Practice Test Geeks(NHIE) National Home Inspector Examination Practice Test
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Electrical Systems Flashcards

7 cards from real NHIE practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Electrical Systems flashcards as text

  1. A home inspector finds aluminum wiring connected to a standard copper-rated outlet. What is the primary concern?

    Answer: Aluminum and copper expand at different rates, causing loose connections and fire risk

    Dissimilar metal expansion rates cause connections to loosen over time, creating arcing and fire hazards.

  2. What is the minimum clearance required between the top of a residential service panel and the ceiling?

    Answer: 36 inches

    NEC requires 36 inches of headroom clearance above electrical equipment requiring examination or maintenance.

  3. A home inspector observes double-tapped breakers in a panel. Which scenario is acceptable?

    Answer: Only on breakers specifically listed and labeled for two conductors

    Some breakers are UL-listed to accept two conductors; this is noted in the manufacturer's listing.

  4. What does a GFCI receptacle protect against that a standard circuit breaker does not?

    Answer: Ground faults where current takes an unintended path through a person

    GFCI devices trip when they detect as little as 4–6 mA of current imbalance, protecting against electrocution.

  5. During an inspection, a home inspector notes that the grounding electrode conductor is spliced. What should the inspector report?

    Answer: The grounding electrode conductor must be continuous without splices

    NEC requires the grounding electrode conductor to run without splices from the panel to the grounding electrode.

  6. What is the purpose of the main bonding jumper in a service panel?

    Answer: It connects the neutral bar to the grounding bar in the main panel

    The main bonding jumper connects the neutral (grounded) conductor to the equipment grounding conductor at the service entrance.

  7. A home inspector finds knob-and-tube wiring in an attic that has been buried under blown-in insulation. Why is this a concern?

    Answer: Knob-and-tube relies on air circulation for cooling and insulation removes this

    Knob-and-tube wiring was designed to dissipate heat through open air; burying it in insulation can cause overheating and fire.