Journeyman Electrician's Exam — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which NEC article governs spray application, dipping, and coating processes using flammable or combustible liquids?
- Article 516 (Correct answer)
- Article 514
- Article 505
- Article 500
Correct answer: Article 516
NEC Article 516 covers spray application, dipping, coating, and printing processes that use flammable or combustible liquids or powders.
Question 2: Six horsepower equals:
- 4,476 watts (Correct answer)
- 746 watts
- 4 kilowatts
- 2.4 kilowatts
Correct answer: 4,476 watts
One horsepower (HP) is equivalent to approximately 746 watts. To find the wattage for six horsepower, you multiply the number of horsepower by the conversion factor. So, 6 HP × 746 watts/HP = 4,476 watts.
Question 3: A box contains three 14 AWG conductors, one duplex receptacle, and one equipment grounding conductor. What is the minimum required box volume?
- 10.00 cubic inches
- 12.00 cubic inches (Correct answer)
- 8.00 cubic inches
- 14.00 cubic inches
Correct answer: 12.00 cubic inches
Calculation: 3 conductors × 2.00 + device × (2 × 2.00) + EGC group × 2.00 = 6.00 + 4.00 + 2.00 = 12.00 cubic inches minimum.
Question 4: Under NEC Article 701, Legally Required Standby Systems must restore power within how many seconds of normal power loss?
- 10 seconds
- 120 seconds
- 30 seconds
- 60 seconds (Correct answer)
Correct answer: 60 seconds
NEC 701.12 allows legally required standby systems up to 60 seconds to restore power, compared to the 10-second requirement for emergency systems.
Question 5: For an indoor spa or hot tub installation, per NEC 680.43(A)(2), GFCI protection is required for all receptacles within what distance of the inside walls?
- 6 feet
- 20 feet
- 5 feet
- 10 feet (Correct answer)
Correct answer: 10 feet
NEC 680.43(A)(2) requires all receptacles within 10 feet of the inside walls of an indoor spa or hot tub to be GFCI protected.
Question 6: What is the voltage drop limit recommended by the NEC for branch circuits to ensure efficient operation?
- 5% maximum
- 10% maximum
- 2% maximum
- 3% maximum (Correct answer)
Correct answer: 3% maximum
NEC 210.19(A) FPN recommends a maximum 3% voltage drop on branch circuits for efficient operation.
Question 7: Which NEC article governs the installation of Rigid Metal Conduit (RMC)?
- Article 342
- Article 344 (Correct answer)
- Article 348
- Article 358
Correct answer: Article 344
NEC Article 344 covers Rigid Metal Conduit (RMC) installation requirements.
Question 8: A 4-inch square metal box 1-1/2 inches deep has a listed volume of 21 cubic inches. Using only 12 AWG conductors (no devices or clamps), how many conductors are permitted?
- 7 conductors
- 9 conductors (Correct answer)
- 14 conductors
- 11 conductors
Correct answer: 9 conductors
Each 12 AWG conductor occupies 2.25 cubic inches; 21 ÷ 2.25 = 9.33, which rounds down to 9 conductors maximum.
Question 9: When a multiwire branch circuit feeds a device that could simultaneously interrupt both hot conductors, the NEC requires:
- A GFCI breaker on one conductor only
- A handle-tied or two-pole breaker (Correct answer)
- No special requirement
- A single-pole breaker for each conductor
Correct answer: A handle-tied or two-pole breaker
NEC 210.4(B) requires multiwire branch circuits to have a means to simultaneously open all ungrounded conductors, such as a handle-tied or two-pole breaker.
Question 10: A metal box whose dimensions do not appear in NEC Table 314.16(A) must be marked with its cubic-inch volume so that the installer can:
- Apply the conductor fill calculations of 314.16(B) for any wire size used (Correct answer)
- Verify the box meets UL listing requirements
- Determine the correct torque specification for cover screws
- Calculate the required short-circuit current rating of the box
Correct answer: Apply the conductor fill calculations of 314.16(B) for any wire size used
Without a table entry, the installer needs the marked volume to perform the fill calculation from 314.16(B) for whatever conductor sizes are being installed.
Question 11: Under NEC 430.102(B), a motor disconnecting means must be located within sight of the motor and the driven machinery, OR:
- A second disconnect must be installed at both the panel and motor
- The disconnect must be located at the motor control panel only
- The disconnect may be omitted entirely if lockout/tagout is used
- The disconnect may be out of sight if it is lockable in the open position (Correct answer)
Correct answer: The disconnect may be out of sight if it is lockable in the open position
NEC 430.102(B) Exception allows the disconnect to be out of sight from the motor if it is capable of being locked in the open (off) position.
Question 12: What is the maximum distance allowed between the overcurrent protection and a tap conductor in the 10-foot tap rule?
- 10 feet (Correct answer)
- 6 feet
- 25 feet
- 15 feet
Correct answer: 10 feet
NEC 240.21(B)(1) permits unprotected tap conductors up to 10 feet long when the tap conductor ampacity is not less than the combined loads supplied.
Question 13: Emergency lighting systems required by the NEC must provide illumination for a minimum of:
- 90 minutes (Correct answer)
- 30 minutes
- 60 minutes
- 120 minutes
Correct answer: 90 minutes
NEC 700.12 requires emergency lighting systems to provide at least 1-1/2 hours (90 minutes) of illumination upon loss of normal power to allow safe egress from the building.
Question 14: Flexible connections in Class I, Division 1 locations must use:
- PVC flexible conduit
- Standard liquid-tight flexible metal conduit
- Listed explosion-proof flexible fittings (Correct answer)
- Standard flexible metal conduit with bonding jumper
Correct answer: Listed explosion-proof flexible fittings
Flexible connections in Class I, Division 1 require listed explosion-proof flexible fittings to maintain the required hazardous location rating.
Question 15: You need a 90-degree stub-up of 14 inches in 1" EMT (take-up = 8 inches). Where should the bend mark be placed from the end of the conduit?
- 8 inches
- 6 inches (Correct answer)
- 4 inches
- 14 inches
Correct answer: 6 inches
Mark location = desired stub height minus take-up = 14 minus 8 = 6 inches from the end of the conduit.
Question 16: A storage battery used as an emergency source per NEC 700.12(A) must maintain voltage at or above what percentage of normal rated voltage under full load?
- 95%
- 75%
- 87.5% (Correct answer)
- 90%
Correct answer: 87.5%
NEC 700.12(A) requires storage battery emergency systems to maintain not less than 87.5% of normal rated voltage under full load conditions.
Question 17: What demand factor does NEC Table 220.42 assign to the first 3,000 VA of general lighting load in a dwelling unit?
- 75%
- 25%
- 100% (Correct answer)
- 35%
Correct answer: 100%
NEC Table 220.42 requires the first 3,000 VA of dwelling lighting load to be calculated at 100% demand with no reduction allowed.
Question 18: What is "developed length" in conduit bending?
- The length of the conduit after bending is complete
- The total conduit length required for a run, including all straight sections and bend arc lengths (Correct answer)
- The inside radius of a finished bend
- The horizontal distance from one bend mark to another
Correct answer: The total conduit length required for a run, including all straight sections and bend arc lengths
Developed length is the total conduit material required for a run, accounting for every straight section plus the arc length through each bend.
Question 19: What minimum clearance must be maintained between a surface-mounted fluorescent luminaire and the nearest point of a clothes closet storage space?
- 12 inches (Correct answer)
- 6 inches
- 24 inches
- 18 inches
Correct answer: 12 inches
NEC 410.16(C)(2) requires surface-mounted fluorescent luminaires in clothes closets to maintain a minimum 12-inch clearance from the defined storage space to reduce fire risk.
Question 20: Per NEC 408.7, unused openings in panelboard enclosures must be:
- Covered with a listed bushing only
- Sealed with electrical tape as a temporary measure
- Effectively closed to afford protection substantially equivalent to the wall of the enclosure (Correct answer)
- Left open only if smaller than ½ inch in diameter
Correct answer: Effectively closed to afford protection substantially equivalent to the wall of the enclosure
NEC 408.7 requires unused openings in panelboard enclosures to be effectively closed to provide protection equivalent to the wall of the enclosure, preventing contact with live parts.
Question 21: A 120/240V single-phase service feeder supplies two 240V loads of 8,000W each and a 120V load of 3,000W. What is the neutral current?
- 12.5 A (Correct answer)
- 37.5 A
- 25 A
- 0 A
Correct answer: 12.5 A
The 240V loads place no current on the neutral; the 120V load = 3,000W ÷ 120V = 25A on one leg, so neutral carries 12.5A unbalanced current.
Question 22: A motor nameplate reads 'SF 1.15'. What does this service factor indicate?
- The motor efficiency is 115%
- The motor can run at 115% of rated load continuously without damage (Correct answer)
- The motor has a 15% safety margin for voltage fluctuations only
- The motor starting current is 115% of full-load current
Correct answer: The motor can run at 115% of rated load continuously without damage
A service factor of 1.15 means the motor can operate at 115% of its nameplate horsepower rating continuously under rated conditions.
Question 23: Apparent power in an AC circuit is expressed in which unit?
- Kilowatts (kW)
- Volt-amperes (VA) (Correct answer)
- Volt-amperes reactive (VAR)
- Watts (W)
Correct answer: Volt-amperes (VA)
Apparent power is the product of RMS voltage and RMS current expressed in volt-amperes (VA) or kilovolt-amperes (kVA).
Question 24: When is an arc-fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) required for a bedroom circuit in a dwelling unit?
- Only for new construction
- For all 120V, 15A or 20A branch circuits supplying outlets in bedrooms (Correct answer)
- Only when a receptacle is within 6 feet of the bed
- Only when the circuit is 20 amps
Correct answer: For all 120V, 15A or 20A branch circuits supplying outlets in bedrooms
NEC 210.12(A) requires AFCI protection for all 120V, 15A or 20A branch circuits supplying outlets or devices in dwelling unit bedrooms.
Question 25: A bathroom branch circuit in a dwelling unit that serves only bathroom receptacles must be rated:
- Either 15 or 20 amperes
- 15 amperes
- 20 amperes (Correct answer)
- 30 amperes
Correct answer: 20 amperes
NEC 210.11(C)(3) requires at least one 20-ampere branch circuit for bathroom receptacle outlets.
Question 26: With the exception of ____, all 120 V, single phase, 15 A, and 20 A branch circuits feeding outlets or devices installed in housing units must be AFCI protected.
- Bedrooms
- Living rooms
- Kitchens
- Garages (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Garages
NEC 210.12(A) requires Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) protection for most 120-volt, single-phase, 15- and 20-ampere branch circuits supplying outlets or devices in dwelling units. However, garages are explicitly listed as one of the locations that are exempt from this AFCI protection requirement in dwelling units.
Question 27: Per the NEC, what is the maximum total degrees of bends permitted in conduit between pull points?
- 270 degrees
- 540 degrees
- 360 degrees (Correct answer)
- 180 degrees
Correct answer: 360 degrees
NEC Sections 358.26, 344.26, and similar articles limit total bends to 360 degrees (equivalent of four 90-degree bends) between pull points.
Question 28: Under NEC Article 505, Zone 2 is most comparable to which Division classification?
- No comparable Division classification exists
- Class II, Division 1
- Class I, Division 1
- Class I, Division 2 (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Class I, Division 2
Zone 2 under Article 505 is roughly equivalent to Division 2, where ignitable concentrations are unlikely to occur under normal operating conditions.
Question 29: A 2,000 sq ft dwelling has two small appliance circuits and one laundry circuit. What is the total general load before demand factors?
- 9,000 VA
- 10,500 VA (Correct answer)
- 7,500 VA
- 12,000 VA
Correct answer: 10,500 VA
2,000 sq ft × 3 VA = 6,000 VA lighting, plus 2 × 1,500 VA = 3,000 VA small appliance, plus 1,500 VA laundry = 10,500 VA.
Question 30: Per NEC 314.16(B)(5), all equipment grounding conductors (EGCs) inside a box collectively count as how many conductors in box fill?
- Zero — EGCs are exempt from fill calculations
- One conductor based on the largest EGC present (Correct answer)
- One conductor per each individual EGC
- Two conductors based on the largest EGC present
Correct answer: One conductor based on the largest EGC present
NEC 314.16(B)(5) requires all EGCs together to be counted as a single conductor based on the largest EGC in the box.
Question 31: NEC Article 760 covers the installation of wiring and equipment for which type of system?
- Emergency and standby power systems
- Security and burglar alarm systems
- Fire alarm systems (Correct answer)
- Nurse call and intercom systems
Correct answer: Fire alarm systems
Article 760 specifically covers fire alarm systems, including both power-limited (PLFA) and non-power-limited (NPLFA) fire alarm circuits.
Question 32: NEC 334.15 requires that where NM cable (Romex) is run along the surface of a building, it must be protected from physical damage. At what height does NEC consider NM cable to no longer require physical protection on walls?
- 4.5 feet above the floor
- 7 feet above the floor
- No height exemption — always requires protection on exposed surfaces (Correct answer)
- 6 feet above the floor
Correct answer: No height exemption — always requires protection on exposed surfaces
NEC 334.15 requires that NM cable exposed on the surface of finished or unfinished walls always be protected from physical damage, with no height-based exemption for surface runs.
Question 33: A luminaire listed for wet locations and installed outdoors must be constructed and installed so that:
- The lamp can be accessed without tools for field replacement
- It is GFCI protected on a 20-ampere circuit
- It faces downward to prevent water pooling on the fixture
- Water cannot enter or accumulate in wiring compartments or lamp sockets (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Water cannot enter or accumulate in wiring compartments or lamp sockets
NEC 410.10(A) requires that wet location luminaires be constructed and installed so that water cannot enter or accumulate within electrical parts such as wiring compartments, lampholders, or other components.
Question 34: A 10 HP, 230V, single-phase motor has a full-load current of 50A per NEC Table 430.248. What minimum ampacity must the branch-circuit conductors have?
- 62.5A (Correct answer)
- 57.5A
- 75A
- 50A
Correct answer: 62.5A
Branch-circuit conductors must be sized at 125% of FLC: 50A × 1.25 = 62.5A minimum ampacity per NEC 430.22.
Question 35: When making back-to-back 90-degree bends for a U-shape with a desired INSIDE measurement of 12 inches, how far from the heel of the first 90 is the second bend mark placed?
- 6 inches
- 12 inches (Correct answer)
- 22 inches
- 17 inches
Correct answer: 12 inches
For back-to-back bends, the second mark is placed at the desired inside measurement (12 inches) measured from the heel of the first completed 90-degree bend.
Question 36: What is the maximum voltage between conductors permitted for branch circuits supplying receptacles in dwelling units?
- 120 volts
- 277 volts
- 240 volts
- 150 volts (Correct answer)
Correct answer: 150 volts
NEC 210.6(A) limits branch circuit voltage to 150 volts to ground for dwelling unit receptacles used for general lighting and appliances.
Question 37: Per NEC 314.16(C)(2), a conduit body used for splicing must:
- Be listed as a junction box rather than a conduit body
- Be at least 4 inches in trade size to permit splicing
- Never contain splices under any circumstances
- Have its volume marked and meet the conductor fill requirements of 314.16(B) (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Have its volume marked and meet the conductor fill requirements of 314.16(B)
NEC 314.16(C)(2) requires splicing conduit bodies to have their volume marked and to satisfy the conductor fill requirements of 314.16(B).
Question 38: What exactly is a single branch circuit?
- A branch-circuit with a single receptacle
- A branch circuit supplying only one utilization equipment (Correct answer)
- A branch circuit serving in the power system of one-family dwellings
- A branch circuit with a rating of less than 20 amperes
Correct answer: A branch circuit supplying only one utilization equipment
A single branch circuit, as defined by electrical codes like the National Electrical Code (NEC), is a circuit designed to supply power to only one piece of utilization equipment. This dedicated circuit ensures that the specific equipment receives adequate power without being affected by or affecting other loads, which is crucial for safety and proper operation of high-demand appliances.
Question 39: According to NEC Table 220.55, what is the demand load for a single household electric range with a 12 kW nameplate rating?
- 12 kW
- 10 kW
- 8 kW (Correct answer)
- 6 kW
Correct answer: 8 kW
NEC Table 220.55, Column C allows 8 kW demand for a single range rated over 8¾ kW through 12 kW.
Question 40: It is necessary to have at least one or more equipment grounding wires that are ______ AWG on a raceway that includes multiple 15 A circuits.
- 10
- 14 (Correct answer)
- 16
- 12
Correct answer: 14
According to NEC Table 250.122, the minimum size for an equipment grounding conductor for a 15-ampere branch circuit is 14 AWG copper. Even when multiple 15 A circuits are run in a single raceway, the equipment grounding conductor size is determined by the largest overcurrent device protecting any circuit, which in this case is 15 A, thus requiring 14 AWG.
Question 41: Per NEC Table 220.55, what is the maximum allowable demand load for a single 10 kW household electric range?
- 10 kW
- 6 kW
- 8 kW (Correct answer)
- 12 kW
Correct answer: 8 kW
NEC Table 220.55, Column C allows 8 kW demand for a single range rated over 8¾ kW through 12 kW, which includes a 10 kW unit.
Question 42: What is the maximum distance a disconnect must be from a rooftop HVAC unit to be considered 'within sight' per the NEC?
- 50 feet (Correct answer)
- 10 feet
- 25 feet
- 100 feet
Correct answer: 50 feet
Per NEC Article 100, 'within sight' means visible and not more than 50 feet from the equipment requiring disconnection.
Question 43: Per NEC 220.14(G), what is the minimum load per linear foot used for show window lighting in a commercial load calculation?
- 100 VA
- 150 VA
- 180 VA
- 200 VA (Correct answer)
Correct answer: 200 VA
NEC 220.14(G) requires a minimum of 200 VA per linear foot for show window lighting loads.
Question 44: Commercial garages used for vehicle repair and service are covered by:
- Article 516
- Article 511 (Correct answer)
- Article 513
- Article 514
Correct answer: Article 511
NEC Article 511 covers commercial garages and repair/storage garages where volatile flammable liquids or gases are used in fueling or repairing motor vehicles.
Question 45: Which multiplier is applied to the offset height when bending a 30-degree offset?
- 1.414
- 2.000 (Correct answer)
- 1.155
- 2.613
Correct answer: 2.000
A 30-degree offset uses a multiplier of 2.000 because 1 divided by sin(30 degrees) = 1 divided by 0.5 = 2.000.
Question 46: Aircraft hangars are covered under which NEC article?
- Article 516
- Article 511
- Article 514
- Article 513 (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Article 513
NEC Article 513 covers aircraft hangars where volatile flammable liquids and gases used as aircraft fuels create hazardous conditions.
Question 47: In a Class II, Division 1 location, combustible dust is present:
- In suspension or dangerous accumulations under normal conditions (Correct answer)
- Only outdoors in open spaces
- Only during equipment failure
- Solely as settled deposits on surfaces
Correct answer: In suspension or dangerous accumulations under normal conditions
Division 1 for Class II means ignitable dust concentrations may be in suspension or form dangerous accumulations under normal operating conditions.
Question 48: A jogging (inching) circuit differs from a standard start/stop circuit because:
- The overload relay is bypassed during jogging
- Jogging requires two separate motors
- The holding contact (seal-in) is bypassed so the motor runs only while the jog button is held (Correct answer)
- Jogging uses a higher voltage contactor
Correct answer: The holding contact (seal-in) is bypassed so the motor runs only while the jog button is held
In a jog circuit, the memory (seal-in) contact is not energized, so releasing the jog button immediately de-energizes the contactor and stops the motor.
Question 49: Which of the following conductors is NOT counted as a current-carrying conductor for bundling derating purposes?
- Phase conductor of a 3-phase circuit
- Grounded conductor carrying harmonic currents
- Hot leg of a single-phase circuit
- Neutral carrying unbalanced current only (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Neutral carrying unbalanced current only
A neutral that carries only unbalanced current in a 3-wire circuit is not counted as a current-carrying conductor per NEC 310.15(E).
Question 50: Per NEC Table 220.12, what is the unit lighting load for a bank?
- 1.0 VA/sq ft
- 3.5 VA/sq ft (Correct answer)
- 3.0 VA/sq ft
- 2.0 VA/sq ft
Correct answer: 3.5 VA/sq ft
NEC Table 220.12 lists banks at 3½ VA per square foot, one of the higher commercial occupancy lighting loads.
Question 51: For dwelling unit services, NEC 220.83 (optional calculation) requires that air conditioning or heat be included at what percentage when calculating the total load?
- 100% (Correct answer)
- 65%
- 125%
- 75%
Correct answer: 100%
Under NEC 220.83, the larger of heating or cooling loads is included at 100% in the optional calculation.
Question 52: A switchboard differs from a panelboard primarily in that switchboards are:
- Required to have a single main disconnect only
- Large single or multi-section assemblies accessible from the front and often the rear (Correct answer)
- Limited to 42 overcurrent devices
- Smaller enclosures designed to be flush-mounted in walls
Correct answer: Large single or multi-section assemblies accessible from the front and often the rear
Switchboards are large assemblies, typically floor-standing and accessible from the front and rear, while panelboards are smaller, wall-mounted enclosures accessible from the front only.
Question 53: What maximum number of overcurrent devices may serve as the service disconnecting means for a single building under NEC 230.71?
- Eight
- Six (Correct answer)
- Two
- Four
Correct answer: Six
NEC 230.71(A) limits the service disconnecting means to a maximum of six switches or circuit breakers for a single service.
Question 54: Per NEC 220.52(B), what is the standard load used for the laundry branch circuit in a dwelling unit load calculation?
- 1,000 VA
- 2,000 VA
- 1,500 VA (Correct answer)
- 750 VA
Correct answer: 1,500 VA
NEC 220.52(B) assigns a 1,500 VA load for the laundry branch circuit in dwelling unit calculations.
Question 55: Which of the following is the maximum standard size non-time-delay fuse that can be used for branch-circuit, short-circuit, and ground-fault protection for a 25 HP, 460V, 3-phase, squirrel-cage motor?
- 100A
- 125A
- 110A (Correct answer)
- 90A
Correct answer: 110A
First, determine the motor's FLC from NEC Table 430.250, which is 34A for a 25 HP, 460V, 3-phase motor. Next, use NEC Table 430.52, which allows non-time-delay fuses to be sized up to 300% of the FLC for a squirrel-cage motor. The calculation is 34A x 300% = 102A. Since 102A is not a standard fuse size listed in NEC 240.6(A), NEC 430.52(C)(1) Exception No. 1 permits using the next higher standard size. The next standard size above 102A is 110A.
Question 56: Which type of motor protection device responds to both overtemperature and overcurrent conditions by monitoring the motor winding temperature directly?
- Thermistor (PTC) embedded in winding (Correct answer)
- Bimetallic overload relay
- Dual-element time-delay fuse
- Magnetic-only circuit breaker
Correct answer: Thermistor (PTC) embedded in winding
A PTC thermistor embedded in the motor winding changes resistance dramatically at a set temperature, triggering protection based on actual winding temperature.
Question 57: A recessed luminaire identified as Type IC (insulation contact rated) is permitted to:
- Operate at higher lamp wattages than non-IC rated fixtures
- Be installed in direct contact with thermal insulation (Correct answer)
- Be used in wet locations without an additional wet location listing
- Serve as a junction box for branch circuit conductors
Correct answer: Be installed in direct contact with thermal insulation
IC-rated luminaires are listed and tested to be installed in direct contact with thermal insulation without creating a fire hazard, eliminating the clearance requirements that apply to non-IC fixtures.
Question 58: A raceway installed in a concrete slab must have a minimum cover of how many inches if not encased in concrete?
- 1 inch
- 6 inches
- 3 inches (Correct answer)
- 2 inches
Correct answer: 3 inches
NEC Table 300.5 requires a minimum 3-inch cover for raceways installed under a building or concrete slab without additional concrete encasement.
Question 59: Per NEC Article 800, communications cables entering a building must be:
- Protected against physical damage at the point of entry (Correct answer)
- Listed as Type CMR for all multi-story buildings
- Installed in metallic conduit at the point of entry
- Grounded to the electrical system within 6 feet of entry
Correct answer: Protected against physical damage at the point of entry
Per NEC 800.110, communications cables must be protected from physical damage at the point where they enter the building.
Question 60: What is the purpose of a motor control center (MCC) compared to individual motor starters?
- An MCC eliminates the need for overload protection
- An MCC is required only for motors above 100 HP
- An MCC provides higher voltage capacity only
- An MCC centralizes multiple motor starters in one enclosure for easier management and wiring (Correct answer)
Correct answer: An MCC centralizes multiple motor starters in one enclosure for easier management and wiring
A motor control center consolidates starters, disconnects, and controls into one assembly, reducing wiring costs and improving maintenance access.
Question 61: Per NEC 314.15, boxes installed in wet locations must be:
- Listed as weatherproof and suitable for the specific wet or damp location (Correct answer)
- Metallic only — nonmetallic boxes are prohibited in wet areas
- Sealed with silicone caulk around all conduit entries
- Any NEMA 4X-rated enclosure regardless of listing
Correct answer: Listed as weatherproof and suitable for the specific wet or damp location
NEC 314.15 requires boxes in wet or damp locations to be listed as weatherproof and appropriate for the specific condition (wet vs. damp).
Question 62: To bend a 45-degree offset with a rise of 6 inches, what is the distance between the two bend marks?
- 8.48 inches (Correct answer)
- 6.93 inches
- 12.00 inches
- 6.00 inches
Correct answer: 8.48 inches
Distance = 6 x 1.414 (the multiplier for 45-degree bends) = 8.48 inches between the two marks.
Question 63: NEC 314.28 pull box sizing requirements apply when conductors are at least what size?
- 4 AWG or larger (Correct answer)
- 6 AWG or larger
- 2 AWG or larger
- 1/0 AWG or larger
Correct answer: 4 AWG or larger
NEC 314.28 applies to boxes used as junction or pull boxes for conductors 4 AWG or larger; smaller conductors fall under the box fill rules of 314.16.
Question 64: Per NEC 220.14(I), what is the standard load per outlet for general-purpose receptacles in commercial occupancies?
- 100 VA
- 180 VA (Correct answer)
- 200 VA
- 150 VA
Correct answer: 180 VA
NEC 220.14(I) assigns 180 VA per outlet for general-purpose receptacle outlets in commercial occupancies.
Question 65: Which of the circuit breakers mentioned below DOES NOT have a conventional ampere rating?
- 14 AWG
- THHN
- 75 amperes (Correct answer)
- 625 amperes
Correct answer: 75 amperes
The standard ampere ratings for fuses and circuit breakers. A circuit breaker with an ampere rating of 75 amperes is not a standard ampere rating.
Question 66: In a polarized luminaire, the screw shell of the lampholder must be connected to:
- The ungrounded (hot) conductor
- Either conductor at the electrician's discretion
- The grounded (neutral) conductor (Correct answer)
- The equipment grounding conductor
Correct answer: The grounded (neutral) conductor
NEC 410.54 requires the screw shell of a polarized lampholder to be connected to the grounded (neutral) conductor, ensuring only the center contact is energized and reducing shock risk during lamp replacement.
Question 67: Per NEC 408.3(C), panelboards and switchboards must be mounted in a vertical position unless the equipment is specifically listed and marked for other orientations. The busbars in a panelboard shall be arranged to:
- Run only horizontally to minimize thermal rise
- Match the color of the enclosure for aesthetic consistency
- Provide phase identification and be plainly marked or color-coded (Correct answer)
- Be concealed from view when the panel door is open
Correct answer: Provide phase identification and be plainly marked or color-coded
NEC 408.3(F) requires busbars and wiring to be arranged and field-marked to provide phase identification, enabling safe and accurate connections during installation and maintenance.
Question 68: A 3-phase motor is connected in a wye (Y) configuration. If the line voltage is 480V, what is the voltage across each motor winding?
- 277V (Correct answer)
- 240V
- 208V
- 480V
Correct answer: 277V
In a wye connection, phase voltage equals line voltage divided by √3, so 480V ÷ 1.732 ≈ 277V per winding.
Question 69: What is the purpose of bonding in an electrical system?
- To isolate metal parts from the ground
- To establish electrical continuity between conductive parts (Correct answer)
- To increase the ampacity of conductors
- To reduce voltage drop on branch circuits
Correct answer: To establish electrical continuity between conductive parts
Bonding establishes electrical continuity and conductivity between conductive parts to ensure a low-impedance path for fault current.
Question 70: A fused disconnect for an air-conditioning unit must be installed within sight of and readily accessible from the unit. Which article covers this requirement?
- Article 440 (Correct answer)
- Article 230
- Article 430
- Article 240
Correct answer: Article 440
NEC Article 440 covers air-conditioning and refrigerating equipment, including the disconnecting means and overcurrent protection requirements.
Question 71: Which of the following is the correct color for a grounded (neutral) conductor in a 277/480V, 3-phase, 4-wire wye system?
- White
- Green
- Either white or gray (Correct answer)
- Gray
Correct answer: Either white or gray
NEC 200.6 permits white or gray insulation to identify the grounded conductor, and either is acceptable for any voltage system.
Question 72: Which type of branch circuit is permitted to supply fixed electric space heating equipment?
- General-purpose branch circuit only
- Individual or general-purpose branch circuit, per NEC (Correct answer)
- Individual branch circuit only
- Dedicated feeder only
Correct answer: Individual or general-purpose branch circuit, per NEC
NEC 424.3 allows fixed electric space heating to be supplied by either an individual or general-purpose branch circuit.
Question 73: In a commercial location, GFCI protection for 125-volt, 15- and 20-ampere receptacles is required in which area?
- Kitchens, bathrooms, rooftops, and other specified locations (Correct answer)
- Storage rooms only
- All areas accessible to the public
- Only outdoors
Correct answer: Kitchens, bathrooms, rooftops, and other specified locations
NEC 210.8(B) requires GFCI protection for commercial receptacles in kitchens, bathrooms, rooftops, outdoors, sinks, and other specific locations.
Question 74: A dual-element time-delay fuse is particularly useful for protecting circuits with:
- Purely resistive heating loads
- Lighting circuits at unity power factor
- Motor loads with high inrush currents (Correct answer)
- Solar PV array circuits
Correct answer: Motor loads with high inrush currents
Dual-element time-delay fuses tolerate the high inrush current of motor starting while still protecting against sustained overloads.
Question 75: A branch circuit that serves only one piece of utilization equipment is called a(n):
- Dedicated circuit
- Individual branch circuit (Correct answer)
- General-purpose circuit
- Appliance branch circuit
Correct answer: Individual branch circuit
NEC Article 100 defines an individual branch circuit as one that supplies only one piece of utilization equipment.
Question 76: A series circuit has a resistance of 6 ohms and an inductive reactance of 8 ohms. What is the total impedance?
- 10 ohms (Correct answer)
- 48 ohms
- 14 ohms
- 2 ohms
Correct answer: 10 ohms
Z = √(R² + XL²) = √(6² + 8²) = √(36 + 64) = √100 = 10 ohms.
Question 77: According to NEC 430.6(A), which current value must be used for determining conductor ampacity and device ratings for AC motors — the nameplate current or the NEC table current?
- Use the nameplate current only if it is within 10% of the table value
- Always use the nameplate current
- Use whichever value is higher
- Use the NEC table value, not the nameplate current (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Use the NEC table value, not the nameplate current
NEC 430.6(A) requires using the current values from NEC Tables 430.247–430.250 for conductor and device sizing, not the motor nameplate FLA.
Question 78: What type of small offset is used to move conduit into alignment with a panel enclosure or box knockout?
- Concentric bend
- Box offset (kick) (Correct answer)
- Rolling offset
- 4-point saddle
Correct answer: Box offset (kick)
A box offset, also called a kick, uses two small bends placed close together to align conduit with a panel or enclosure knockout.
Question 79: Which NEC article covers Class I hazardous locations using the Zone classification system?
- Article 516
- Article 510
- Article 505 (Correct answer)
- Article 500
Correct answer: Article 505
NEC Article 505 covers Class I, Zone 0, Zone 1, and Zone 2 hazardous locations as an alternative to the Division system in Article 500.
Question 80: A conduit needs a 6-inch offset using 22.5-degree bends. What is the distance between the two bend marks?
- 8.48 inches
- 15.68 inches (Correct answer)
- 12.00 inches
- 18.00 inches
Correct answer: 15.68 inches
Distance = 6 x 2.613 = 15.68 inches between the two bend marks.
Journeyman Electrician's Exam
This exam certifies electricians who demonstrate competency in the installation, maintenance, and repair of electrical systems, adhering to the National Electrical Code (NEC).
Exam Rules
- You can skip questions and return to them later
- Flag questions for review before submitting
- No feedback shown until you submit the entire exam
- Unanswered questions count as wrong — answer everything
- 10 pretest questions are mixed in and don't affect your score
- Timer auto-submits when time runs out
- Your progress is auto-saved every 30 seconds