Red Seal Powerline Technician Practice Exam

What does a 'load break' switch do?

1. It increases the voltage of the line

2. It allows isolation of equipment under load

3. It connects multiple power sources

4. It reduces line resistance

The correct answer is: It allows isolation of equipment under load

A 'load break' switch is specifically designed to allow for the safe isolation of electrical equipment while it is still energized, meaning it can be operated under load. This capability is crucial in power distribution systems, as it enables maintenance and switching operations to be performed without having to de-energize the entire circuit. By using a load break switch, technicians can ensure that equipment can be safely serviced without interrupting service to other parts of the system, which is especially important in maintaining service reliability and minimizing outages. This switch can interrupt live circuits, eliminating the risk of electrical arcs that could occur if the equipment were to be disconnected under load without proper tools. Other options suggest functions that do not align with the primary purpose of a load break switch, such as increasing voltage or connecting multiple power sources, which are unrelated tasks carried out by different types of equipment. Reducing line resistance may refer to enhancing efficiency but does not address the function of isolation under load.