Practice Test Geeks(InterNACHI) International Association of Certified Home Inspectors Practice Test
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Electrical Systems and Safety Flashcards

7 cards from real INTERNACHI practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Electrical Systems and Safety flashcards as text

  1. What amperage rating is typically required for a dedicated 240V circuit serving a modern electric clothes dryer?

    Answer: 30 amps

    Electric clothes dryers require a dedicated 30-amp, 240V circuit with a 4-wire connection per current NEC standards.

  2. An inspector observes a junction box in a basement ceiling that has no cover plate. What is the correct finding?

    Answer: A deficiency — all junction boxes must have accessible cover plates

    All junction boxes must have a cover plate installed to contain arcing or sparks and provide access for future maintenance.

  3. Which of the following conditions would indicate reverse polarity at a 120V receptacle?

    Answer: The hot and neutral wires are connected to the wrong terminals

    Reverse polarity occurs when the hot wire is connected to the neutral (wide) slot and the neutral to the hot (narrow) slot, creating a shock hazard.

  4. In a residential electrical system, what is the purpose of an anti-oxidant compound applied to aluminum wiring connections?

    Answer: To prevent oxidation that increases resistance at connections

    Anti-oxidant compound prevents the formation of aluminum oxide at connections, which increases resistance and creates heat buildup.

  5. What minimum wire gauge is required for a 20-amp branch circuit using copper conductors?

    Answer: 12 AWG

    12 AWG copper wire is rated for 20-amp circuits; using 14 AWG on a 20-amp breaker is undersized and a fire hazard.

  6. During an inspection, an AFCI breaker trips repeatedly when a specific circuit is tested. What does this most likely indicate?

    Answer: An arcing fault condition exists somewhere on the circuit

    AFCI breakers are designed to detect and interrupt arcing faults; repeated tripping suggests a wiring defect or damaged cord creating arc conditions.

  7. What is the significance of finding open-ground three-prong outlets in a home built in 1965?

    Answer: The outlets were retrofitted with three-prong outlets without adding a ground conductor

    Open-ground outlets indicate three-prong outlets were installed without a proper equipment ground, which removes shock protection for appliances.