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California Cosmetology Electricity & Equipment Practice Questions

Salon professionals work with electricity every day — from a simple blow dryer to a galvanic facial machine. The California exam expects you to understand basic current types, the main electrotherapy modalities, how electromagnetic radiation (infrared and ultraviolet) is used on the skin, and the electrical safety rules that protect both the client and the licensee. This chapter covers those points in plain language and ties each one back to a relevant rule or industry standard.

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Sample Electricity & Equipment questions

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

✓ Direct current (DC)

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?

✓ Alternating current at 120 V

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?

✓ An interrupted (pulsating) alternating current that causes mild muscle contractions

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?

✓ Under the anode (positive pole)

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?

✓ Negative pole, to soften and emulsify sebum and debris in the follicles

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:

✓ Produce a mild germicidal and warming effect that helps treat oily or minor blemished skin

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:

✓ Very low-level electrical currents measured in microamperes that work below the threshold of muscle contraction

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:

✓ Emitting invisible radiation that is felt as warmth and increases local circulation

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.

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