Pre Hire Test
- Thread starter jbwhite
- Start date
- Status
Re: Pre Hire Test
I knew a fellow one time that would hand the applicant a piece of paper and a pencil and tell them to draw out how they would wire two three-way switches to operate one luminaire. It eliminated many people that claimed to be "electricians".
I knew a fellow one time that would hand the applicant a piece of paper and a pencil and tell them to draw out how they would wire two three-way switches to operate one luminaire. It eliminated many people that claimed to be "electricians".
jeff43222
Senior Member
- Location
- Minneapolis, Minnesota
Re: Pre Hire Test
What's a three-way switch?
What's a three-way switch?
jeff43222
Senior Member
- Location
- Minneapolis, Minnesota
Re: Pre Hire Test
Unfortunately, work that meets my level of understanding is beneath me.
Unfortunately, work that meets my level of understanding is beneath me.
zog
Senior Member
- Location
- Charlotte, NC
Re: Pre Hire Test
AVO has some good on line assesments for free that are pretty good.
AVO has some good on line assesments for free that are pretty good.
Re: Pre Hire Test
Here is a copy and paste of the one I use, it is pretty basic but will give you a overall picture if the guy is lying about his experience. May have to adjust for local codes in you area.
1. 1/2" EMT must be strapped not more than _______ feet from a junction box.
(A) 6 (B) 10 (C) 3 (D) 8
2. Using the picture below, draw out the wiring to hook up these 3 way switch's for the light fixture.
3. A ______ Amp single pole breaker is used for #14 copper wire on a 120 Volt lighting circuit in a residential home.
(A) 20 (B) 15 (C) 30 (D) 10
4. A Receptacle installed next to a bathroom sink must be a __________ type.
A) Duplex (B) GFI Protected C) Waterproof (D) Twistlock
5. 1/2" PVC Pipe installed underground must be ________ inches deep if not covered by a concrete slab
(A) 6 (B) 8 (C) 36 (D) 18
6. For a 200 Amp residential service ________ size wire for the feeders is used.
(A) 2/0 (B) #1 (C) 5/0 (D) # 8
7. To reverse the rotation of a 3 phase motor, you must __________ at the load side of the disconnect.
(A) remove 1 wire (B)Reverse any 2 wires (C) add 1 wire (D) can't be done
8. If a High Pressure Sodium light fixture is blinking on and off every couple of minutes, you should FIRST ______ ?
(A) Replace Bulb (B) Replace ballast (C) call FPL (D) none of these
9. A number ______ size ground wire is used on a circuit fed by a 60 amp breaker
(A) 6 (B) 10 (C) 12 (D) 14
10. On a troubleshooting call, customer says that all the lights in the entire house are flickering. The FIRST thing you should check is _______ ?
(A) All Light fixtures
(B) Main panel/interior breaker panel
(C) light switch's
(D) none of these
Here is a copy and paste of the one I use, it is pretty basic but will give you a overall picture if the guy is lying about his experience. May have to adjust for local codes in you area.
1. 1/2" EMT must be strapped not more than _______ feet from a junction box.
(A) 6 (B) 10 (C) 3 (D) 8
2. Using the picture below, draw out the wiring to hook up these 3 way switch's for the light fixture.
3. A ______ Amp single pole breaker is used for #14 copper wire on a 120 Volt lighting circuit in a residential home.
(A) 20 (B) 15 (C) 30 (D) 10
4. A Receptacle installed next to a bathroom sink must be a __________ type.
A) Duplex (B) GFI Protected C) Waterproof (D) Twistlock
5. 1/2" PVC Pipe installed underground must be ________ inches deep if not covered by a concrete slab
(A) 6 (B) 8 (C) 36 (D) 18
6. For a 200 Amp residential service ________ size wire for the feeders is used.
(A) 2/0 (B) #1 (C) 5/0 (D) # 8
7. To reverse the rotation of a 3 phase motor, you must __________ at the load side of the disconnect.
(A) remove 1 wire (B)Reverse any 2 wires (C) add 1 wire (D) can't be done
8. If a High Pressure Sodium light fixture is blinking on and off every couple of minutes, you should FIRST ______ ?
(A) Replace Bulb (B) Replace ballast (C) call FPL (D) none of these
9. A number ______ size ground wire is used on a circuit fed by a 60 amp breaker
(A) 6 (B) 10 (C) 12 (D) 14
10. On a troubleshooting call, customer says that all the lights in the entire house are flickering. The FIRST thing you should check is _______ ?
(A) All Light fixtures
(B) Main panel/interior breaker panel
(C) light switch's
(D) none of these
- Location
- Windsor, CO NEC: 2017
- Occupation
- Service Manager
Re: Pre Hire Test
Rich, do you give them a code book?
JB, we have a test, but either the administration of it or the test itself stinks. Bozos tend to still make it through.
("I don't have to ground the panel! It's after the first point of disconnect, combine the neutrals and grounds..." This dude was a talker, too. )
Rich, do you give them a code book?
JB, we have a test, but either the administration of it or the test itself stinks. Bozos tend to still make it through.
("I don't have to ground the panel! It's after the first point of disconnect, combine the neutrals and grounds..." This dude was a talker, too.
)Re: Pre Hire Test
I let them use a code book but I feel that these are basic questions that a guy asking high dollars should know off the top of his head. They have to ask for a code book, I don't just automatically give it to them.
If a guy is applying for a commercial job like for example with jbwhite, he should know how to strap EMT without looking at a code book. Same thing with GFI requirements etc.
If it is someone applying as a helper I cut them slack on this test.
My company does Commercial and residential service so the test is geared more towards that.
I let them use a code book but I feel that these are basic questions that a guy asking high dollars should know off the top of his head. They have to ask for a code book, I don't just automatically give it to them.
If a guy is applying for a commercial job like for example with jbwhite, he should know how to strap EMT without looking at a code book. Same thing with GFI requirements etc.
If it is someone applying as a helper I cut them slack on this test.
My company does Commercial and residential service so the test is geared more towards that.
santacruzer
Member
Re: Pre Hire Test
When I was hired on years ago, they had a simple test on the back of the application. The questions were simple to answer, but they proved some knowledge.These are three of them that I remember.
To bend a 10" offset using 45 degree bends on 1 1/4" EMT, how far apart do you put your marks on the conduit?
What is the voltage on 480 Delta? (phase to phase and phase to ground)
What color is the ungrounded conductor? Gray, Green, White or Pink.
If you can't answer these questions off the top of your head, you have no business being on a service truck.
When I was hired on years ago, they had a simple test on the back of the application. The questions were simple to answer, but they proved some knowledge.These are three of them that I remember.
To bend a 10" offset using 45 degree bends on 1 1/4" EMT, how far apart do you put your marks on the conduit?
What is the voltage on 480 Delta? (phase to phase and phase to ground)
What color is the ungrounded conductor? Gray, Green, White or Pink.
If you can't answer these questions off the top of your head, you have no business being on a service truck.
mdshunk
Senior Member
- Location
- Right here.
Re: Pre Hire Test
I generally have them bend some 3/4 emt over an obstruction and draw a start-stop circuit. That sorts em out enough for me. I'm not sure I even know distance between marks for 45* bends off the top of my head. I almost always do 30* bends for offsets. I think you multiply offset depth by 1.45 for 45* offsets, but I forget. See there, you wouldn't hire me, and I'm pretty good. I still carry the Benfield book on the truck for screwy obstructions and odd situations.
I generally have them bend some 3/4 emt over an obstruction and draw a start-stop circuit. That sorts em out enough for me. I'm not sure I even know distance between marks for 45* bends off the top of my head. I almost always do 30* bends for offsets. I think you multiply offset depth by 1.45 for 45* offsets, but I forget. See there, you wouldn't hire me, and I'm pretty good. I still carry the Benfield book on the truck for screwy obstructions and odd situations.
e57
Senior Member
- Location
- San Francisco, CA
Re: Pre Hire Test
Former employer did this...
Fill out application, with references and contacts.
As he looks that over, you sit at a break/meeting table and fill out a one page test. A few "If you don't know that, your'e worthless" questions. Some general, and a few tricky ones.
You give him that, and he takes you out to the shop and has you bend 1/2" from a box on the cieling, to a box one the wall, while he corrects the written test. "Come on in and see when you're done." He says, and leaves you there in front of the wall, with everything you need. Then, the interview.
So, I took this test, I passed, and was working for him for about a year when one day I was dropping something off at the office, and saw someone taking the test at the table. So I offered a few words of encouragement, "We all took the test...", or "I think even his brother had to take the test." (He did) or something. And I go in, drop my stuff, and talking to the boss... Guy comes up with his finished test, the boss asks if he can bend pipe. "Oh yeah...." So the boss tells me to hang out in his office, while he sets him up for the pipe part of the test. He comes backand says, "This ones gonna be good..." He opens up a cabinet in his office, and theres a monitor there, with the guy standin the shop on camera. "You have cameras out there?..." ( I had never noticed) "I watched you too."
So we're watching, the guy starts, kinks the first bend, cuts it off. Hides the bend in a shelf. Starts again, Same thing. Gets about half way, 90's too short. The boss and I are dieing laughing. He folds the piece, looks around, sticks it UNDER the bosses truck. Looks at the rack EMT sitting there, maybe thinks theres a count on them or something, instead he pulls a stick off the bosses truck. Starts again, messes it up. Drops the bender, and walks out the door. The boss says, "Theres one I dont have to fire down the road"
Former employer did this...
Fill out application, with references and contacts.
As he looks that over, you sit at a break/meeting table and fill out a one page test. A few "If you don't know that, your'e worthless" questions. Some general, and a few tricky ones.
You give him that, and he takes you out to the shop and has you bend 1/2" from a box on the cieling, to a box one the wall, while he corrects the written test. "Come on in and see when you're done." He says, and leaves you there in front of the wall, with everything you need. Then, the interview.
So, I took this test, I passed, and was working for him for about a year when one day I was dropping something off at the office, and saw someone taking the test at the table. So I offered a few words of encouragement, "We all took the test...", or "I think even his brother had to take the test." (He did) or something. And I go in, drop my stuff, and talking to the boss... Guy comes up with his finished test, the boss asks if he can bend pipe. "Oh yeah...." So the boss tells me to hang out in his office, while he sets him up for the pipe part of the test. He comes backand says, "This ones gonna be good..." He opens up a cabinet in his office, and theres a monitor there, with the guy standin the shop on camera. "You have cameras out there?..." ( I had never noticed) "I watched you too."
So we're watching, the guy starts, kinks the first bend, cuts it off. Hides the bend in a shelf. Starts again, Same thing. Gets about half way, 90's too short. The boss and I are dieing laughing. He folds the piece, looks around, sticks it UNDER the bosses truck. Looks at the rack EMT sitting there, maybe thinks theres a count on them or something, instead he pulls a stick off the bosses truck. Starts again, messes it up. Drops the bender, and walks out the door. The boss says, "Theres one I dont have to fire down the road"
Re: Pre Hire Test
I have been considering some type of hands on testing such as wiring a 3way switch, motor starter, bending conduit, etc.
My question is what happens if an applicant gets injured while taking the test. Slices his hand open or something. Would I be responsible for his injury? Would it be covered under my insurance? Could I be sued by the applicant?
I have been considering some type of hands on testing such as wiring a 3way switch, motor starter, bending conduit, etc.
My question is what happens if an applicant gets injured while taking the test. Slices his hand open or something. Would I be responsible for his injury? Would it be covered under my insurance? Could I be sued by the applicant?
- Location
- Lockport, IL
- Occupation
- Semi-Retired Electrical Engineer
Re: Pre Hire Test
Interesting story, e57. But I would caution anyone against using hidden cameras as part of a test, or part of your normal business security practices, unless you know how to do it legally. I don't know the legalities of it all, but I suspect there is a requirement related to posting a notice to the effect that you have security cameras in use.
[ December 22, 2005, 10:44 AM: Message edited by: charlie b ]
Interesting story, e57. But I would caution anyone against using hidden cameras as part of a test, or part of your normal business security practices, unless you know how to do it legally. I don't know the legalities of it all, but I suspect there is a requirement related to posting a notice to the effect that you have security cameras in use.
[ December 22, 2005, 10:44 AM: Message edited by: charlie b ]
peter d
Senior Member
- Location
- New England
Re: Pre Hire Test
Geez Charlie, you sure know how to ruin a good story. :roll:
Geez Charlie, you sure know how to ruin a good story. :roll:
jwelectric
Senior Member
- Location
- North Carolina
Re: Pre Hire Test
What is wrong with the time tested way of finding out what someone knows?
Put them on the job, in about two hours you will know if he is going to work out or not.
If they don't send them packing.
What is wrong with the time tested way of finding out what someone knows?
Put them on the job, in about two hours you will know if he is going to work out or not.
If they don't send them packing.
peter d
Senior Member
- Location
- New England
Re: Pre Hire Test
There is much less paperwork with a pre-hire test.
e57
Senior Member
- Location
- San Francisco, CA
Re: Pre Hire Test
The place with the cameras, they weren't hidden, just not very visable, I never noticed them, until then. Never had a reason to look for them... (One out front, one in shop, etc. All with blinking red lights...) Not sure, but don't see any legal problem with them for general security, in fact I'm due to put some on my house.
As far as testing, again I wouldn't think there would be any legal reason not to. When someone comes in looking to make $30+ an hour, you would definately sit them down, if not a few times to verbaly question them, right? Whats the difference if the questions are in written form?
On the same note, (I'm not a lawyer) would not see a problem, or am aware of any restriction to a minor skills test physically performed. (A hacksaw, bender and measuring tape are not dangerous tools) In fact the cieling the box was on was low enough for an average guy to not even need a ladder. (Under a loft in the shop) Liability issues, good point, and question. Hmmm...
However... Putting them on a job performing work that is for proffit could set you up for some problems. You would have to pay them.... They are now employees. Could be a mess to sack 'em.
The place with the cameras, they weren't hidden, just not very visable, I never noticed them, until then. Never had a reason to look for them... (One out front, one in shop, etc. All with blinking red lights...) Not sure, but don't see any legal problem with them for general security, in fact I'm due to put some on my house.
As far as testing, again I wouldn't think there would be any legal reason not to. When someone comes in looking to make $30+ an hour, you would definately sit them down, if not a few times to verbaly question them, right? Whats the difference if the questions are in written form?
On the same note, (I'm not a lawyer) would not see a problem, or am aware of any restriction to a minor skills test physically performed. (A hacksaw, bender and measuring tape are not dangerous tools) In fact the cieling the box was on was low enough for an average guy to not even need a ladder. (Under a loft in the shop) Liability issues, good point, and question. Hmmm...
However... Putting them on a job performing work that is for proffit could set you up for some problems. You would have to pay them.... They are now employees. Could be a mess to sack 'em.
- Status