Practice Test Geeks(InterNACHI) International Association of Certified Home Inspectors Practice Test
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Electrical Systems & 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 & Safety flashcards as text

  1. What is the primary purpose of an equipment grounding conductor (EGC) in a branch circuit?

    Answer: To provide a low-impedance fault path back to the source

    The EGC provides a low-impedance path for fault current so that overcurrent devices trip quickly and safely during a ground fault.

  2. Which of the following panels is commonly flagged by home inspectors due to recalled breakers and a history of fires?

    Answer: Zinsco (Sylvania) panels

    Zinsco (also sold as Sylvania) panels have been documented to have breakers that weld shut and fail to trip, posing a significant fire hazard.

  3. When a home inspector identifies reversed polarity at a receptacle, what does that mean?

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

    Reversed polarity means the hot wire is connected to the neutral terminal and vice versa, which can make some appliances dangerous even when switched off.

  4. What is a 'bootleg ground' (also called a false ground) in a receptacle?

    Answer: A jumper wire connecting the neutral terminal to the ground terminal

    A bootleg ground uses a jumper between the neutral and ground slots, making a tester show 'correct' but providing no real shock protection.

  5. How many circuits are permitted to share a single neutral conductor in a multi-wire branch circuit (MWBC)?

    Answer: Two circuits sharing one neutral on different hot legs

    An MWBC allows two 120V circuits on opposite hot legs to share one neutral, as the neutral currents cancel each other out under load.

  6. What does 'service ampacity' refer to when a home inspector evaluates an electrical service?

    Answer: The maximum current the service entrance conductors and main breaker are rated to carry

    Service ampacity is the rated capacity of the service entrance conductors and main overcurrent protection, commonly 100A, 150A, or 200A for residential homes.

  7. A home inspector finds that junction box covers are missing throughout the home. What hazard does this present?

    Answer: It exposes live wire connections and increases the risk of shock or arc faults

    Open junction boxes expose energized wire splices to accidental contact, creating shock and arc flash hazards for occupants.