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1. Which type of electric current flows in one direction only and is used in galvanic electrotherapy devices?

Direct current (DC) is a constant, one-directional flow of electrons. Galvanic devices use DC because chemical reactions such as iontophoresis and desincrustation depend on a steady polarity.

2. Most salon hair dryers, clippers, and overhead lights plug into wall outlets that supply which type of current?

Standard United States wall outlets deliver alternating current (AC) at roughly 120 volts and 60 hertz. Salon equipment such as dryers and clippers is built to run on this AC supply.

3. A faradic current is best described as which of the following?

Faradic current is an interrupted or pulsating alternating current. Its short pulses cause visible muscle contractions, which is why it has historically been used for facial muscle toning.

4. During iontophoresis with a galvanic machine, a water-soluble product with a negative pH (acidic) is introduced under which electrode?

Like charges repel. An acidic, positively ionized product is pushed into the skin from the positive (anode) pole because the matching positive charge of the electrode repels the ions inward.

5. Desincrustation during a galvanic facial uses which polarity, and for what purpose?

Desincrustation uses the negative pole (cathode) with an alkaline solution. The chemical reaction at the negative electrode saponifies (softens) sebum and oily debris, making deep cleansing easier.

6. High-frequency (Tesla) current in a facial machine is primarily used to:

High-frequency (Tesla) current is a rapidly oscillating AC. It generates small amounts of ozone and gentle heat at the glass electrode, which has a mild antiseptic and stimulating effect on the skin.

7. Microcurrent devices used in facial services deliver:

Microcurrent is extremely low-amperage current measured in millionths of an ampere. It is typically sub-sensory and is used for gentle stimulation of facial tissue, not for strong muscle contractions or tissue destruction.

8. Infrared lamps used in salons primarily affect the skin by:

Infrared radiation lies just beyond visible red light. Its wavelengths are absorbed as heat, gently warming the skin, dilating surface vessels, and helping product penetration. It is not germicidal.

9. When using an infrared lamp on a client, the minimum safe distance is most commonly:

Infrared lamps must be kept far enough from the skin to avoid burns. Manufacturer instructions and standard practice place the lamp roughly 18 to 30 inches from the treatment area, and the practitioner should always confirm the client feels gentle warmth, not pain.

10. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation in a salon setting:

Short-wavelength UV light has germicidal properties but causes eye injury and skin burns with even short exposure. UV cabinets are storage aids only and do not replace EPA-registered disinfectants for tools.

11. A GFCI (ground-fault circuit interrupter) outlet is required by code in salon areas where water and electricity may meet. Its main purpose is to:

A GFCI compares current going out on the hot wire with current returning on the neutral. If even a small imbalance (around 5 milliamperes) flows to ground — for example, through a person standing in water — the device trips within milliseconds, sharply reducing the risk of electrocution.

12. Plugging several high-wattage appliances (blow dryer, curling iron, steamer) into a single outlet through a power strip is dangerous because it can:

Each circuit is rated for a maximum continuous load (often 15 or 20 amperes). Stacking high-draw appliances on one circuit through a power strip exceeds that rating, overheats the conductors, and is a common cause of electrical fires in salons.

13. You notice that the cord on a clipper has cracked insulation and exposed copper wire. The correct action is to:

A damaged cord can cause shock, burns, or fire. Industry safe practice and Cal/OSHA general electrical safety rules require removing damaged electrical equipment from service until properly repaired.

14. Why is a three-prong grounded plug safer than a two-prong plug on salon equipment with a metal housing?

Grounding gives stray current a safe, low-resistance path to earth. If a wire inside the appliance contacts the metal case, the fault current trips the breaker through the ground wire rather than passing through the person holding the appliance.

15. After each client, hand-held metal electrodes from a galvanic or high-frequency machine should be:

Reusable tools that touch the client must be cleaned and then disinfected between clients. The manufacturer's directions specify the correct method and approved disinfectant for the electrode material.

16. Under California Board rules for equipment sanitation, non-electrical multiuse implements (combs, shears, clipper guards) must be:

California Board sanitation rules require non-electrical multiuse tools to be cleaned of visible debris and then disinfected by full immersion in an EPA-registered hospital disinfectant for the contact time on the label. UV cabinets are not disinfection.

17. Electrical tools that cannot be fully immersed (such as clippers and trimmers) must be sanitized between clients by:

California Board rules and manufacturer instructions require that electrical tools be cleared of debris and that the blades and other client-contact surfaces be disinfected with an EPA-registered disinfectant. The motor housing is never immersed in liquid.

18. Within California's scope of practice, a licensed esthetician using electrotherapy in a facial may use which device?

California estheticians work on the superficial skin only. They may use non-medical galvanic, high-frequency, and microcurrent devices for facial care. Ablative lasers and needle electrolysis fall outside the esthetics scope of practice.

19. Before placing a client on a galvanic facial treatment, which of the following is a standard contraindication you should screen for?

Electrical current from galvanic, high-frequency, and microcurrent devices can interfere with pacemakers and other implanted electronic medical devices, and is also generally contraindicated in pregnancy, epilepsy, and on broken skin. The client should be screened before treatment.

20. If an electrical appliance falls into a sink or shampoo bowl of water while plugged in, the first action should be to:

Water is an excellent conductor of electricity. Reaching into water that may be electrified can cause electrocution. The safe response is to remove the power source first — flip the circuit breaker or unplug the cord at the outlet — and only then handle the device.