EETC Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield EETC facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. When using thermal imaging (infrared) on electrical panels, a three-phase load imbalance typically appears as: → One phase significantly hotter than the other two
2. In a cable tray installation, what is the minimum width of a ladder-type cable tray for a 600V power cable with an outside diameter of 3.5 inches? → 12 inches
3. In a voltage divider circuit with R1=10kΩ and R2=10kΩ connected to 24V, what is the output voltage taken across R2? → 12V
4. When installing PVC conduit underground, what is the minimum cover required for a branch circuit rated 120V or less under a residential driveway? → 18 inches
5. In digital circuit design, what is the purpose of a pull-up resistor on an open-collector output? → To pull the output line to a defined high logic level when the transistor is off
6. What is the maximum total degrees of bends permitted in a single conduit run between pull points according to the NEC? → 360°
7. What is the purpose of subroutine (JSR/RET) instructions in a PLC program? → To call a separate program file and return execution after completion
8. Which grounding method connects the system neutral directly to earth without any impedance? → Solid (effective) grounding
9. In a balanced three-phase system, the line voltage is related to the phase voltage by a factor of: → √3
10. Which NEC article primarily governs the installation of service-entrance conductors for a residential customer? → Article 230
11. What is the standard color code for the high-voltage 'B' phase conductor in a North American overhead distribution system? → Blue
12. What should an electrician do before starting work on electrical equipment? → Ensure the power supply is off
13. Which of the following is required when a grounding electrode conductor is run exposed along a wall? → It must be protected from physical damage where subject to it
14. What is the MOST effective way for new EETC professionals to build competency in their field? → Combining formal education, mentored practice, and ongoing professional development
15. What is the most important professional competency for EETC certification in transformers? → Deep knowledge combined with practical application skills
16. What is the purpose of a Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) in motor control? → To control motor speed by varying output frequency and voltage
17. Which type of distribution substation configuration provides the highest reliability by allowing continuous operation even if one transformer fails? → Secondary selective network
18. In a three-phase induction motor, what condition is indicated by high vibration at twice line frequency (120 Hz in a 60 Hz system)? → Loose stator laminations or electromagnetic looseness
19. In a variable frequency drive (VFD), what is the function of the DC bus capacitor bank? → Filter and smooth the rectified DC voltage for the inverter section
20. Which maintenance technique uses ultrasonic detection to identify problems in electrical equipment? → Detecting partial discharge, corona, and arcing in switchgear
21. What is the minimum support interval for rigid PVC conduit (Schedule 40) with a trade size of 1 inch? → 4 feet
22. According to Kirchhoff's Voltage Law (KVL), the algebraic sum of all voltages around a closed loop equals: → Zero
23. When two single-phase transformers are connected in open-delta, the available three-phase kVA capacity compared to a full delta bank is approximately: → 57.7%
24. Which type of ground fault protection is required on solidly grounded wye services of 150V to 600V to ground with service disconnects rated 1000A or more? → Ground fault protection of equipment (GFPE)
25. What does the term 'feeder' refer to in power distribution? → The medium-voltage circuit leaving a substation to serve distribution loads
26. In an outdoor installation, which conduit type is permitted to be used above grade exposed to sunlight and weather? → IMC with listed fittings
27. Which communication protocol is most commonly used for real-time control-level communication between a PLC and I/O modules on a DeviceNet network? → CAN-based DeviceNet
28. What is the most important professional competency for EETC certification in power distribution? → Deep knowledge combined with practical application skills
29. Applying mesh analysis, a mesh current is assumed to flow: → Around a closed loop (mesh) in one direction
30. In PLC programming, what is 'dead-band' as it applies to analog process control? → A range around a setpoint within which no corrective action is taken