IBEW Reading Comprehension Analysis 5 ā Questions and Answers
Question 1: A passage reads: 'Motor nameplate current is the full-load ampere (FLA) rating. Branch circuit conductors for a single motor must be sized at no less than 125% of the motor's FLA.' A motor has a nameplate FLA of 16 A. What is the minimum conductor ampacity required?
- 16 A
- 20 A (Correct answer)
- 24 A
- 18 A
Correct answer: 20 A
125% of 16 A = 20 A, which is the minimum conductor ampacity.
Question 2: A manual section states: 'A megohmmeter test measures insulation resistance. Values below 1 megohm indicate damaged or wet insulation that could allow current leakage to ground.' A megohmmeter reading shows 0.5 MĪ©. What does the manual indicate?
- The insulation is acceptable since it has measurable resistance
- The insulation is damaged or wet and may allow leakage to ground (Correct answer)
- The reading is too low to interpret without additional tests
- The cable must be replaced immediately with no further testing
Correct answer: The insulation is damaged or wet and may allow leakage to ground
0.5 MĪ© is below the 1 MĪ© threshold, indicating damaged or wet insulation per the manual.
Question 3: A regulation reads: 'Temporary wiring used during construction shall be removed immediately upon completion of construction or when the purpose for which it was installed is complete.' Construction finishes on a Friday but the temporary wiring is left over the weekend for convenience. Does this comply?
- Yes, a brief delay is acceptable for practical reasons
- No, temporary wiring must be removed immediately upon construction completion (Correct answer)
- Yes, if the wiring is properly protected from the elements
- No, but only if the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) has objected
Correct answer: No, temporary wiring must be removed immediately upon construction completion
The regulation says 'immediately,' leaving no grace period for convenience.
Question 4: A passage explains: 'A series circuit has only one path for current flow. If any component in a series circuit fails open, current stops flowing through the entire circuit.' A string of five series-connected lights loses all illumination when one bulb burns out. What does this demonstrate?
- A parallel circuit where one failure causes total failure
- A series circuit where one open component stops all current (Correct answer)
- A short circuit caused by the failed bulb
- A ground fault that tripped the overcurrent device
Correct answer: A series circuit where one open component stops all current
One open component in a series circuit interrupts the single current path, causing all lights to go out.
Question 5: A safety procedure states: 'Before energizing any newly installed wiring, a continuity test shall confirm all intended connections, and an insulation resistance test shall confirm no unintended paths to ground exist.' An electrician performs only the continuity test and skips the insulation resistance test. What risk remains unaddressed?
- Unintended connections between conductors
- Unintended current paths to ground from damaged insulation (Correct answer)
- Open circuits in the intended current path
- Incorrect wire gauge for the load
Correct answer: Unintended current paths to ground from damaged insulation
The insulation resistance test detects unintended ground paths; skipping it leaves that risk undetected.
Question 6: A passage reads: 'The NEC is a model code adopted by jurisdictions with or without local amendments. Where a local amendment conflicts with the NEC, the local amendment governs within that jurisdiction.' In a city whose local code prohibits aluminum wiring in residential units, the NEC permits it. Which rule applies in that city?
- The NEC, because it is the national standard
- The local amendment, because it governs within the jurisdiction (Correct answer)
- Whichever rule is more permissive for the contractor
- The NEC applies until the local code is formally published
Correct answer: The local amendment, because it governs within the jurisdiction
The passage states that local amendments govern within their jurisdiction when they conflict with the NEC.
Question 7: A work scope document states: 'The electrician shall install conduit, pull wire, terminate all devices, and label each circuit. Painting and patching of walls is excluded from this scope.' The general contractor asks the electrician to patch drywall around conduit penetrations. Should the electrician comply?
- Yes, minor patching is always included in electrical work
- No, patching is explicitly excluded from the electrician's scope (Correct answer)
- Yes, if the general contractor pays separately for the work
- No, electricians are not licensed for drywall work
Correct answer: No, patching is explicitly excluded from the electrician's scope
The scope document explicitly excludes painting and patching, so the electrician is not obligated to perform it.
IBEW Reading Comprehension Analysis 5
A passage reads: 'Motor nameplate current is the full-load ampere (FLA) rating.
Branch circuit conductors for a single motor must be sized at no less than 125% of the motor's FLA.' A motor has a nameplate FLA of 16 A.
What is the minimum conductor ampacity required?