What is the PW2 wireman exam?
PW2 is the Suruhanjaya Tenaga (Energy Commission) certificate of competency for a single-phase wireman with testing endorsement. PW1 holders can wire single-phase installations; the testing endorsement on PW2 also lets the holder test them and sign the test certificate (Form H). PW3 and PW4 are the three-phase equivalents. In Sabah, wiremen are now certified by the Energy Commission of Sabah (ECoS), which follows a very similar syllabus.
Who can sit the exam
| Certified by | Suruhanjaya Tenaga (Peninsular Malaysia and Labuan) |
|---|---|
| Citizenship and age | Malaysian citizen, at least 18 years old |
| Education | Completed Form Five; able to speak and write Bahasa Malaysia |
| Experience (part-time route) | At least 2 years of single-phase wiring with an ST-registered electrical contractor or private wiring unit, with a complete log book |
| Full-time route | A wireman course at an ST-accredited institution |
| Exams | Theory and practical, plus an oral exam for the testing endorsement. Fail the oral and you are certified as PW1 |
| Fees | RM50 examination fee and RM50 testing endorsement fee (check current ST fees) |
What the syllabus covers
The ST syllabus covers the Electricity Supply Act and Regulations, MS IEC 60364, MS 1979 and MS 1936, basic electrical knowledge (Ohm's law, series and parallel, power), cables and colour codes, wiring systems, lighting and power circuits, measuring instruments, switchgear and distribution boards, circuit protection, earthing and RCDs, lightning protection, electrical appliances, installation design and first aid for electric shock. This pack has 105 original questions across eight of those areas, each with an explanation and its source.
How to prepare
- Learn Ohm's law and the power formula until you can do the arithmetic quickly without a calculator.
- Know the harmonised colour code and the old one, because you will meet both on site.
- Learn regulation 36 RCD requirements: 10 mA for wet areas, 30 mA for personal protection, 100 mA for the whole installation.
- Learn the order of tests and the pass values from MS IEC 60364-6, especially insulation resistance and RCD trip times.
- Practise one topic at a time here, then take full timed mocks before your theory paper.
Practice questions with answers
Tap a question to see the correct answer and explanation.
What minimum education does ST require of wireman exam candidates?
- UPSR only
- A diploma in any field
- A degree in electrical engineering
- Completion of Form Five
Answer: D, Completion of Form Five. Candidates must have completed Form Five (SPM level). Source: Suruhanjaya Tenaga, wireman competency examination requirements.
Ohm's law states that voltage equals:
- Current multiplied by resistance
- Current divided by resistance, I / R
- Resistance divided by current, R / I
- Power divided by resistance, as in P / R
Answer: A, Current multiplied by resistance. V = I x R. Rearranged, I = V / R and R = V / I. Source: wireman syllabus, Basic electrical knowledge (Ohm's law).
Under the harmonised IEC colour code now used in Malaysia, what colour is the neutral conductor?
- Blue
- Grey
- Black
- Brown
Answer: A, Blue. The IEC 60445 harmonised code uses brown, black and grey for the three phases, blue for neutral and green-and-yellow for protective earth. Malaysia has moved to this code from the old red/yellow/blue system. Source: Suruhanjaya Tenaga notice on the new wire colour code; IEC 60445.