramsay Electrical prep course. It includes:

  • 300+ practice questions (27 full-length tests!)
  • Detailed answer explanations to reinforce your learning

Ready to maximize your score? Visit this practice page to get started!

What Is the Passing Score on the Ramsay Electrical Test?

While there’s no single “passing score”, Ramsay Corporation suggests aiming for at least 40 out of 60 correct answers. This puts you in the top 20% of test-takers, which is often the minimum requirement for many employers.

However, the specific passing score can vary depending on these factors:

  • The company’s needs: Some jobs might require higher scores.
  • Competition: If many people apply, the passing score might be higher.

Important: Always aim for your best possible score to maximize your chances!

3 Smart Strategies to Ace the Ramsay ElecTest

  • Build a Solid Foundation: The ElecTest assumes strong knowledge of electrical fundamentals. Take time to review core concepts, especially if it’s been a while since you studied them formally.
  • Master Schematics & Diagrams: Questions involving schematics, blueprints, and control circuits are heavily featured. Invest extra time practicing these to ensure you can interpret them quickly and accurately.
  • Manage Your Time Wisely: The test allows you to skip difficult questions and return to them later. Use this to your advantage! Don’t get stuck on one problem. Remember, it’s better to guess on a tough question than leave it blank.