HKIE Professional Assessment - Electrical Discipline flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Per-unit impedance

A normalized impedance Z_pu = Z_actual/Z_base where Z_base = V_base²/S_base. It simplifies multi-voltage networks because transformers disappear from the equivalent circuit when bases are chosen per winding.

Adiabatic conductor sizing

For a short-circuit of duration t, the minimum protective conductor or phase conductor area satisfies S ≥ √(I²t)/k, where k depends on conductor material and insulation (e.g., 115 for PVC copper).

Star-delta starting

A squirrel-cage motor started in star then switched to delta. Starting current and torque are each one-third of the direct-on-line values, reducing supply disturbance at the cost of lower breakaway torque.

IDMT relay grading

Inverse definite minimum time overcurrent relays are coordinated by plug setting and time multiplier setting so that downstream devices trip first, with a grading margin typically of at least 0.3 seconds.

Power factor correction

Capacitor kVAr required to raise power factor from cosφ₁ to cosφ₂ is Q_c = P(tanφ₁ − tanφ₂). Detuned reactors are added where harmonics could cause resonance with the supply.

Transformer regulation

The change in secondary voltage from no-load to full-load at a given power factor, approximately I(R cosφ ± X sinφ)/V_rated; it is smaller for leading than for lagging loads.

Diversity factor

The ratio of the sum of individual maximum demands to the maximum demand of the whole installation. It sizes upstream cables and switchgear smaller than the arithmetic sum of loads.

Earth loop impedance

The impedance of the fault path from the point of fault back to the source. It determines earth-fault current and must be low enough for the protective device to disconnect within the required time.

Harmonic derating

Non-linear loads add triplen harmonics that overheat neutral conductors. Neutral sizing and protective device selection must account for harmonic current when total harmonic distortion is significant.

Scheme A training duration

Structured graduate training under Scheme A normally spans about three years of supervised experience, recorded in a logbook with periodic progress reviews signed by the supervising engineer.

Logbook contemporaneity

Entries should be written close to the time of the activity, not reconstructed in bulk at the end of training. Auditors treat retrospective bulk entries as weak evidence of actual experience.

Supervisor sign-off

Each logbook entry requires the signature of the supervising engineer confirming the trainee performed and understood the described work. Unsigned entries are generally not accepted as evidence.

Training objective mapping

Logbook activities are mapped to defined competence areas such as design, installation, testing and commissioning, project management, and professional conduct, so coverage gaps can be identified.

Progress review frequency

Formal progress reviews between trainee and supervisor typically occur every three to six months, with both parties signing the record. Missed reviews can delay completion of training.

Entry content requirements

A logbook entry states the task, the trainee's role, the technical content involved, and the learning outcome. Project names alone do not demonstrate competence.

Supervisor change record

When a trainee changes employer or supervising engineer, a handover entry records the date of transfer and the identity of the new supervisor to preserve continuity of evidence.

Formal training courses

Short courses and workshops are recorded separately with attendance evidence. They supplement but do not substitute for on-the-job entries in the training logbook.

Logbook retention

The completed logbook is an auditable record that may be requested by the assessment panel and should be retained after training completion, subject to confidentiality obligations.

Competence boundary

An engineer must not accept work beyond their competence without appropriate supervision. Doing so is a breach of the rules of conduct, regardless of the outcome.

Conflict of interest

Any financial or personal interest that could bias professional judgement must be declared in writing to the client and employer before the engagement is accepted.

Confidentiality duty

Client and employer information obtained during work must not be disclosed without consent or legal compulsion. The duty continues after the engagement or employment ends.

Certification of work

An engineer may sign or certify only work they have personally supervised or can verify. Certifying unverified work is a serious disciplinary offence.

Public safety priority

Where a defect threatens safety of life, the engineer must act to protect the public even if this conflicts with commercial or contractual interests.

Bribery prohibition

Offering or accepting bribes, including facilitation payments, is prohibited. Gifts and hospitality must be modest, transparent, and recorded according to employer policy.

Accurate representation

Engineers must not misrepresent qualifications, experience, or test results, and must keep accurate records of their work and decisions.

Whistleblowing route

Unsafe or unlawful practice should first be escalated internally; if that fails, it is reported to the appropriate external authority, with records kept of each step.

CPD annual requirement

Professional bodies typically require a minimum annual CPD commitment, often in the range of 30 to 50 hours, with a defined proportion in structured activities.

CPD categories

Acceptable CPD includes formal courses, conferences, technical visits, self-directed study, professional body volunteering, and mentoring. Unrelated personal hobbies do not count.

CPD record content

Each CPD entry records the date, activity, provider, hours, and a short reflection on how the activity develops professional competence.

CPD reflection

A reflective statement distinguishes genuine CPD from mere attendance by stating what was learned and how it will change or improve professional practice.

CPD audit

Professional bodies may audit CPD records. Entries that cannot be verified may be disallowed and can trigger a review of the member's status.

Relevance of CPD

CPD must relate to the discipline or to professional and managerial competence. Routine induction and mandatory safety briefings generally do not qualify as developmental CPD.