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Free Practice Questions for SOLAS Electrical Apprenticeship

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Key Facts: SOLAS Electrical Apprenticeship Exam

100

Practice Questions

OpenExamPrep

NFQ Level 6

Qualification Level

SOLAS / QQI

7 phases

Apprenticeship Structure

SOLAS

I.S. 10101:2020

National Wiring Rules

NSAI

230/400 V, 50 Hz

Irish Supply

ESB Networks

30 mA

RCD for Socket-Outlets

I.S. 10101

The SOLAS Electrical Apprenticeship is Ireland's craft pathway to qualifying as an electrician, placed at NFQ Level 6 and awarded as a QQI Advanced Certificate Craft. Apprentices complete seven alternating on-the-job and off-the-job phases and sit modular written theory papers (multiple-choice and short-answer) plus practical assessments. The theory covers electrical science and circuits, wiring systems and installation, the I.S. 10101:2020 National Rules for Electrical Installations (the successor to ET101), inspection and testing, machines and motors, electronics, controls, and safety and safe isolation. Ireland uses a 230 V single-phase and 400 V three-phase 50 Hz supply, harmonised brown/blue/green-yellow cable colours, and 30 mA RCD protection for socket-outlets. This free prep includes 100 research-based practice questions with explanations and an AI tutor.

Sample SOLAS Electrical Apprenticeship Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the SOLAS Electrical Apprenticeship exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1In the standard Irish single-phase domestic supply, what is the nominal voltage between line and neutral?
A.110 V
B.230 V
C.240 V
D.400 V
Explanation: The nominal low-voltage supply in Ireland is 230 V single-phase (line to neutral) at 50 Hz, in line with the EU-harmonised value used by ESB Networks. The earlier 220/240 V figures were harmonised to 230 V.
2What is the frequency of the Irish AC mains supply?
A.50 Hz
B.60 Hz
C.100 Hz
D.25 Hz
Explanation: The Irish (and wider European) public electricity supply operates at 50 Hz. This is the number of complete AC cycles per second produced by the generators feeding the ESB transmission network.
3A 3 kW immersion heater operates from a 230 V supply. What current does it draw?
A.13.0 A
B.0.077 A
C.690 A
D.7.5 A
Explanation: Using I = P / V, the current is 3000 W / 230 V = 13.04 A. This is why such a load is typically wired on a dedicated circuit and protected accordingly.
4Three 30 ohm resistors are connected in parallel. What is the total resistance of the combination?
A.90 ohm
B.30 ohm
C.10 ohm
D.0.1 ohm
Explanation: For equal resistors in parallel, the total is the value of one resistor divided by the number of resistors: 30 / 3 = 10 ohm. Adding parallel paths always lowers the overall resistance below the smallest branch.
5In a purely inductive AC circuit, the current waveform relative to the voltage waveform is:
A.In phase
B.Leading by 90 degrees
C.Lagging by 90 degrees
D.Lagging by 45 degrees
Explanation: In a pure inductor the current lags the voltage by 90 degrees because the inductor opposes the change in current. The memory aid 'CIVIL' reminds you that in an inductor (L) the voltage (V) leads the current (I).
6A load draws 10 A at 230 V with a power factor of 0.8 lagging. What is the true power consumed?
A.2300 W
B.1840 W
C.2875 W
D.1472 W
Explanation: True power P = V x I x power factor = 230 x 10 x 0.8 = 1840 W. The remaining apparent power (2300 VA) includes reactive power that does no useful work.
7What is the peak value of a 230 V RMS sinusoidal supply?
A.163 V
B.230 V
C.325 V
D.460 V
Explanation: For a sine wave, peak = RMS x sqrt(2) = 230 x 1.414 = 325 V approximately. This peak voltage is important when selecting insulation and rating components.
8A conductor carries 5 A for 4 minutes. How much charge passes a point in the conductor?
A.20 C
B.1200 C
C.0.75 C
D.300 C
Explanation: Charge Q = I x t, with time in seconds. 4 minutes is 240 s, so Q = 5 x 240 = 1200 coulombs. One ampere is one coulomb per second.
9Which quantity is measured in siemens?
A.Resistance
B.Conductance
C.Inductance
D.Capacitance
Explanation: Conductance is the reciprocal of resistance and is measured in siemens (S). A high conductance means current flows easily, the inverse of a high resistance.
10The resistance of a copper conductor will increase if you:
A.Increase its cross-sectional area
B.Increase its length
C.Decrease its temperature
D.Use a shorter run
Explanation: Resistance is directly proportional to length (R = rho x L / A), so doubling the length doubles the resistance. This is why long cable runs cause greater voltage drop.

About the SOLAS Electrical Apprenticeship Exam

The SOLAS Electrical Apprenticeship is Ireland's recognised craft route to becoming a qualified electrician, leading to a QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificate Craft on the National Framework of Qualifications. Apprentices alternate on-the-job and off-the-job phases and sit modular written theory papers covering electrical theory, wiring systems, the I.S. 10101 national wiring rules, inspection and testing, machines, electronics, controls, and safe isolation.

Exam sponsor: SOLAS (Further Education and Training Authority), with QQI awarding the Level 6 certificate. The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Assessment

Modular written theory papers (multiple-choice and short-answer) sat at each off-the-job phase, alongside practical skills assessments; awarded as a QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificate Craft on completion. This practice bank is 100 selected-response items.

Time Limit

Varies by phase module (commonly 1-2 hours per written paper)

Passing Score

Typically 40% to pass each module assessment (thresholds vary by provider; confirm locally)

Exam / Certification Fees

No separate exam fee; apprenticeship registration fee applies and off-the-job phases are largely state-funded

Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

20%

Electrical Theory & Circuits

Ohm's law, series and parallel circuits, AC theory, power and power factor, three-phase relationships, electromagnetism, and electrical calculations

16%

Wiring Systems & Installation

Cable types and selection, conduit and trunking, SWA and MICC, radial and ring circuits, cable sizing and derating, protective devices, and installation practice

14%

National Wiring Rules (I.S. 10101 / ET101)

I.S. 10101:2020 requirements, earthing systems, RCD and disconnection-time rules, bonding, special locations, IP ratings, and harmonised cable colours

12%

Inspection & Testing

Dead and live test sequence, continuity, insulation resistance, polarity, earth-fault loop impedance, RCD testing, and certification of compliance

12%

Machines & Motors

Single- and three-phase motors, synchronous speed and slip, star-delta and DOL starting, transformers, DC machines, and power-factor correction

10%

Electronics

Diodes and rectifiers, smoothing, transistors, thyristors, zener diodes, logic gates, op-amps, optocouplers, and variable-frequency drives

8%

Controls

Contactor control circuits, holding contacts, interlocks, timers, sensors, PLC ladder logic, and open- and closed-loop control

8%

Safety & Safe Isolation

Safe isolation and prove-test-prove, lock-off, reduced low voltage, equipment classes, basic and fault protection, risk assessment, and Safe Electric regulation

Preparing for the SOLAS Electrical Apprenticeship Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: Typically 40% to pass each module assessment (thresholds vary by provider; confirm locally)
  • Assessment: Modular written theory papers (multiple-choice and short-answer) sat at each off-the-job phase, alongside practical skills assessments; awarded as a QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificate Craft on completion. This practice bank is 100 selected-response items.
  • Time limit: Varies by phase module (commonly 1-2 hours per written paper)
  • Exam / certification fees: No separate exam fee; apprenticeship registration fee applies and off-the-job phases are largely state-funded Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

  • Work through all 100 available questions
  • Review every answer and explanation
  • Track weak areas and revisit them
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

SOLAS Electrical Apprenticeship: Suggested Study Strategy

1Work to I.S. 10101:2020, not BS 7671 or the NEC - learn the Irish RCD, disconnection-time, and bonding rules specifically
2Memorise the core supply facts: 230 V single-phase, 400 V three-phase, 50 Hz, brown/blue/green-yellow colours
3Practise the test sequence in order: dead tests (continuity, insulation resistance, polarity) then live tests (loop impedance, RCD)
4Drill motor formulas, especially synchronous speed Ns = 120f/p, slip, and why star-delta cuts starting current to about one-third
5Always follow prove-test-prove for safe isolation and know the 30 mA RCD trip times (300 ms at 1x, 40 ms at 5x)
6Complete all 100 practice questions and review every miss with the AI tutor before each phase exam

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualification does the SOLAS Electrical Apprenticeship lead to?

It leads to a QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificate Craft (Electrical) on the National Framework of Qualifications, the recognised trade qualification for electricians in Ireland. Apprentices complete seven alternating on-the-job and off-the-job phases over about four years.

Which wiring rules does the SOLAS electrical exam test?

It tests I.S. 10101:2020, the National Rules for Electrical Installations published by the NSAI, which replaced ET101:2008. This is the Irish standard, not the UK's BS 7671 or the US NEC, so values such as RCD requirements and disconnection times follow I.S. 10101.

How are the SOLAS electrical phase exams structured?

Each off-the-job phase includes modular written theory papers combining multiple-choice and short-answer questions, plus practical skills assessments. SOLAS does not publish a single fixed exam length; the number of questions and time vary by phase and module.

What score do I need to pass?

Module assessments are typically passed at around 40%, with higher thresholds for merit or distinction, but exact marks vary by provider and phase. Confirm the pass requirements with your education and training board or technological university.

What is the standard Irish supply the exam refers to?

Ireland uses a 230 V single-phase and 400 V three-phase supply at 50 Hz, distributed by ESB Networks. Harmonised cable colours are brown for line, blue for neutral, and green-and-yellow for the protective conductor.

Is this free SOLAS electrical practice as good as paid prep?

Our 100 practice questions cover all the apprenticeship theory domains, including I.S. 10101, with a teaching explanation for every answer plus free daily AI tutor interactions. All content is free forever and updated for 2026.