Are you beginning to prepare for the Electrical Engineering Exam?
Do you know what to expect?
MIND GAMES
Taking any Engineering PE Exam brings a certain amount of anxiety and fear of the unknown.
If you are taking the exam for the first time, you have no idea what to expect. You can study every day. You can review all the example problems you can find. You can take a review course to help get you prepared. But none of this can truly prepare you for sitting in the actual testing room on test day. There is a certain psychological element that cannot be accounted for.
But you can take steps to help overcome those test-day jitters.
Get your copy of the Electrical Engineering - Power Study Guide at:
www.engineeringdesignresources.com
RESOURCE LIBRARY
After interviewing numerous engineers who've successfully passed the PE Exam, I've found that the best way to be fully prepared for the exam is to have the right resources on test day.
Your resource library will contain example test problems with solutions, notes, graphs, and charts you have collected during your 4+ years as an EIT. But the bulk of reference material you should consider taking into the exam should focus on applicable, test-specific issues. For instance, as an electrical engineer, you should no doubt have a current copy of the National Electrical Code that you are thoroughly familiar with. A good portion of the exam will focus on code-specific or code-related questions such as:
Which of the following are acceptable as electrodes permitted for grounding:
I. Metal underground water pipe in direct contact with the earth for 9 feet.
II. The metal frame of the building with one structural metal member that is in direct contact with the earth for 12 feet.
III. A #2AWG bare copper conductor ground ring encircling the building.
IV. An 8 foot long, 1” diameter, stainless steel ground rod driven into the earth.
a. I only
b. I and II
c. II, III and IV
d. IV only
Solution: According to NEC Article 250.52 - Grounding, the metal frame of the building with one structural metal member that is in direct contact with the earth for 12 feet, a #2AWG bare copper conductor ground ring encircling the building, or an 8 foot long, 1” diameter, stainless steel ground rod driven into the earth are all acceptable grounding methods. Answer - C.
INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE
There will also be questions that come directly from the International Building Code such as:
According to the International Building Code, High Rise Buildings shall be provided with a standby power system for the following:
I. Power and lighting for the fire command center
II. Electrically powered fire pumps
III. Ventilation and automatic fire detection equipment for smoke-proof enclosures
IV. Egress corridor lighting and exit lights
a. I, II & III
b. I, III & IV
c. I only
d. I, II, III & IV
Solution: According to the International Building Code, section 403.10 – Standby Power, power and lighting for the fire command center, electrically powered fire pumps, and ventilation and automatic fire detection equipment for smoke-proof enclosures all require a standby power system. Answer - A.
OTHER CODES
Additionally, you can expect to see questions on the exam related to NFPA 101 - the Life Safety Code, NFPA 99 - Health Care Facilities Code, and others.
Take time digging out the resources you need and assembling your test-day resource library. This will be the best and most efficient use of your preparation time.
The Electrical Engineering - Power Study Guide is a great resource to help you prepare for the exam and put together your reference library.
Get your copy of the Electrical Engineering - Power Study Guide at:
www.engineeringdesignresources.com
