# Electrical Technology Grade 12 NSC November 2020 QP (Eng) > Grade 12 Electrical Technology question paper from the NSC November Exam 2020 (English), 19 pages. Read online or download the free PDF. - Page: https://www.hlayiso.com/library/electrical-technology-nov-2020-power-systems-eng/9eeae998-a797-49c9-a6d5-381c220f0912 - Updated: 2026-09-27 - Subject: Electrical Technology - Grade: Grade 12 - Document type: Question paper - Year: 2020 - Exam period: NSC November Exam - Curriculum: CAPS - Pages: 19 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 2020 QP (Eng)](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/electrical-technology-nov-2020-power-systems-eng/9eeae998-a797-49c9-a6d5-381c220f0912) ## About this document Electrical Technology · Grade 12 · NSC November Exam · 2020. Question paper, 19 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 SENIOR CERTIFICATE/ NATIONAL SENIOR CERTIFICATE GRADE 12 ELECTRICAL TECHNOLOGY: POWER SYSTEMS NOVEMBER 2020 MARKS: 200 TIME: 3 hours This question paper consists of 15 pages, a 2-page formula sheet and a 2-page answer sheet. Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 2 Downloaded from hlayiso.com Electrical Technology: Power Systems 2 DBE/November 2020 SC/NSC INSTRUCTIONS AND INFORMATION 1. This question paper consists of SIX questions. 2. Answer ALL the questions. 3. Answer QUESTIONS 2.1.1, 2.2.4 and 6.4.2 on the attached ANSWER SHEETS. 4. Write your CENTRE NUMBER and EXAMINATION NUMBER on each ANSWER SHEET and hand them in with your ANSWER BOOK, whether you have used them or not. 5. Sketches and diagrams must be large, neat and FULLY LABELLED. 6. Show ALL calculations and round off answers correctly to TWO decimal places. 7. Number the answers correctly according to the numbering system used in this question paper. 8. You may use a non-programmable calculator. 9. Calculations must include: 9.1 Formulae and manipulations where needed 9.2 Correct replacement of values 9.3 Correct answers and relevant units where applicable 10. A formula sheet is attached at the end of this question paper. 11. Write neatly and legibly. Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 3 Downloaded from hlayiso.com Electrical Technology: Power Systems 3 DBE/November 2020 SC/NSC QUESTION 1: OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY 1.1 Define health and safety equipment. (2) 1.2 Name ONE human right in the workplace. (1) 1.3 Name TWO incidents that should be reported to inspectors at the workplace. (2) 1.4 State THREE types of victimisation by an employer that are forbidden. (3) 1.5 Describe how the master switch in a workshop contributes to safety. (2) [10] QUESTION 2: RLC CIRCUITS 2.1 Two AC voltages, VR and VX, each have maximum values of VR = 20 V and VX = 30 V respectively. 2.1.1 Draw the phasor diagram (NOT to scale) on the ANSWER SHEET for QUESTION 2.1.1 if VX lags VR by 35°. (2) 2.1.2 Explain whether the total voltage will be predominantly inductive or predominantly capacitive. (2) 2.2 The RLC series circuit in FIGURE 2.2 below consists of a resistor of 15 Ω, an inductance of 20 mH and a capacitive reactance of 25 Ω. The components are all connected in series across a 150 V/60 Hz AC supply. Answer the questions that follow. R = 15 Ω L = 20 mH XC = 25 Ω VR = 98 V VL = 49 V VC IT = 6,5 A 150V/60Hz FIGURE 2.2: RLC SERIES CIRCUIT Given: R = 15 Ω L = 20 mH XC = 25 Ω VT = 150 V f = 60 Hz IT = 6,5 A Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 4 Downloaded from hlayiso.com Electrical Technology: Power Systems 4 DBE/November 2020 SC/NSC 2.2.1 Calculate the inductive reactance of the inductor. (3) 2.2.2 Calculate the voltage drop across the capacitor. (3) 2.2.3 Indicate whether the supply voltage is lagging or leading. Motivate your answer. (2) 2.2.4 Draw the phasor diagram of the circuit on the ANSWER SHEET for QUESTION 2.2.4. (5) 2.3 Refer to FIGURE 2.3 below and answer the questions that follow. IC IR VT IL FIGURE 2.3: PHASOR DIAGRAM 2.3.1 Identify the phasor diagram in FIGURE 2.3. (2) 2.3.2 State why the supply voltage is used as the reference in the phasor diagram. (1) 2.3.3 Explain the relationship between the total current and the impedance in a parallel resonant circuit. (2) Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 5 Downloaded from hlayiso.com Electrical Technology: Power Systems 5 DBE/November 2020 SC/NSC 2.4 Refer to FIGURE 2.4 below and answer the questions that follow. R = 20 Ω L = 300 mH C = 150 µF VS FIGURE 2.4: RLC SERIES CIRCUIT Given: R = 20 Ω L = 300 mH C = 150 µF 2.4.1 Calculate the resonant frequency. (3) 2.4.2 Calculate the quality factor of the circuit. (3) 2.4.3 Determine the impedance of the circuit at resonance. Motivate your answer. (2) 2.4.4 Calculate the value of the capacitance required for the circuit in FIGURE 2.4 to resonate at 2 kHz. (3) Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 6 Downloaded from hlayiso.com Electrical Technology: Power Systems 6 DBE/November 2020 SC/NSC 2.5 FIGURE 2.5 below shows the Q-factor characteristic curve of an RLC circuit, NOT to scale. Q1, Q2 and Q3 indicate how a change in the L/C ratio affects the Q-factor of a resonant circuit. Answer the questions that follow. Q1 Q1 0,707 Imax Q2 Q2 0,707 Imax Q3 Q3 0,707 Imax 25 30 35 40 45 f (kHz) FIGURE 2.5: Q-FACTOR CHARACTERISTIC CURVE 2.5.1 Identify the curve with the highest selectivity. (1) 2.5.2 Calculate the resonant frequency for characteristic curve Q1. (3) 2.5.3 Calculate the quality factor for Q1. (3) [40] Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 7 Downloaded from hlayiso.com Electrical Technology: Power Systems 7 DBE/November 2020 SC/NSC QUESTION 3: THREE-PHASE AC GENERATION (SPECIFIC) 3.1 Define the following terms: 3.1.1 Reactive power (2) 3.1.2 Efficiency (2) 3.2 Calculate the value of the phase voltage in a star-connected three-phase system if the line voltage is 380 V. (3) 3.3 With reference to power factor: 3.3.1 Explain the effects a low power factor will have on a system. (4) 3.3.2 List THREE methods to improve the power factor of a resistive inductive load in an AC system. (3) 3.4 Name the instrument that is used to measure electrical power over a certain period of time. (1) 3.5 A delta-connected generator delivers power to a star-connected inductive load. The phase current of the generator is 30 A and the line voltage is 380 V. The power factor is 0,9 lagging. Given: VL = 380 V IPH = 30 A Cos θ = 0,9 Calculate the: 3.5.1 Line current delivered by the generator (3) 3.5.2 Impedance of each phase (5) 3.5.3 Active power generated (3) 3.6 Two wattmeters indicate 10 kW and 3 kW respectively when they are connected to measure the input power to the load. Calculate the total input power. Given: P1 = 10 kW P2 = 3 kW (3) 3.7 Name ONE application of a wattmeter in three-phase AC systems. (1) [30] Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 8 Downloaded from hlayiso.com Electrical Technology: Power Systems 8 DBE/November 2020 SC/NSC QUESTION 4: THREE-PHASE TRANSFORMERS 4.1 Explain the purpose of a step-up transformer. (2) 4.2 List THREE factors that may contribute to excessive heating in a three-phase oil-immersed transformer. (3) 4.3 Name TWO cooling methods used for oil-immersed transformers. (2) 4.4 Explain the consequences of transformer cooling failure. (2) 4.5 Explain what effect an increase in the load will have on the primary current of a transformer. (2) 4.6 The primary and secondary windings of a three-phase transformer can be connected in different ways to form a single unit. Name TWO ways. (2) 4.7 Name TWO electrical protective devices used in three-phase transformers. (2) 4.8 Illustrate, by means of a labelled diagram, the construction of a core-type three-phase transformer. Also show the magnetic couplings. (3) 4.9 Name ONE safety measure to consider when working with an energised three-phase transformer. (1) 4.10 Refer to the circuit diagram in FIGURE 4.10 below and answer the questions that follow. I I L(1) = 30 A L(1)=30 A N1 : N2 VL(1)=11 kV VL(3)V=L(3) 380 VV =380 S=200 kVA VPh(3) = 219,39 V PIN =171,8kW Cos Ø = 0,85 FIGURE 4.10: TRANSFORMER CONNECTION Given: S = 200 kVA VL(1) = 11 kV VL(3) = 380 V IL(1) = 30 A PIN = 171,8kW Calculate the: 4.10.1 Efficiency of the transformer if it operates at a power factor of 0,85 lagging. (5) 4.10.2 Turns ratio (3) 4.10.3 Secondary line current of the transformer (3) [30] Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 9 Downloaded from hlayiso.com Electrical Technology: Power Systems 9 DBE/November 2020 SC/NSC QUESTION 5: THREE-PHASE MOTORS AND STARTERS 5.1 State THREE mechanical inspections to be conducted on a three-phase motor after installation, but before commissioning. (3) 5.2 State THREE advantages of a squirrel-cage induction motor. (3) 5.3 Study FIGURE 5.3 below and answer the questions that follow. L Stop button MC1 N/O2 N/C O/L1 O/L 2 Start Start MC1 MC 2 button button N/O1 N/O1 1 2 MC1 MC2 Motor Motor 1 2 N FIGURE 5.3: CONTROL CIRCUIT 5.3.1 Identify the control circuit in FIGURE 5.3. (1) 5.3.2 Explain the function of the following components in FIGURE 5.3: (a) Stop button (2) (b) MC1 (N/O1) (3) 5.3.3 Describe the starting sequence of the control circuit. (6) Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 10 Downloaded from hlayiso.com Electrical Technology: Power Systems 10 DBE/November 2020 SC/NSC 5.4 A three-phase induction motor with 6 pole pairs per phase is connected to a 380 V/50 Hz supply and has a slip of 0,05 units. Given: p = 6 f = 50 Hz s = 0,05 units V = 380 V Calculate the: 5.4.1 Synchronous speed (3) 5.4.2 Rotor speed (3) 5.5 An 18 kW three-phase motor is connected in delta to a 380 V/50 Hz supply. The power factor is 0,8. Given: . VL = 380 V f = 50 Hz P = 18 kW Cos θ = 0,8 Calculate the: 5.5.1 Line current drawn from the supply (3) 5.5.2 Apparent power of the motor (3) . [30] Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 11 Downloaded from hlayiso.com Electrical Technology: Power Systems 11 DBE/November 2020 SC/NSC QUESTION 6: PROGRAMMABLE LOGIC CONTROLLERS (PLCs) 6.1 Describe the following terms with reference to PLCs: 6.1.1 Hardware (2) 6.1.2 Software (3) 6.1.3 Opto-coupler (3) 6.2 List THREE important hardware components of a PLC. (3) 6.3 State THREE safety precautions to be considered when connecting a PLC to the supply. (3) 6.4 FIGURE 6.4 below shows a ladder logic circuit. Answer the questions that follow. A B Q A B FIGURE 6.4: LADDER LOGIC CIRCUIT 6.4.1 Draw the logic gate symbol of the ladder logic circuit in FIGURE 6.4. (2) 6.4.2 Complete the truth table in FIGURE 6.4.2 below by writing ONLY the state of the output on the ANSWER SHEET for QUESTION 6.4.2. INPUT A INPUT B OUTPUT Q 0 0 (a) 0 1 (b) 1 0 (c) 1 1 (d) FIGURE 6.4.2: TRUTH TABLE (4) 6.5 State ONE application of an inductive proximity sensor. (1) Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 12 Downloaded from hlayiso.com Electrical Technology: Power Systems 12 DBE/November 2020 SC/NSC 6.6 FIGURE 6.6 below shows a PLC logic program with a time delay of 15 seconds. Answer the questions that follow. I1 TD Push Button 15 15sec sec TD Q Output I1 Q 15 sec FIGURE 6.6: PLC LOGIC PROGRAM WITH DELAY TIMER 6.6.1 State whether the logic program represents an ON-delay timer contact or an OFF-delay timer contact. (1) 6.6.2 Describe the sequential operation of the logic program when the push button (I1) is pressed. (5) 6.7 The circuit in FIGURE 6.7 below is programmed with a fault, as shown between points A and B. Explain the effect that the fault will have on the operation of the circuit. STOP START MC A B MC FIGURE 6.7: LADDER LOGIC CIRCUIT (1) Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 13 Downloaded from hlayiso.com Electrical Technology: Power Systems 13 DBE/November 2020 SC/NSC 6.8 Refer to the control circuit in FIGURE 6.8 below and answer the questions that follow. L O/L Stop button Start button MC/NO1 MC/NC MC/NO2 Lamp Lamp MC (Green) (Red) N FIGURE 6.8: CONTROL CIRCUIT 6.8.1 State the conditions of the red lamp and the green lamp before the start button is pressed. (2) 6.8.2 Explain the function of MC in the circuit. (2) 6.8.3 Draw a ladder logic diagram that will execute the same function as the control circuit in FIGURE 6.8. (9) 6.9 Explain the principle of operation of the variable speed drive (VSD). (5) 6.10 Name the TWO types of synchronous AC motors used with VSDs. (2) Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 14 Downloaded from hlayiso.com Electrical Technology: Power Systems 14 DBE/November 2020 SC/NSC 6.11 Refer to the VSD output voltage pulses in FIGURE 6.11 below, and answer the questions that follow. PULSE TRAIN 1 A B PULSE TRAIN 2 FIGURE 6.11: TRAIN OF PULSES 6.11.1 Describe the duration of the switching time at area A and area B with reference to pulse width modulation in FIGURE 6.11. (2) 6.11.2 State the effects the width of the pulses has on the average output voltage in FIGURE 6.11 A. (2) 6.12 State THREE precautions that must be considered when working with a VSD. (3) Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 15 Downloaded from hlayiso.com Electrical Technology: Power Systems 15 DBE/November 2020 SC/NSC 6.13 Refer to FIGURE 6.13 below and answer the questions that follow. Phase AC Three-phase Three AC Switch is closed VSD “A” Supply Supply Motor B “B” FIGURE 6.13: REGENERATIVE-BRAKING MOTOR CONTROL CIRCUIT Identify component: 6.13.1 A (1) 6.13.2 B (1) 6.14 Explain what will happen to the energy generated by the motor in FIGURE 6.13 when the load moves down. (3) [60] TOTAL: 200 Copyright reserved ### Page 16 Downloaded from hlayiso.com Electrical Technology: Power Systems DBE/November 2020 SC/NSC FORMULA SHEET RLC CIRCUITS THREE-PHASE AC GENERATION P  V  I  cos θ STAR XL  2 fL VL = 3 VPH 1 VPH = IPH × ZPH XC  2 fC IL = IPH 1 fr  2 LC DELTA f VL = VPH BW  r Q VPH = IPH × ZPH SERIES IL = 3 IPH VR  I R VL  I XL POWER VC  I XC S (Papp)  3  VL  IL VT Q (Pr )  3  VL  IL  Sin θ IT  OR IT  IR  IC  IL Z P 3  VL  IL Cos θ P Z  R 2  X L  X C  Cos θ  2 S VT  VR  VL  VC  VT  I Z 2 2 OR EFFICIENCY R VR output power Cos θ  OR Cos θ  η  100% Z VT input power XL X C VL VC 1 L Q     Z Z VT VT R C TWO-WATTMETER METHOD PARALLEL PT  P1  P2 VT  VR  VL  VC VT P - P  IR  tan θ  3  1 2  R  P1  P2  VT IC  XC THREE-WATTMETER METHOD V IL  T PT  P1  P2  P3 XL IT  IR  IL  IC  2 2 VT Z IT I Cos θ  R IT XL X C IL IC 1 L Q     Z Z IT IT R C Copyright reserved ### Page 17 Downloaded from hlayiso.com Electrical Technology: Power Systems DBE/2020 SC/NSC THREE-PHASE TRANSFORMERS THREE-PHASE MOTORS AND STARTERS STAR STAR VL = 3 VPH and IL = IPH VL = 3 VPH and IL = IPH DELTA DELTA IL = 3 IPH and VL = VPH IL = 3 IPH and VL = VPH POWER POWER S (Papp)  3  VL  IL S (Papp)  3  VL  IL Q (Pr )  3  VL  IL  Sin θ Q (Pr )  3  VL  IL  Sin θ P 3  VL  IL Cos θ P 3  VL  IL Cos θ P P Cos θ  Cos θ  S S Vph(p) Np Iph(s) EFFICIENCY   output power Vph(s) Ns Iph(p) η  100% input power Transformer ratio (TR) 60 × f ns = Np p TR  n nr Ns % slip = s ×100 ns n  nr Per Unit Slip  s ns Slip  ns  nr Copyright reserved ### Page 18 Downloaded from hlayiso.com Electrical Technology: Power Systems DBE/2020 SC/NSC CENTRE NUMBER: EXAMINATION NUMBER: ANSWER SHEET QUESTION 2: RLC CIRCUITS 2.1.1 VR = 20 V Transfer mark to answer book MOD (2) FIGURE 2.1.1 2.2.4 Transfer mark to answer book MOD (5) FIGURE 2.2.4 Copyright reserved ### Page 19 Downloaded from hlayiso.com Electrical Technology: Power Systems DBE/2020 SC/NSC CENTRE NUMBER: EXAMINATION NUMBER: ANSWER SHEET QUESTION 6: PROGRAMMABLE LOGIC CONTROLLERS (PLCs) 6.4.2 INPUT A INPUT B OUTPUT Q 0 0 (a) = 0 1 (b) = 1 0 (c) = 1 1 (d) = FIGURE 6.4.2: TRUTH TABLE (4) Transfer mark to answer book MOD Copyright reserved ## Related documents - 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