Journeyman Electrician’s Exam Journeyman Electrician's 2026 Edition 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A panelboard has a 200A main breaker. What is the maximum total ampere rating of overcurrent devices permitted in the panel per NEC 408.54?
- The sum cannot exceed the bus rating
- No limit on individual breaker totals (Correct answer)
- Must not exceed 42 circuits
- Must not exceed 120% of the bus rating
Correct answer: No limit on individual breaker totals
NEC 408.54 does not limit the total ampere rating of breakers in a panelboard; it only requires each OCPD to not exceed the bus bar rating.
Question 2: Which wiring method is specifically required for the wiring of a swimming pool pump motor located within 5 feet of the pool edge?
- Type NM cable
- Type UF cable
- Rigid PVC conduit or other corrosion-resistant raceway (Correct answer)
- Open conductors on insulators
Correct answer: Rigid PVC conduit or other corrosion-resistant raceway
NEC 680.21(A) requires pool pump motor circuits to use wiring methods resistant to corrosion, such as rigid PVC or RMC with proper fittings.
Question 3: What is the voltage drop limit recommended by the NEC for branch circuits to ensure efficient operation?
- 2% maximum
- 3% maximum (Correct answer)
- 5% maximum
- 10% maximum
Correct answer: 3% maximum
NEC 210.19(A) FPN recommends a maximum 3% voltage drop on branch circuits for efficient operation.
Question 4: When installing a 60A feeder in a commercial building, what is the minimum conduit fill percentage allowed per NEC Chapter 9?
- 31% for 3 or more conductors (Correct answer)
- 40% for 3 or more conductors
- 53% for 3 or more conductors
- No fill limit applies to feeders
Correct answer: 31% for 3 or more conductors
NEC Chapter 9, Table 1 limits conduit fill to 40% for 2 conductors and 31% for 3 or more conductors.
Question 5: A single-phase 240V electric range is rated at 12kW. Using the demand factors in NEC Table 220.55, what is the demand load for one range?
- 8kW (Correct answer)
- 12kW
- 10kW
- 11kW
Correct answer: 8kW
Per NEC Table 220.55 Note 1, ranges rated 12kW may use an 8kW demand load for a single range in a dwelling.
Question 6: What is the maximum number of 12 AWG THHN conductors permitted in a 3/4-inch EMT conduit?
Correct answer: 9
Per NEC Annex C, Table C.1, a 3/4-inch EMT conduit can contain a maximum of 9 conductors of 12 AWG THHN.
Question 7: Which type of grounding electrode is listed FIRST in the NEC's preferred order for a grounding electrode system?
- Ground ring
- Concrete-encased electrode (Ufer ground)
- Metal underground water pipe (Correct answer)
- Driven ground rod
Correct answer: Metal underground water pipe
NEC 250.52(A)(1) lists a metal underground water pipe as the first preferred grounding electrode when available.
