# Electrical Technology Grade 12 NSC November 2013 Memo (Eng) > Grade 12 Electrical Technology memorandum from the NSC November Exam 2013 (English), 15 pages. Read online or download the free PDF. - Page: https://www.hlayiso.com/library/electrical-technology-nov-2013-memo-eng/bfddc3bc-e5b8-440e-ab87-54e4e0ff5d2e - Updated: 2026-09-27 - Subject: Electrical Technology - Grade: Grade 12 - Document type: Memorandum - Year: 2013 - Exam period: NSC November Exam - Curriculum: CAPS - Pages: 15 Breadcrumbs: [Home](https://www.hlayiso.com/) › [Library](https://www.hlayiso.com/library) › [Grade 12](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/grade-12) › [Electrical Technology](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/grade-12/electrical-technology) › [Electrical Technology Grade 12 NSC November 2013 Memo (Eng)](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/electrical-technology-nov-2013-memo-eng/bfddc3bc-e5b8-440e-ab87-54e4e0ff5d2e) ## About this document Electrical Technology · Grade 12 · NSC November Exam · 2013. Memorandum, 15 pages. Read online or download the PDF. Read it free online on the page above; download the PDF from there. ## Document text Text extracted from the PDF. Layout, diagrams and tables may not survive extraction. ### Page 1 Downloaded from hlayiso.com GRAAD 12 NATIONAL SENIOR CERTIFICATE GRADE 12 ELECTRICAL TECHNOLOGY NOVEMBER 2013 MEMORANDUM MARKS: 200 This memorandum consists of 15 pages. Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 2 Downloaded from hlayiso.com Elektriese Tegnologie 2 DBE/November 2013 NSS – Memorandum INSTRUCTIONS TO MARKERS 1. All questions with multiple answers imply that any relevant, acceptable answer should be considered. 2. Calculations: 2.1 All calculations must show the formula. 2.2 All answers must show the correct unit. 2.3 Alternative methods must be marked. 2.4 Where an erroneous answer is to be carried over to the next step, the first answer will be marked incorrect. However, should the incorrect answer be carried over correctly, the marker has to re- calculate the values, using the incorrect answer from the first calculation. If correctly used, the learner should receive the full marks for subsequent calculations. 3. The memorandum is only a guide with model answers. Alternative interpretations must be considered, and marked on merit. However, this principle should be applied consistently throughout the marking session at ALL marking centres. Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 3 Downloaded from hlayiso.com Elektriese Tegnologie 3 DBE/November 2013 NSS – Memorandum QUESTION 1: TECHNOLOGY, SOCIETY AND THE ENVIRONMENT 1.1 1.1.1 Wind power  Solar power  Hydro power Wave power Geothermal Energy (any two) (2) 1.1.2 Coal has a huge negative impact on the environment and coal is also not a renewable source of energy, at some stage there will be no more coal to burn in SA.  Coal pollution may also have a negative impact on the health of individuals / society (2) 1.2 1.2.1 Without electricity a person will not have the opportunity to make use of all the electrical and electronic devices that are educational and allow for communication therefore retarding a person's progress in education and life.  (2) 1.2.2 The cost of petrol increases which increase the cost of transporting coal to the power station The cost of mining coal increases which increases the cost of generating electricity Water resources are becoming scarce and therefore will become expensive increasing cost of generation of electricity (This does not only limit the answer to Coal, could include any reference to generation of electricity) Archaic energy systems and ineffective energy designs waste energy. (2) 1.2.3 Without electricity people will have to rely on an alternative source of energy  like wood and other inconvenient and polluting fuels such as coal, paraffin or candles.  (2) [10] QUESTION 2: TECHNOLOGICAL PROCESS Consider all possible types of answers related to the answers OR related to the Technological Process as an interpretation thereof. 2.1 2.1.1 The input receives the electrical instruction and feeds into the CPU (central processing unit)  (2) 2.1.2 The processing unit will receive the input and interpret it and execute it and deliver it to the output  (2) 2.1.3 The output receives the executed instructions and delivers it to the external devices (2) Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 4 Downloaded from hlayiso.com Elektriese Tegnologie 4 DBE/November 2013 NSS – Memorandum 2.1.4 The power supply supplies the processing unit with the power to execute the instructions (2) 2.2 To establish that the design specification has been met To establish the correct operation of the artefact (Any relevant answer) (2) [10] QUESTION 3: OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY 3.1 Horseplay in the workshop. Working on a machine which does not have the correct guards or protective devices. Working with live, open terminals. Touching live conductors exposed in the workshop. Using incorrect tools in the workshop. Using correct tools incorrectly. Not using safety equipment/uniform. (Any two) (2) 3.2 Earth leakage protective devices. Emergency stop button.  Overload relay.  Fuses Circuit breakers Stop Button Emergency Disconnect Button Isolator Switch (Any three) (3) 3.3 Any fire extinguisher that uses a non-conductive material such as CO 2 type or powder type.  Fire bucket with Sand Type C Fire Extinguisher ABC Dry Chemical (popular) Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Halotron Halotron 1211 High Performance Dry Chemical Regular Dry Chemical (1) 3.4 Before connecting the meter make sure the power is switched off. Set the meter to the highest current scale.  Make sure that the meter is connected in series in the circuit. Make sure the leads of the meter are plugged into the correct sockets of the meter. Make sure correct scale is used for AC or DC. After connecting the meter correctly proceed with the line test. Mention of a clamp meter as ammeter is acceptable (Any two) (2) Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 5 Downloaded from hlayiso.com Elektriese Tegnologie 5 DBE/November 2013 NSS – Memorandum 3.5 The workshop must be well ventilated to prevent drowsiness which may lead to an accident and possible injuries. Some work processes may lead to fumes being released which, if not extracted, will cause health problems. (Any one) (2) [10] QUESTION 4: THREE-PHASE AC GENERATION 4.1 For high power generation the three-phase system is more functional and efficient. For generators with the same size frame three-phase machines produce more power than single-phase machines. Three-phase generators may be connected in parallel to obtain an increased supply. Three-phase systems can deliver both three-phase and single-phase power. (Any one) (1) If candidate speaks of motor- no penalisation 4.2 IL  IP  VPh VPh  VL=VPh IP  VL=VPh IP VPh VL=VPh (4) Marks not allocated for Direction of arrows but for the labels. 4.3 4.3.1 P = 3VL I L cos θ P IL = 3VL cos θ  60 x 10 3 =  3 x 380 x 0.85  = 107.25 A (3) 4.3.2 If the power factor of the load was improved the current drawn by the load will be reduced  while the load and the voltage across the load remains constant.  (2) The load and the voltage across the load will remain constant; therefore the current drawn by the load will decrease with an improved power factor. The circuit Impedance changes. [10] Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 6 Downloaded from hlayiso.com Elektriese Tegnologie 6 DBE/November 2013 NSS – Memorandum QUESTION 5: RLC CIRCUITS 5.1 The frequency of the supply Capacitance of the capacitor  Size of the capacitor (2) If physical characteristics as well as capacitance are mentioned – Only one mark as these refer to the same component /factor 5.2 Inductive reactance is the opposition offered by the inductor to the flow of current in a coil when the coil is connected across an alternating-voltage supply and it is measured in ohms. (2) If mention is made of resistance – The learner will get 1 Mark Maximum 5.3 If the number of turns of the coil are increased the inductance of the coil will increase therefore the inductive reactance of the coil will increase. (2) 5.4 5.4.1 VR IR   (2) (Must show that V and I are in phase) 5.4.2 VL  IL  (2) Must show that I lags V Labelling is important to show lag of the current with respect to the applied voltage. Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 7 Downloaded from hlayiso.com Elektriese Tegnologie 7 DBE/November 2013 NSS – Memorandum 5.5 5.5.1 X L = 2πfL  = 2 x π x 50 x 180 x 10− 3  = 56.55 Ω  (3) 5.5.2 1 XC = 2πfC  1 =  2πx50 x 200 x 10 − 6 = 15.92 Ω  (3) 5.5.3 Z = R 2 + ( X L − X C )2  = ( 102 + 56.55 − 15.92) 2 ) = 41.84 Ω  (3) 5.5.4 V I =  Z 220  = 41.84 (3) = 5.26 A  5.5.5 VL   VS  VL- VC ᶱ IS VR  VC  (5) One mark per correct label (maximum 5) 5.6 IS = I R + ( IC − I L )2 2  = 1 + (2 − 1.5) 2 2  = 1.12 A  (3) [30] Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 8 Downloaded from hlayiso.com Elektriese Tegnologie 8 DBE/November 2013 NSS – Memorandum QUESTION 6: SWITCHING AND CONTROL CIRCUITS 6.1 A C G (one mark for correct drawing without labels) (3) 6.2 Speed control of electrical motors  Lamp dimming of incandescent lamps Temperature control of furnaces Inverters (Any two) (2) 6.3 A voltage must be applied across the two main terminals of the SCR with the anode made positive and the cathode negative. It can now be triggered into conduction by a positive pulse to the gate.  (3) 6.4 The physical size of an SCR is determined by the supply voltage it will be connected across and the maximum current that will flow through the device. The higher the current, the larger the device should be. External environmental heat factors (2) 6.5 A voltage in any direction (of any polarity)  must be applied across the DIAC  this voltage must now be increased to the break-over voltage of the DIAC, about 30 V to 50 V. The DIAC will now switch on and allow current to flow through it. (3) 6.6 6.6.1 To allow a specific gate voltage to the gate of the TRIAC to fire it into conduction. OR to prevent transient signals to the gate of the TRIAC and therefore triggering the TRIAC. (2) 6.6.2 The time it takes for the capacitor to fully charge depends upon the value of R 2  and the value of the capacitor.  The time constant is calculated by T=5RC. Therefore if R 2 is increased the capacitor will take longer to charge to the required voltage to trigger the TRIAC into conduction. The current will therefore flow through the lamp for a shorter period reducing its brightness.  (5) 6.7 6.7.1 When the TRIAC begins to conduct its internal resistance falls this will result in the voltage drop across the TRIAC dropping to a lower voltage (almost Zero).  (The reduction /fall /drop / lowering / decrease of internal resistance is the crux of the question – If no mention is made thereof – only award 2 marks maximum) (3) 6.7.2 I H is the holding current which is the minimum current that must flow through the TRIAC to maintain conduction.  If the current drops below I H the TRIAC will stop conducting. (2) [25] Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 9 Downloaded from hlayiso.com Elektriese Tegnologie 9 DBE/November 2013 NSS – Memorandum QUESTION 7: AMPLIFIERS 7.1 7.1.1 Positive feedback: the output signal is fed back into the input and added in phase to the input signal resulting an increased input (3) signal therefore leading to an increased gain. 7.1.2 Leads to instability in circuits.  Causes ring feed (shock oscillation) Renders the output therefore unpredictable (Any one) (1) 7.1.3 Design of oscillator circuits to overcome losses of natural oscillation (1) 7.2 1 - Inverting input  2 - Non-inverting input  3 - Output  (3) 7.3 7.3.1 Inverting comparator op-amp (1) 7.3.2 Vref  +Vc    -Vcc  (5) 7.3.3 V ref determines when the output voltage is switched due to a change in the input voltage above or below V ref . (3) Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 10 Downloaded from hlayiso.com Elektriese Tegnologie 10 DBE/November 2013 NSS – Memorandum 7.4 _  +   Rf  VIN Vout  Rin (5) 7.5 By making R f small (zero or short-circuited)  and R in very large (3) [25] Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 11 Downloaded from hlayiso.com Elektriese Tegnologie 11 DBE/November 2013 NSS – Memorandum QUESTION 8: THREE-PHASE TRANSFORMERS 8.1 To step down the mains voltage in a domestic supply for use in a cellphone charger.  Any practical application. (1) 8.2 An alternating voltage is connected to the primary winding of the transformer.  This sets up an alternating current in the primary.  This sets up a magnetic field that is linked to the secondary winding via a laminated iron core.  The magnetic field expands outwards and collapses inwards cutting the secondary winding. The relative movement between the magnetic field and the secondary winding results in an EMF being induced across the secondary winding.  Lenz's law. The process is due to mutual induction.  (5) 8.3 8.3.1 The input power doubles (increase 100% -same amount) 8.3.2 The current will also double (increase 100% -same amount) 8.3.3 The voltage stays the same 8.4 8.4.1 POUT = 3VL ( S ) I L ( S ) cos θ POUT I L( s) =  3VL ( S ) cos θ 66 x103 =  3 x 380 x 0.85 = 117.97 A  (3) 8.4.2 POUT = PIN PIN = 3VL ( P ) I L ( P ) cos θ PIN I L( s) =  3VL ( P ) cos θ 66 x103 =  3 x 11000 x 0.85 (3) = 4.08 A  Alternative method using Ratios and Phase Values is acceptable [15] Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 12 Downloaded from hlayiso.com Elektriese Tegnologie 12 DBE/November 2013 NSS – Memorandum QUESTION 9: LOGIC CONCEPTS AND PLCs 9.1 Sequencing of robots Control of machinery in factories Automation of machinery in assembly lines (Any relevant answer) (2) 9.2 9.2.1 The program is written to memory from a device ( PC )  OR The programme is stored here (2) OR (Function of the memory is to store the information it receives during programming process) 9.2.2 Execute the tasks (instructions program) that were written into (2) memory. OR Process the information 9.2.3 Connecting the input  devices from the electrical circuits to the PLC. (2)  OR (The function of the input interface is to accept the input signal and feed it into the PLC) 9.3 Ladder logic ( LL)  Instruction list (IL)  Logic block diagram ( LBD)  (3) Flow Diagram Function Blocks Structured Text 9.4 9.4.1 NOT function  (1) 9.4.2   X =1 F Alternative symbols acceptable Any two correct labels (2) Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 13 Downloaded from hlayiso.com Elektriese Tegnologie 13 DBE/November 2013 NSS – Memorandum 9.4.3 X F 0 1  1 0  C1 F (2) 9.4.4 Start = I1 Relay Coil = C Relay Contact =C1  Lamp = F  C  Can be interpreted either way Different labelling techniques Acceptable I1 Correct answer will receive full credit (5) 9.5 9.5.1 Direct online starter control circuit (1) Holding Circuit 9.5.2  Overload Xo Stop X1  Start X3   N/O contacts  Coil Yo  (6) 9.6 9.6.1 The design effort is simpler owing to fewer components and easy sequence planning. (2) 9.6.2 Relay and timer problems are reduced.  (2) Fewer Moving Parts Solid State Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 14 Downloaded from hlayiso.com Elektriese Tegnologie 14 DBE/November 2013 NSS – Memorandum 9.6.3 They are much more compact than a relay panel. Mass production is possible by repeat of programs.  (2) (Compact – The device takes up less physical space – This has many advantages, reducing cost of manufacturing, using surface mount devices with automated manufacturing) Standardised programming approaches and inter product compatablility. Industry standards such as profibus etc. 9.7 Counter  PLC (any other relevant answer) (1) [35] QUESTION 10: THREE-PHASE MOTORS AND CONTROL 10.1 Star connection Delta connection (2) 10.2 Insulation resistance between windings test. Insulation resistance to earth test. Short-circuit or open-circuit test. (3) continuity test of the windings 10.3 Is the cooling fan intact and turning freely but mounted securely on the motor shaft?  Does the frame have any cracks or missing parts?  Are the bearings noisy or feel rough when turning? Is the motor mounted securely and are the bolts tightened properly? End plates fastened properly? (Any two) (2) 10.4 By reversing/swapping the connections of any two of the supply lines to the stator. (1) 10.5 Large power range available  Self-starting  Higher starting torque More efficient than single-phase motors Physically smaller than single-phase motors for the same output (Any two) (2) 10.6 10.6.1 P = 3VL I L cos θ P IL =  3VL cos θ 17000 =  3 x 380 x 0.8 = 32.29 A  (3) Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 15 Downloaded from hlayiso.com Elektriese Tegnologie 15 DBE/November 2013 NSS – Memorandum 10.6.2 P  S= Cosθ 17000  = 0.8 = 21.25 kVA OR S = 3 × VL × I L = 3 × 380 × 32.29 = 21.25 kVA (3) 10.7 The casing of the motor is made from a conducting material, earthing it will activate protection under fault conditions preventing electric shock.  (2) 10.8 Overload unit No-volt coil Emergency stop buttons Circuit breakers Isolator switch MCB (3) Fuse (Any three) 10.9 Excessive current to the motor.  Motor not running on all three phases.  Motor used over long periods without switching and cooling off. Overloading the motor Insufficient ventilation (2) Over and under voltage condition (Any two) 10.10 Normally open contacts are contacts open in the de-energised state and closed in the energised state.  (2) 10.11 Protect the fan from damage  Protect users from injuries  Force the air over the motor fins for cooling. (2) Take note that the Afrikaans version can be interpreted as an endplate! 10.12 The purpose of electrical switchgear is to safely distribute and control electrical energy and provide electrical protection as well protect the operator of the equipment.  (3) [30] TOTAL: 200 Copyright reserved ## Related documents - [Electrical Technology Nov 2013 Memo Afr](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/electrical-technology-nov-2013-memo-afr/c5668cd1-3a24-4fe8-8318-41c8680c45f4) — Electrical Technology · Memo · 2013 · Afr - [Electrical Technology Nov 2013 Eng](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/electrical-technology-nov-2013-eng/ccbd8845-3d79-4586-bf96-8ee64929d1f5) — Electrical Technology · QP · 2013 · Eng - [Electrical Technology Nov 2013 Afr](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/electrical-technology-nov-2013-afr/5b3d2439-6e39-4a1d-8508-3f15ea3a7427) — Electrical Technology · QP · 2013 · Afr - [Electrical Technology Nov 2020 (Digital) Memo Eng](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/electrical-technology-nov-2020-digital-memo-eng/a1b08e2f-620d-401b-b392-473be3d00302) — Electrical Technology · Memo · 2020 · Eng - [Electrical Technology Nov 2020 (Electronics) Memo Afr](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/electrical-technology-nov-2020-electronics-memo-afr/3a93ca21-b0ce-45ee-90c7-2d964cb448ce) — Electrical Technology · Memo · 2020 · Afr - [Electrical Technology Nov 2020 (Power Systems) Memo Eng](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/electrical-technology-nov-2020-power-systems-memo-eng/88b14e44-b06a-4447-9c35-edf475d6c7c0) — Electrical Technology · Memo · 2020 · Eng ## More from Grade 12 Electrical Technology - [Gr 12 Dig Elec ATP 2023-24](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/gr-12-dig-elec-atp-2023-24/8d3b2ee7-1d14-498d-a86b-d9fc34674531) — ATP - [Electrical Technology (Power Systems) (English) June 2025 Question Paper](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/electrical-technology-power-systems-english-june-2025-question-paper/5422e67a-03a4-4202-ba9b-1b9ec9872537) — QP · 2025 · Eng - [ELEC TECH GR12 MEMO SEPT2024 Digital English](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/elec-tech-gr12-memo-sept2024-digital-english/cb603860-b00d-40c2-a36b-aa5e97b7d1e5) — Memo · 2024 · Eng - [ELEC TECH GR12 QP SEPT2024 Electronics Afrikaans](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/elec-tech-gr12-qp-sept2024-electronics-afrikaans/6fc3719e-6eab-469e-baf1-ca1645c8ebad) — QP · 2024 · Afr - [ELEC TECH GR12 QP SEPT2024 Power Systems Afrikaans](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/elec-tech-gr12-qp-sept2024-power-systems-afrikaans/928e510b-68c2-4670-a7c7-fe20b388befb) — QP · 2024 · Afr - [ELEC TECH GR12 QP SEPT2024 Digital English](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/elec-tech-gr12-qp-sept2024-digital-english/9fcfef2b-6d5e-4601-853a-24a2a3993617) — QP · 2024 · Eng ## Collection - [Grade 12 past papers](https://www.hlayiso.com/grade-12/past-papers) --- Hlayiso: free CAPS and IEB past papers, memos, notes and study guides for South African learners. 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