General Electrical Theory & Code Definitions Flashcards
7 cards from real NEC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 General Electrical Theory & Code Definitions flashcards as text
What is the NEC definition of 'ground fault'?
Answer: An unintentional, electrically conducting connection between an ungrounded conductor and a normally non-current-carrying conductor or conductive material
NEC Article 100 defines a ground fault as an unintentional, electrically conducting connection between an ungrounded conductor of an electrical circuit and the normally non-current-carrying conductors, metallic enclosures, or earth.
Which law states that the total power in an electrical circuit equals the sum of the powers consumed by each element?
Answer: Watt's Law (Conservation of Energy)
The conservation of energy principle (Watt's Law) states that total power supplied to a circuit equals the sum of the power consumed by all individual elements.
According to the NEC, what is an 'authority having jurisdiction' (AHJ)?
Answer: An organization, office, or individual responsible for enforcing the requirements of a code
NEC Article 100 defines AHJ as an organization, office, or individual responsible for enforcing the requirements of a code or standard, or their designated representative.
In AC circuits, what does 'power factor' represent?
Answer: The ratio of true power to apparent power
Power factor is the ratio of true (real) power in watts to apparent power in volt-amperes, representing how effectively electrical power is being used.
What is the NEC definition of a 'receptacle'?
Answer: A contact device installed at the outlet for the connection of an attachment plug
NEC Article 100 defines a receptacle as a contact device installed at the outlet for the connection of an attachment plug, or for the direct connection of electrical utilization equipment.
For a purely resistive AC circuit, how does the phase relationship between voltage and current appear?
Answer: Voltage and current are in phase (0° difference)
In a purely resistive circuit, voltage and current are in phase with each other, meaning they reach their peak and zero values at the same time.
What does the NEC term 'accessible (as applied to wiring methods)' mean?
Answer: Capable of being removed or exposed without damaging the building structure
Per NEC Article 100, accessible as applied to wiring methods means capable of being removed or exposed without damaging the building structure or finish, or not permanently closed in by the structure.