Free E2 Special Occupancies Questions and Answers 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: An inspector is reviewing the electrical installation in a patient care space of a hospital. According to NEC Article 517, which of the following wiring methods is required for all branch circuits serving this area?
- Non-metallic sheathed cable (Type NM)
- Electrical nonmetallic tubing (ENT)
- A metal raceway or a cable with a metallic armor or sheath (Correct answer)
- Rigid polyvinyl chloride conduit (PVC)
Correct answer: A metal raceway or a cable with a metallic armor or sheath
NEC 517.13(A) requires that all branch circuits serving patient care spaces be installed in a metal raceway or in a cable with a metallic armor or sheath that qualifies as an equipment grounding conductor. This is to provide a redundant ground path and enhanced physical protection for the wiring in these critical areas.
Question 2: In a commercial garage used for vehicle repair, what is the classified hazardous area on a floor at grade level, according to NEC Article 511?
- The entire area is a Class I, Division 1 location.
- The area up to 18 inches above the floor is a Class I, Division 2 location. (Correct answer)
- The area within 5 feet of any fuel pump is a Class I, Division 1 location.
- Only pits or depressions below floor level are considered classified locations.
Correct answer: The area up to 18 inches above the floor is a Class I, Division 2 location.
NEC 511.3(B)(1) classifies the area on any floor at or above grade level in a commercial repair garage as a Class I, Division 2 location up to a level of 18 inches above the floor. This is due to the potential presence of flammable gasoline vapors, which are heavier than air and tend to accumulate near the floor.
Question 3: Which of the following fixed wiring methods is generally permitted in a theater's auditorium classified as an assembly occupancy under NEC Article 518, provided it is not required to be of fire-rated construction?
- Nonmetallic-sheathed cable (Type NM) (Correct answer)
- Open wiring on insulators
- Concealed knob-and-tube wiring
- Service-entrance cable (Type SE)
Correct answer: Nonmetallic-sheathed cable (Type NM)
NEC 518.4(C) permits the use of wiring methods from Chapters 1 through 4, including nonmetallic-sheathed cable, in areas of an assembly occupancy that are not required by the building code to have a fire-rated construction. However, 518.4(A) requires more robust wiring methods like metal raceways for areas that must be fire-rated.
Question 4: An electrical inspector is examining a movie theater. According to NEC Article 520, branch circuits supplying footlights, border lights, and proscenium sidelights are generally limited to what maximum amperage?
- 15 amperes
- 30 amperes
- 50 amperes
- 20 amperes (Correct answer)
Correct answer: 20 amperes
NEC 520.41(A) specifies that branch circuits supplying footlights, border lights, and proscenium sidelights shall not exceed 20 amperes. An exception exists for circuits supplying heavy-duty lampholders, which can be rated higher as per Article 210.
Question 5: In a Class I, Division 1 hazardous location, which of the following wiring methods is permitted by NEC Article 501?
- Electrical Metallic Tubing (EMT)
- Rigid PVC conduit
- Threaded rigid metal conduit (RMC) or threaded steel intermediate metal conduit (IMC) (Correct answer)
- Flexible metal conduit (FMC) without a bonding jumper
Correct answer: Threaded rigid metal conduit (RMC) or threaded steel intermediate metal conduit (IMC)
NEC 501.10(A) explicitly permits threaded rigid metal conduit (RMC) and threaded steel intermediate metal conduit (IMC) for use in Class I, Division 1 locations. These methods are required to contain explosions and prevent the ignition of surrounding flammable gases or vapors.
Question 6: A new hospital is being built. The essential electrical system (EES) is divided into multiple branches. Which of the following systems is specifically required by NEC Article 517 to be connected to the life safety branch?
- Patient care receptacles in the ICU
- Surgical lighting systems
- Alarm and alerting systems (Correct answer)
- Medical air compressors
Correct answer: Alarm and alerting systems
NEC 517.32(A) lists the specific functions that must be connected to the life safety branch of the essential electrical system. This list includes alarm and alerting systems, such as fire alarms. Other critical equipment like surgical lights and ICU receptacles are connected to the critical branch, not the life safety branch.
Free E2 Special Occupancies Questions and Answers 1
An inspector is reviewing the electrical installation in a patient care space of a hospital.
According to NEC Article 517, which of the following wiring methods is required for all branch circuits serving this area?