NEC Equipment for General Use Questions and Answers

Question 1

An electrician is installing general-use receptacles in a new dwelling unit's living room. According to NEC 210.52(A), what is the maximum distance that any point along the floor line of any wall space can be from a receptacle outlet?

Accepted Answer

6 feet

Answer

NEC 210.52(A)(1) requires that in dwelling units, receptacle outlets in habitable rooms be installed so that no point measured horizontally along the floor line in any wall space is more than 6 feet from a receptacle outlet. This rule ensures that an appliance with a standard 6-foot cord can be plugged in anywhere along the wall without needing an extension cord.

Question 2

Which of the following is a specifically prohibited use for flexible cords and cables according to NEC Article 400?

Accepted Answer

As a substitute for the fixed wiring of a structure.

Answer

NEC 400.12(1) explicitly states that flexible cords and cables shall not be used as a substitute for the fixed wiring of a structure. The other options are all permitted uses under NEC 400.10.

Question 3

A permanently connected, 1/2 hp motor-operated appliance is installed in a commercial kitchen. The circuit breaker for this appliance is in a panelboard located in a separate room and is not within sight of the appliance. According to NEC 422.31(C), what is required?

Accepted Answer

The circuit breaker must be capable of being locked in the open position.

Answer

NEC 422.31(C) requires that for a permanently connected motor-operated appliance rated over 1/8 hp, the disconnecting means shall be within sight from the appliance OR be capable of being locked in the open position. Since the circuit breaker is not within sight, it must be lockable.

Question 4

An electrician is installing a surface-mounted incandescent luminaire with a completely enclosed lamp in a clothes closet. What is the minimum clearance required between the luminaire and the nearest point of any closet storage space according to NEC 410.16(C)?

Accepted Answer

12 inches

Answer

NEC 410.16(C)(1) specifies a minimum clearance of 12 inches for surface-mounted incandescent or LED luminaires with a completely enclosed light source installed on the wall above the door or on the ceiling. This clearance is required to prevent the heat from the fixture from igniting combustible materials.

Question 5

According to NEC 404.12, metal enclosures for switches and circuit breakers must be connected to what?

Accepted Answer

An equipment grounding conductor.

Answer

NEC 404.12 requires that metal enclosures for switches or circuit breakers be connected to an equipment grounding conductor. This creates an effective ground-fault current path to ensure that overcurrent devices will operate in the event of a fault to the enclosure.

NEC Practice Test

NEC Practice Test

NEC Equipment for General Use Questions and Answers