FREE NEC Equipment for General Use Questions and Answers

Question 1

An electrician is replacing a two-wire, non-grounding-type receptacle in a location where no equipment grounding conductor exists in the outlet box. Which of the following is NOT a permitted replacement according to NEC 406.4(D)?

Accepted Answer

A standard grounding-type receptacle connected to the grounded (neutral) conductor via a jumper.

Answer

NEC 406.4(D) provides several options for replacing a non-grounding receptacle where no equipment grounding conductor exists, including another non-grounding receptacle or a GFCI-protected option. However, using a jumper to connect the grounding terminal to the neutral conductor (a 'bootleg ground') is a dangerous code violation as it can energize the equipment's metal housing if the neutral path is broken.

Question 2

What is the maximum weight for a luminaire that is permitted to be supported solely by a standard outlet box, unless the box is specifically listed and marked for a greater weight?

Accepted Answer

50 lbs

Answer

According to NEC 410.36(A) and 314.27(A)(2), outlet boxes or fittings used to support luminaires are generally limited to supporting a maximum weight of 23 kg (50 lb). If a luminaire weighs more than 50 lbs, it must be supported independently of the outlet box unless the box is listed for the specific weight.

Question 3

A 5 kW electric water heater is installed in a closet. The circuit breaker for the water heater is in a panelboard located down the hall and is not within sight of the appliance. To comply with NEC Article 422, what is required for the circuit breaker to serve as the disconnecting means?

Accepted Answer

It must be capable of being locked in the open position.

Answer

NEC 422.31(B) states that for a permanently connected appliance rated over 300 VA, the branch-circuit overcurrent device (breaker) can be the disconnecting means. If the breaker is not within sight of the appliance, it must be capable of being locked in the open position to ensure safety during service.

Question 4

According to the NEC, a motor's disconnecting means must generally be located 'in sight from' the motor's location. What is the definition of 'In Sight From'?

Accepted Answer

Visible and not more than 50 feet distant from the other.

Answer

The definition of 'In Sight From (Within Sight From, Within Sight)' is found in NEC Article 100. It specifies that the equipment must be visible and not more than 50 feet (15 m) distant from the other. This rule is applied in sections like 430.102(B) to ensure a worker can see the disconnecting means while working on the motor.

Question 5

An electrician is remodeling a bathroom and must install a new lighting switch. According to NEC 404.4(C), in which of the following locations is a switch NOT permitted to be installed?

Accepted Answer

Within the tub or shower space.

Answer

NEC 404.4(C) explicitly prohibits installing switches within the wet location of tub or shower spaces unless they are part of a listed tub or shower assembly. This rule is in place to prevent a person from touching a switch while in contact with water, reducing the risk of severe electric shock.

NEC Practice Test

NEC Practice Test

FREE NEC Equipment for General Use Questions and Answers