# Electrical Technology Grade 12 NSC November 2023 QP (Eng) > Grade 12 Electrical Technology question paper from the NSC November Exam 2023 (English), 19 pages. Read online or download the free PDF. - Page: https://www.hlayiso.com/library/electrical-technology-nov-2023-power-systems-eng/3ded9d2b-e882-41cd-a915-88ac9b5cdbfc - Updated: 2026-09-27 - Subject: Electrical Technology - Grade: Grade 12 - Document type: Question paper - Year: 2023 - 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 2023 QP (Eng)](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/electrical-technology-nov-2023-power-systems-eng/3ded9d2b-e882-41cd-a915-88ac9b5cdbfc) ## About this document Electrical Technology · Grade 12 · NSC November Exam · 2023. 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 NATIONAL SENIOR CERTIFICATE GRADE 12 ELECTRICAL TECHNOLOGY: POWER SYSTEMS NOVEMBER 2023 MARKS: 200 TIME: 3 hours This question paper consists of 17 pages and a 2-page formula sheet. Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 2 Downloaded from hlayiso.com Electrical Technology: Power Systems 2 DBE/November 2023 NSC INSTRUCTIONS AND INFORMATION 1. This question paper consists of SEVEN questions. 2. Answer ALL the questions. 3. Sketches and diagrams must be large, neat and FULLY LABELLED. 4. Show ALL calculations and round off answers correctly to TWO decimal places. 5. Number the answers correctly according to the numbering system used in this question paper. 6. You may use a non-programmable calculator. 7. Calculations must include: 7.1 Formulae and manipulations where needed. 7.2 Correct replacement of values 7.3 Correct answer and relevant units where applicable 8. A formula sheet is attached at the end of this question paper. 9. Write neatly and legibly. Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 3 Downloaded from hlayiso.com Electrical Technology: Power Systems 3 DBE/November 2023 NSC QUESTION 1: MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS Various options are provided as possible answers to the following questions. Choose the answer and write only the letter (A–D) next to the question numbers (1.1 to 1.15) in the ANSWER BOOK, e.g. 1.16 D. 1.1 The following can be considered as dangerous practices: A The use (or misuse) of power tools B The incorrect use and handling of hand tools C The etching of printed circuit boards D All the above-mentioned (1) 1.2 … is the reference quantity in a parallel RLC circuit. A Current B Resistance C Reactance D Voltage (1) 1.3 The reactance of a … must be equal for a circuit to resonate. A resistor and an inductor B resistor and a capacitor C capacitor and an inductor D transducer and a capacitor (1) 1.4 The following condition is common to both series and parallel resonance: A The impedance is minimum. B The current is maximum. C The bandwidth is affected by its quality factor. D The Q-factor depends on voltage amplification. (1) 1.5 The voltage generated at power stations in South Africa is stepped up to … for transmission over long distances. A 22 kV B 40 kV C 110 kV D 220 kV (1) 1.6 … establish how much electricity must be generated throughout South Africa. A Municipalities B Substations C Control centres D Intermediate substations (1) Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 4 Downloaded from hlayiso.com Electrical Technology: Power Systems 4 DBE/November 2023 NSC 1.7 A … indicates whether a load is more inductive or more capacitive. A wattmeter B power factor meter C kilowatt-hour meter D voltmeter (1) 1.8 In a three-phase core-type transformer the … A core hides the major part of the windings. B core is enclosed by the windings. C windings are enclosed by the core. D core has 5 limbs. (1) 1.9 When a load is connected, the primary phase current of a step-down transformer is … the secondary phase current. A higher than B equal to C lower than D √ times (1) 1.10 When starting an induction motor, the slip … as the motor picks up speed. A is minimum and increases B increases exponentially C is maximum and decreases D remains constant (1) 1.11 … are electromagnetically operated switches that provide a safe and convenient means of connecting and interrupting circuits. A Key switches B Stop buttons C Start buttons D Contactors (1) 1.12 An automatic star-delta motor starter reduces the starting current by … A reducing the voltage across the motor coils to phase voltage. B maintaining the voltage across the motor coils to line voltage. C increasing the voltage across the motor coils to √ times the line voltage. D dividing the line current. (1) Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 5 Downloaded from hlayiso.com Electrical Technology: Power Systems 5 DBE/November 2023 NSC 1.13 A semiconductor device that uses light to transmit a signal between two circuits that are electrically isolated is called a … A switch. B sensor. C opto-coupler. D strain gauge. (1) 1.14 The … is used to dissipate excessive regenerative energy, with reference to VSD. A filter B inverter C converter D braking resistor (1) 1.15 A system that performs many functions digitally to reduce the amount of wiring in a motor starter circuit is called a … system. A soft-wired B hard-wired C thick-wired D compact-wired (1) [15] QUESTION 2: OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY 2.1 Name TWO incidents arising out of activities of people at the workplace that must be reported to the health and safety inspector. (2) 2.2 Define the term danger with reference to the Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993 (Act 85 of 1993). (2) 2.3 Explain why the location of the emergency master switch is important for safety in and around the workshop. (2) 2.4 State TWO effects a third-degree burn has on a person's body. (2) 2.5 Name TWO first-aid steps to take after a person has been shocked by an electric current. (2) [10] Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 6 Downloaded from hlayiso.com Electrical Technology: Power Systems 6 DBE/November 2023 NSC QUESTION 3: RLC CIRCUITS 3.1 State the relationship between inductive reactance and frequency. (1) 3.2 Refer to FIGURE 3.2 below and state the phase relationship between the current and voltage waveforms. +V V I 0 90º 180º 270º 360º t -V FIGURE 3.2: CURRENT AND VOLTAGE WAVEFORMS (1) 3.3 FIGURE 3.3 below shows an RLC series circuit which consists of a resistor with a resistance of 6 Ω, an inductor with an inductance of 0,02 H and a capacitor with a capacitance of 80 µF, which are all connected across an alternating supply of 100 V/100 Hz. L = 0,02 H C = 80 µF R=6Ω VR = 63,42 V VL = 132,86 V VC = 210,24 V IT = 10,57 A VT = 100 V/100 Hz FIGURE 3.3: RLC SERIES CIRCUIT Given: R = 6Ω L = 0,02 H C = 80 µF VR = 63,42 V VC = 210,24 V VL = 132,86 V VT = 100 V IT = 10,57 A f = 100 Hz Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 7 Downloaded from hlayiso.com Electrical Technology: Power Systems 7 DBE/November 2023 NSC 3.3.1 State whether the supply current is leading or lagging the supply voltage. Motivate your answer. (2) 3.3.2 Redraw and complete the phasor diagram of the circuit diagram in FIGURE 3.3 below in the ANSWER BOOK. VL = 132,86 V IT = 10,57 A VR = 63,42 V VC = 210,24 V FIGURE 3.3.2: PHASOR DIAGRAM (4) 3.3.3 Prove that the resultant of VR, VL and VC equals the supply voltage. (3) 3.3.4 Calculate the frequency at which the circuit will resonate. (3) 3.4 Refer to FIGURE 3.4 below and answer the questions that follow. 3A R C 5A L 5A IT VT FIGURE 3.4: CIRCUIT DIAGRAM 3.4.1 Calculate the total current of the circuit. (3) 3.4.2 Calculate the phase angle. (3) 3.4.3 Draw a fully labelled phasor diagram for the circuit in FIGURE 3.4 above in the ANSWER BOOK. (4) Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 8 Downloaded from hlayiso.com Electrical Technology: Power Systems 8 DBE/November 2023 NSC 3.5 A series circuit consists of a resistor with a resistance of 30 ohms, an inductor with an inductance of 10 mH and a capacitor with a capacitive reactance of 300 ohms. This combination is connected across an alternating supply of 30 V and resonates at a frequency of 4,77 kHz. L = 10 mH R = 30 Ω XC = 300 Ω VR VC VL IT = 1 A 30 V/fr = 4,77 kHz FIGURE 3.5: RESONANCE RLC SERIES CIRCUIT Given: R = 0Ω Xc = 00 Ω L = 10 mH VT = 30 V fr = 4,77 kHz IT = 1A 3.5.1 Calculate the Q-factor of the circuit. (3) 3.5.2 Calculate the bandwidth of the circuit. (3) 3.5.3 Calculate the voltage drop across the inductor. (3) 3.5.4 Explain why the voltage across the inductor is greater than the value of the supply voltage. (2) [35] Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 9 Downloaded from hlayiso.com Electrical Technology: Power Systems 9 DBE/November 2023 NSC QUESTION 4: THREE-PHASE AC GENERATION 4.1 Explain the following terms with reference to three-phase systems: 4.1.1 Efficiency (2) 4.1.2 Power factor correction (2) 4.2 Name TWO advantages of power factor correction to the supplier. (2) 4.3 Differentiate between power transmission and power distribution. (4) 4.4 An alternator delivers power to a three-phase delta-connected load at 400 V. The output power is 5 kW with a power factor of 0,85. Given: VL = 400 V P = 5 kW pf = 0,85 Calculate the: 4.4.1 Line current (3) 4.4.2 Apparent power (3) 4.4.3 Reactive power (5) 4.4.4 Draw a phasor diagram of the supply indicating the correct phase sequence of line voltages and the angle between voltages. (5) Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 10 Downloaded from hlayiso.com Electrical Technology: Power Systems 10 DBE/November 2023 NSC 4.5 FIGURE 4.5 below shows the diagram of an analogue wattmeter connected to a phase of a three-phase star-connected system. Answer the questions that follow. SCALE W A1 I COIL A2 A VCOIL SUPPLY RS LOAD B C D FIGURE 4.5: ANALOGUE WATTMETER 4.5.1 Name TWO methods used to measure the total power of a three- phase system. (2) 4.5.2 Label the terminals at A and B. (2) 4.5.3 Differentiate between a wattmeter and a kilowatt-hour meter. (3) 4.6 Explain what a reading of 0,9 on a power factor meter means with reference to the following: 4.6.1 The load (1) 4.6.2 The supply (1) [35] Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 11 Downloaded from hlayiso.com Electrical Technology: Power Systems 11 DBE/November 2023 NSC QUESTION 5: THREE-PHASE TRANSFORMERS 5.1 Name TWO parts of the cooling system in three-phase transformers. (2) 5.2 Name the type of loss that contributes the most to heat in three-phase transformers. (1) 5.3 State ONE application of a star-delta transformer in a transmission network. (1) 5.4 State how eddy current losses are reduced in transformers. (1) 5.5 Explain why heat should be dissipated in transformers. (2) 5.6 Name the cooling method preferred for very large transformers of several hundred MVA (megavolt ampere). (1) 5.7 State the function of the Buchholz relay in a transformer. (1) 5.8 A 100 kVA three-phase delta-star transformer with a transformer ratio of 48 : 1 delivers power to an industrial load. The primary line voltage is 11 kV and the total losses in the transformer are given as 5 kW. The load operates at a power factor of 0,9. Given: S = 100 kVA TR = 48 : 1 VL1 = 11 000 V Losses = 5 kW pf = 0,9 Calculate the: 5.8.1 Primary line current (3) 5.8.2 Secondary phase voltage (3) 5.8.3 Active (true) power (3) 5.8.4 Draw a diagrammatic representation of the transformer coils. (7) 5.8.5 Determine whether it is a step-down or step-up transformer. Motivate your answer. (2) 5.9 Explain, with a reason, the relationship between voltage and current of a step-down transformer. (3) [30] Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 12 Downloaded from hlayiso.com Electrical Technology: Power Systems 12 DBE/November 2023 NSC QUESTION 6: THREE-PHASE MOTORS AND STARTERS 6.1 Name TWO parts of a stator with reference to induction motors (2) 6.2 FIGURE 6.2 below shows the name plate of an induction motor. Answer the questions that follow. S/N MO85SA26Z V 400 V IFL 5A ƞ 85% P 2,5 kW ns n(full load) 1 250 r/min f 50 Hz p 2 slip FIGURE 6.2: NAME PLATE 6.2.1 Motivate why this nameplate belongs to a three-phase motor. (1) 6.2.2 Identify the efficiency of the motor. (1) 6.2.3 Calculate the synchronous speed of the motor. (3) 6.2.4 Calculate the slip in r/min. (3) 6.3 Explain how power in a three-phase induction motor is transferred from the stator to the rotor. (4) 6.4 FIGURE 6.4 below shows the speed vs torque curve of an induction motor. Answer the questions that follow. Torque (Nm) Locked rotor/ A 200% Starting Pull-up torque torque 100% Speed (r/min) B No-load speed FIGURE 6.4: SPEED VS TORQUE CURVE Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 13 Downloaded from hlayiso.com Electrical Technology: Power Systems 13 DBE/November 2023 NSC 6.4.1 Write down the labels for A and B in the ANSWER BOOK. (2) 6.4.2 State how the speed and torque of the motor in FIGURE 6.4 are affected when increasing the load beyond the full-load value. (2) 6.4.3 State when the motor represented in FIGURE 6.4 will stall. (1) 6.5 FIGURE 6.5 below shows the control circuit of a forward-reverse motor starter. Answer the questions that follow. L OL N/C STOP START START FWD MC1 REV MC2 N/O N/O A MC2 B MC1 N/C N/C MC1 MC2 FWD REV N FIGURE 6.5: FORWARD-REVERSE CONTROL CIRCUIT 6.5.1 State the purpose of contacts A and B. (1) 6.5.2 Explain the function of MC2N/O. (2) 6.5.3 Explain how the operation of the circuit will be affected if MC1N/O becomes faulty and permanently closed. (3) Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 14 Downloaded from hlayiso.com Electrical Technology: Power Systems 14 DBE/November 2023 NSC 6.6 A 5 kW three-phase delta-connected motor is connected to a 400 V/50 Hz supply. When operating at full load, the motor draws 8,59 A from the supply. Given: P = 5 kW VL = 400 V IL = 8,59 A Calculate the following: 6.6.1 The phase current of the motor (3) 6.6.2 The power factor of the motor (4) 6.6.3 The output power if the motor is 90% efficient (3) [35] Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 15 Downloaded from hlayiso.com Electrical Technology: Power Systems 15 DBE/November 2023 NSC QUESTION 7: PROGRAMMABLE LOGIC CONTROLLERS (PLCs) 7.1 Explain the advantages of PLC systems with regard to the following: 7.1.1 Space (2) 7.1.2 Flexibility (2) 7.2 FIGURE 7.2 below shows the ladder logic of a logic gate. Answer the questions that follow.    FIGURE 7.2: LADDER LOGIC 7.2.1 Name the logic gate represented in FIGURE 7.2 above. (1) 7.2.2 Draw the equivalent logic gate symbol of FIGURE 7.2 above. (3) 7.2.3 FIGURE 7.2.3 below shows two input states of the circuit in FIGURE 7.2. Complete the truth table in FIGURE 7.2.3 by writing down only the state of the output in the ANSWER BOOK. A B OUTPUT 0 0 (W) 0 1 (X) FIGURE 7.2.3: TRUTH TABLE (2) 7.3 Refer to inputs on a PLC and answer the questions that follow. 7.3.1 Name the type of proximity sensor that utilises an electrostatic field (e-field) to sense proximity. (1) 7.3.2 Explain the purpose of a light sensor in an automated garage door system. (2) 7.3.3 Explain how a temperature sensor is used to prevent a mining drill from breaking. (3) Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 16 Downloaded from hlayiso.com Electrical Technology: Power Systems 16 DBE/November 2023 NSC 7.4 Refer to the outputs on a PLC and answer the questions that follow. 7.4.1 State the function of a timer in PLC systems. (2) 7.4.2 Explain why contactors are used on the output of a PLC when controlling high-current three-phase loads. (2) 7.5 Refer to FIGURE 7.5 below and answer the questions that follow. L O/L Stop button Start MC/ MC/ MC/ button NO1 NC NO2 Lamp Lamp MC (Red) (Green) N FIGURE 7.5: CONTROL CIRCUIT 7.5.1 Draw the PLC ladder logic diagram that will execute the same function in a PLC system. (9) 7.5.2 State the conditions of the red and green lamps after the start button is pressed and released. (2) 7.5.3 Describe the function of the MC contactor that is connected in series with the start pushbutton. (2) Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 17 Downloaded from hlayiso.com Electrical Technology: Power Systems 17 DBE/November 2023 NSC 7.6 FIGURE 7.6 below shows the basic block diagram of a variable speed drive. Answer the questions that follow. Variable Speed Drive D A B C Three-phase + supply Motor FIGURE 7.6: VARIABLE SPEED DRIVE 7.6.1 Name the process that takes place at C to generate the output at D. (1) 7.6.2 State TWO precautions that must be considered in the application of a variable speed drive (VSD). (2) 7.6.3 Explain the principle of operation of the VSD. (4) [40] TOTAL: 200 Copyright reserved ### Page 18 Downloaded from hlayiso.com Electrical Technology: Power Systems DBE/November 2023 NSC FORMULA SHEET RLC CIRCUITS THREE-PHASE AC GENERATION Cos STAR L 2 fL L √ H H H H C 2 fC L H f f2 fr OR fr DELTA 2 √LC 2 fr OR f2 f L H SERIES H H H R R L √ H L L POWER C C ( app ) √ L L T ( r) √ L L in T OR T R C L √ L L Cos √R2 ( L C) 2 Cos 2 T √ R2 ( L- C) OR T EFFICIENCY R R T Cos OR Cos 00 T L C L C L √ R R T T R C TWO-WATTMETER METHOD PARALLEL T 2 T R C L 2 T tan √ ( ) R 2 R T C THREE-WATTMETER METHOD C T L T 2 L T √ 2R (L C) 2 T T R Cos T R R L C Copyright reserved ### Page 19 Downloaded from hlayiso.com Electrical Technology: Power Systems DBE/November 2023 NSC THREE-PHASE TRANSFORMERS THREE-PHASE MOTORS AND STARTERS STAR STAR L √ H L √ H L H L H DELTA DELTA L H L H L √ H L √ H POWER POWER ( app ) √ L L ( app ) √ L L ( r) √ L L in ( r) √ L L in √ L L Cos √ L L Cos Cos √ L L Cos H H2 Cos H2 2 H Turns ratio TR EFFICIENCY 2 T losses 00 00 T losses T 00 SPEED 60 f ns p ns nr er unit slip ns ns nr lip 00 ns nr ns ( slip) lip ns nr Copyright reserved ## Related documents - [Electrical Technology Nov 2023 (Digital) Eng](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/electrical-technology-nov-2023-digital-eng/4a107a27-0591-497e-b467-344367a396a8) — Electrical Technology · QP · 2023 · Eng - [Electrical Technology Nov 2023 (Power Systems) Afr](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/electrical-technology-nov-2023-power-systems-afr/7aa35e6b-ee15-404c-8359-7db3c0952f41) — Electrical Technology · QP · 2023 · Afr - [Electrical Technology Nov 2023 (Electronics) Eng](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/electrical-technology-nov-2023-electronics-eng/638455b8-55d9-4382-ac07-555358342bf4) — Electrical Technology · QP · 2023 · Eng - [ELEC TECH QP SEPT2023 Power Afrikaans](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/elec-tech-qp-sept2023-power-afrikaans/f439f817-47a3-42b4-8762-e49f2c6ca1f2) — Electrical Technology · QP · 2023 · Afr - [ELEC TECH QP SEPT2023 Electronics Afrikaans](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/elec-tech-qp-sept2023-electronics-afrikaans/f94a8c28-7fd6-4556-9263-d3c58461df27) — Electrical Technology · QP · 2023 · Afr - [ELEC TECH QP SEPT2023 Digital Afrikaans](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/elec-tech-qp-sept2023-digital-afrikaans/70991b22-194b-42c5-a61f-97cf808eb68d) — Electrical Technology · QP · 2023 · Afr ## 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 - [ELECTRIC TECH (Digital) MEMO GR12 SEPT 2025 ENG watermark](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/electric-tech-digital-memo-gr12-sept-2025-eng-watermark/0a867070-2654-43cf-8e48-5037555e0c3d) — Memo · 2025 · Eng - [Electrical Technology P1 (Electronics) (English) June 2025 Possible Answers](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/electrical-technology-p1-electronics-english-june-2025-possible-answers/4302563e-89b7-4f54-8a21-63b2020e985f) — Memo · 2025 · Eng - [Electrical Technology Nov 2025 (Digital) MG Afr](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/grade-12-electrical-technology-2025-nsc-november-exam-memorandum/3b862a0c-6a87-4296-b5b6-09b072c7d1e9) — Memo · 2025 · Afr - [ELEC TECH GR12 MEMO SEPT2024 Power Systems Afrikaans](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/elec-tech-gr12-memo-sept2024-power-systems-afrikaans/1a395c97-b838-42e6-9bd6-30a85a714b11) — Memo · 2024 · Afr - [ELEC TECH GR12 MEMO SEPT2024 Power Systems English](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/elec-tech-gr12-memo-sept2024-power-systems-english/bea78337-b137-406a-9b4a-c6e631a84c9d) — Memo · 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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