NICET EPT study guide
NICET EPT · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The NICET Electrical Power Testing (EPT) certification is a professional credential for technicians who test, inspect, and commission electrical power systems and the equipment that supports them. NICET offers EPT exams at three levels - I, II, and III - so a person can enter the program early in a field career and progress to senior responsibility as experience and judgement grow. The NICET EPT study guide has 7 sections and about 2,265 words.
01Electrical Safety, Codes, and Standards
NFPA 70 (the NEC) governs how equipment is installed ; NFPA 70E governs how people work on it safely . A frequent trap is a stem describing an installation requirement that offers a 70E article as the answer, or vice versa.
322 words, about 2 min02Power System Fundamentals and Circuit Analysis
The single most valuable set of formulas: S = √3 × V LL × I L for three-phase, and S = V × I for single-phase, with P = S × power factor. Impedance base conversions follow Z base = V LL² / S and I base = S / (√3 × V LL).
344 words, about 2 min03Transformers, Switchgear, and Distribution Equipment
Know the turns ratio (V₁/V₂ = N₁/N₂), the difference between additive and subtractive polarity, and cooling class designations: ONAN, ONAF, OFAF. Nameplate kVA is based on a stated temperature rise and ambient; forcing more cooling raises usable capacity.
289 words, about 1 min04Rotating Machinery and Motor Controls
Synchronous speed = 120 × f / P. A 4-pole machine at 60 Hz runs at 1800 rpm synchronous and, at 2% slip, about 1764 rpm at full load.
322 words, about 2 min05Protective Relaying, Instrumentation, and Control
IEEE C37.2 numbers appear constantly: 50 (instantaneous overcurrent), 51 (AC time overcurrent), 87 (differential), 27/59 (under/overvoltage), 81 (frequency), 49 (thermal), 86 (lockout), 25 (synch check), 64 (ground fault). Differential protection (87T, 87B, 87G) compares currents entering and leaving a zone and is inherently selective; it does not provide backup for downstream faults.
323 words, about 2 min06Cables, Grounding, and Insulation Systems
Conductor ampacity starts with the Table 310.16 value at the reference ambient and is then corrected for ambient temperature and adjusted for the number of current-carrying conductors in a raceway. Continuous loads are sized at 125% of load.
337 words, about 2 min07Field Testing, Commissioning, and Documentation
Acceptance testing proves a new installation is sound before energization; maintenance testing establishes condition over time. NETA ATS covers acceptance, NETA MTS covers maintenance.
328 words, about 2 min