NEC General Requirements and Definitions Questions and Answers 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: According to NEC Article 90, what is the primary purpose of the National Electrical Code?
- To serve as a design specification and instruction manual for electricians.
- To guarantee the efficiency, convenience, and adequacy of electrical installations.
- To provide a minimum standard for electrical installations to ensure they are free from hazards.
- The practical safeguarding of persons and property from hazards arising from the use of electricity. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: The practical safeguarding of persons and property from hazards arising from the use of electricity.
NEC 90.1(A) explicitly states, 'The purpose of this Code is the practical safeguarding of persons and property from hazards arising from the use of electricity.' It is not intended as a design manual or to ensure efficiency, but to establish a minimum safety standard.
Question 2: An electrical panel is located in a closet, but the door to the closet is locked, and a key is required for access. According to the definition in Article 100, is the equipment inside considered 'Readily Accessible'?
- No, because a tool (the key) is required to gain access.
- Yes, as long as the key is available to authorized personnel.
- Yes, because the use of a key does not prevent the equipment from being considered readily accessible. (Correct answer)
- No, because equipment in a closet is never considered readily accessible.
Correct answer: Yes, because the use of a key does not prevent the equipment from being considered readily accessible.
The definition of 'Accessible, Readily' in Article 100 was revised to clarify this exact scenario. It states that equipment is capable of being reached quickly without requiring those to whom ready access is requisite to use tools (other than keys). Therefore, a locked door requiring a key does not, by itself, make the equipment not readily accessible.
Question 3: Which of the following best defines a 'Qualified Person' as described in NEC Article 100?
- Any individual who has completed a certified apprenticeship program.
- A person with a recognized degree or professional standing in an electrical field.
- One who has skills and knowledge related to the construction and operation of electrical equipment and installations and has received safety training to recognize and avoid the hazards involved. (Correct answer)
- An individual who is authorized by the property owner to perform electrical work.
Correct answer: One who has skills and knowledge related to the construction and operation of electrical equipment and installations and has received safety training to recognize and avoid the hazards involved.
NEC Article 100 defines a 'Qualified Person' as: 'One who has skills and knowledge related to the construction and operation of the electrical equipment and installations and has received safety training to recognize and avoid the hazards involved.' This definition emphasizes both knowledge/skills and specific safety training, which is more comprehensive than just having a degree or authorization.
Question 4: A new piece of electrical equipment is being installed. According to NEC 110.3(B), what is the installer's responsibility regarding the manufacturer's instructions included with the listed and labeled equipment?
- The instructions are only recommendations and can be disregarded if the installer has a better method.
- The equipment must be installed and used in accordance with any instructions included in the listing or labeling. (Correct answer)
- The instructions only need to be followed if the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) specifically requests it.
- Only the instructions related to the voltage rating must be followed.
Correct answer: The equipment must be installed and used in accordance with any instructions included in the listing or labeling.
NEC 110.3(B) requires that listed or labeled equipment shall be installed and used in accordance with any instructions included in the listing or labeling. This is a mandatory requirement, ensuring the equipment is used as it was tested and certified for safety.
Question 5: In a commercial building, an electrician needs to install new conductors in a damp location. According to NEC Article 110, which of the following is required?
- The conductors can be any standard type as long as they are in a sealed conduit.
- The conductors must be specifically identified for use in damp locations. (Correct answer)
- An overcurrent protection device with a lower rating must be used.
- The installation must be inspected by the utility company before energizing.
Correct answer: The conductors must be specifically identified for use in damp locations.
NEC 110.11, Deteriorating Agents, states that unless identified for use in the operating environment, no conductors or equipment shall be located in damp or wet locations or where exposed to other agents that have a deteriorating effect. Therefore, the conductors must be specifically identified (e.g., marked THWN) for this environment.
Question 6: Which of the following types of equipment is specifically NOT permitted to be reconditioned according to the NEC?
- Panelboards
- Transformers
- Molded-case circuit breakers (Correct answer)
- Motor control centers
Correct answer: Molded-case circuit breakers
The NEC has specific rules about what equipment can and cannot be reconditioned due to its critical role in safety. NEC 240.88 explicitly prohibits the reconditioning of molded-case circuit breakers. Other prohibited items include GFCI and AFCI devices.
NEC General Requirements and Definitions Questions and Answers 1
According to NEC Article 90, what is the primary purpose of the National Electrical Code?