Tennessee Limited Licensed Electrician (LLE) — Questions and Answers

Question 1: Per NEC 250.68(A), what is required for grounding electrode conductor connections?

They must be soldered
All connections must be visible at all times
No specific accessibility requirement exists
They must be accessible, except for connections made by listed irreversible compression-type connectors, exothermic welding, or buried connections (Correct answer)

Correct answer: They must be accessible, except for connections made by listed irreversible compression-type connectors, exothermic welding, or buried connections

NEC 250.68(A) requires GEC connections to be accessible except when made with irreversible compression connectors, exothermic welds, or connections to buried electrodes.

Question 2: Per NEC 250.30, what grounding requirements apply to a separately derived system such as a transformer?

Only an equipment ground is needed
The system can share the service grounding electrode only
A system bonding jumper and grounding electrode conductor must be installed at the source (Correct answer)
No grounding is required if the primary is grounded

Correct answer: A system bonding jumper and grounding electrode conductor must be installed at the source

NEC 250.30(A) requires separately derived systems to have a system bonding jumper and a grounding electrode conductor connected to a grounding electrode at or near the source.

Question 3: In a series circuit with three resistors of 10 ohms, 20 ohms, and 30 ohms connected to a 120V source, what is the total current?

2 amperes (Correct answer)
4 amperes
12 amperes
6 amperes

Correct answer: 2 amperes

Total resistance in series = 10 + 20 + 30 = 60 ohms. Current = V/R = 120/60 = 2 amperes.

Question 4: What is the maximum setting for a separate overload protection device for a continuous-duty motor with a nameplate FLC of 40A, a service factor of 1.15, and a temperature rise of 40°C?

60A
40A
46A
50A (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 50A

According to NEC 430.32(A)(1), for a motor with a marked service factor of 1.15 or greater or a marked temperature rise of 40°C or less, the overload device shall be selected at not more than 125% of the motor nameplate FLC. The maximum setting is 40A x 1.25 = 50A.

Question 5: Per NEC 110.9, what must the interrupting rating of equipment be sufficient to handle?

The normal operating current
The available fault current at the line terminals (Correct answer)
Twice the circuit breaker rating
The locked-rotor current of the largest motor

Correct answer: The available fault current at the line terminals

NEC 110.9 requires equipment to have an interrupting rating not less than the nominal circuit voltage and the current that is available at the line terminals.

Question 6: What is the purpose of ground-fault protection of equipment (GFPE) per NEC 230.95?

To protect people from shock
To detect ground faults and disconnect the service to prevent equipment damage and fire on solidly grounded wye services of more than 150V to ground and 1000A or more (Correct answer)
To detect short circuits between phases
To protect against lightning strikes

Correct answer: To detect ground faults and disconnect the service to prevent equipment damage and fire on solidly grounded wye services of more than 150V to ground and 1000A or more

NEC 230.95 requires GFPE on solidly grounded wye services exceeding 150V to ground and 1000A or more to detect arcing ground faults that can cause fires.

Question 7: What is the power consumed by a 240V electric water heater drawing 20 amperes?

960 watts
4,800 watts (Correct answer)
1,200 watts
2,400 watts

Correct answer: 4,800 watts

Power = Voltage x Current = 240V x 20A = 4,800 watts (4.8 kW).

Question 8: Per NEC 440.12, what is the minimum number of disconnecting means permitted for an air-conditioning unit?

One per motor
Two — one for power, one for control
One single disconnect for the entire unit (Correct answer)
Three — compressor, fan, and control

Correct answer: One single disconnect for the entire unit

NEC 440.12 permits a single disconnecting means for the entire unit, provided it disconnects all ungrounded supply conductors.

Question 9: A junction box has straight pulls of 3" Rigid Metal Conduit (RMC) entering and leaving. What is the minimum required length of the box?

18 inches
36 inches
24 inches (Correct answer)
30 inches

Correct answer: 24 inches

NEC 314.28(A)(1) for straight pulls requires the length of the box to be a minimum of eight times the trade diameter of the largest raceway. The calculation is 8 x 3 inches = 24 inches. The box must be at least 24 inches long.

Question 10: What is the minimum service size required for a single-family dwelling per NEC 230.79(C)?

60 amperes
150 amperes
200 amperes
100 amperes (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 100 amperes

NEC 230.79(C) requires that a single-family dwelling service have a minimum rating of 100 amperes, 3-wire.

Question 11: A main-lug-only (MLO) panelboard is installed as a subpanel in a workshop. According to NEC 408.36, which of the following is required?

It must be protected by an overcurrent device on its supply side. (Correct answer)
It must have a maximum of six circuit breakers.
It must be located within sight of the service disconnect.
It can only be used in residential occupancies.

Correct answer: It must be protected by an overcurrent device on its supply side.

NEC 408.36 requires that each panelboard be protected by an overcurrent protective device (OCPD). For a main-lug-only panel, this OCPD must be located on the supply side of the panelboard, typically the breaker in the main panel that feeds the subpanel.

Question 12: What is the maximum rating of the feeder overcurrent protection device when supplying multiple motors per NEC 430.62?

250% of total motor load
125% of total motor FLC
Standard next size up from the calculated feeder ampacity
Largest motor's branch-circuit OCPD rating plus the sum of FLCs of all other motors (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Largest motor's branch-circuit OCPD rating plus the sum of FLCs of all other motors

NEC 430.62(A) limits the feeder OCPD to the largest motor's maximum branch-circuit protective device rating plus the sum of the full-load currents of all other motors.

Question 13: What is the correct procedure if an electrical tool or cord is found to be damaged on a job site?

Report it at the end of the work day
Remove it from service immediately and tag it as defective (Correct answer)
Use it only for light-duty tasks
Wrap it with electrical tape and continue working

Correct answer: Remove it from service immediately and tag it as defective

Damaged tools and cords must be immediately removed from service and tagged or labeled as defective to prevent others from using them.

Question 14: Per NEC 210.52(C), what is the maximum distance a countertop receptacle can be from the end of a kitchen countertop that is 12 inches or wider?

12 inches
24 inches (Correct answer)
No specific requirement
A receptacle must be within the first 24 inches of the countertop end

Correct answer: 24 inches

NEC 210.52(C)(1) requires a receptacle outlet within 24 inches of each end of a continuous countertop space that is 12 inches or wider.

Question 15: A commercial kitchen contains 5 pieces of permanently installed cooking equipment with a total nameplate rating of 60 kW. What is the calculated demand load for this equipment?

48 kW
39 kW
60 kW
42 kW (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 42 kW

NEC 220.56 and the associated Table 220.56 allow for a demand factor to be applied to commercial kitchen equipment. For 5 appliances, the demand factor is 70%. The calculated load is 60 kW x 0.70 = 42 kW.

Question 16: When working on electrical panels, what is the 'one-hand rule' and why is it practiced?

Hold a flashlight in one hand and work with the other
One hand operates the disconnect while the other works
Only use your dominant hand for better control
Keep one hand behind your back or in your pocket to prevent current from flowing through your chest (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Keep one hand behind your back or in your pocket to prevent current from flowing through your chest

The one-hand rule minimizes the chance of creating a hand-to-hand current path through the heart during accidental contact with energized conductors.

Question 17: What is the calculated load for 40 linear feet of show-window lighting in a retail store?

10,000 VA
6,000 VA
8,000 VA (Correct answer)
4,000 VA

Correct answer: 8,000 VA

NEC 220.14(G) requires that show-window lighting be calculated at a minimum of 200 VA per linear foot. Therefore, the total calculated load is 40 ft x 200 VA/ft = 8,000 VA. This load is added to the general lighting load before general lighting demand factors are applied.

Question 18: According to NEC Article 310, which of the following conductor types is suitable for use in a wet location?

THHN
THWN-2 (Correct answer)
TFFN
FFH-2

Correct answer: THWN-2

NEC Table 310.104(A) lists the applications for various conductor insulations. THWN-2 is listed for use in dry, damp, and wet locations. THHN is primarily for dry and damp locations. FFH-2 (Fixture Wire) and TFFN (Fixture Wire) have more restricted uses and are not generally rated for wet locations in this context.

Question 19: Under NEC 300.4(A)(1), where cables pass through bored holes in wood framing, the edge of the hole must be at least how far from the nearest edge of the wood member (or a steel protective plate must be installed)?

1-1/2 inches
1-1/4 inches (Correct answer)
2 inches
1 inch

Correct answer: 1-1/4 inches

NEC 300.4(A)(1) requires the edge of bored holes to be at least 1-1/4 inches from the nearest edge of the wood member to protect cables from nails and screws.

Question 20: What conductor type is required for wet locations per NEC 310.10(C)?

Only underground-rated conductors
Any conductor rated for wet locations such as THWN, XHHW, or USE (Correct answer)
Conductors with lead sheath only
THHN only

Correct answer: Any conductor rated for wet locations such as THWN, XHHW, or USE

NEC 310.10(C) requires conductors in wet locations to be moisture-resistant types listed for the purpose, such as THWN, THWN-2, XHHW, or USE.

Question 21: Per Tennessee state requirements, what training documentation must a Limited Licensed Electrician maintain regarding electrical safety?

Records of safety training relevant to the work performed (Correct answer)
A college degree in electrical safety
No specific documentation required
Only CPR certification

Correct answer: Records of safety training relevant to the work performed

Tennessee licensing requirements include maintaining records of relevant safety training, which may be audited during license renewal or inspections.

Question 22: Per NEC 110.26(A)(1), what is the minimum clear working space depth in front of electrical equipment operating at 120 to 250 volts (Condition 1)?

30 inches
48 inches
42 inches
36 inches (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 36 inches

NEC 110.26(A)(1) Table 110.26(A)(1) requires 36 inches (3 feet) minimum depth for Condition 1 at 120-250V.

Question 23: What is the maximum number of quarter bends (90 degrees) permitted between pull points in a conduit run per NEC 344.26?

No limit if conduit is properly supported
Four (360 degrees total) (Correct answer)
Three (270 degrees total)
Two (180 degrees total)

Correct answer: Four (360 degrees total)

NEC 344.26 limits bends between pull points to a total of 360 degrees, equivalent to four quarter bends.

Question 24: According to NEC Table 300.5, what is the minimum burial depth for Type UF cable used for a 120/240V residential branch circuit?

18 inches
24 inches
6 inches
12 inches (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 12 inches

NEC Table 300.5 requires Type UF cable to be buried a minimum of 12 inches deep for residential branch circuits.

Question 25: Per NEC 358.12, where is EMT (Electrical Metallic Tubing) NOT permitted to be installed?

Above suspended ceilings
In commercial buildings
In residential walls
Where subject to severe physical damage, in cinder concrete, and in hazardous locations (with exceptions) (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Where subject to severe physical damage, in cinder concrete, and in hazardous locations (with exceptions)

NEC 358.12 prohibits EMT where subject to severe physical damage, embedded in cinder concrete unless protected, and in certain hazardous locations.

Question 26: Per NEC 300.5(G), conduits or raceways that enter a building from underground must:

Be equipped with a drain fitting at the lowest point of the conduit run
Be sealed or plugged to prevent moisture or gases from entering the structure (Correct answer)
Terminate in a NEMA 4 enclosure at the point of entry
Use only RMC for the final 5 feet before building entry

Correct answer: Be sealed or plugged to prevent moisture or gases from entering the structure

NEC 300.5(G) requires underground conduits entering a building to be sealed or plugged to prevent moisture or gases from traveling through the conduit into the building.

Question 27: What is the purpose of a current-limiting fuse?

To limit the peak let-through current to a value less than the available fault current (Correct answer)
To reduce starting current on motors
To reduce the electric bill
To prevent voltage spikes

Correct answer: To limit the peak let-through current to a value less than the available fault current

Current-limiting fuses operate fast enough to limit the peak fault current that passes through to a level significantly less than what would flow without the fuse.

Question 28: According to the NEC, what is the primary purpose of bonding an electrical system?

To connect the electrical system to a grounding electrode.
To establish a low-impedance path for fault current to facilitate the operation of overcurrent devices. (Correct answer)
To stabilize voltage to earth during normal operation.
To limit voltage imposed by lightning.

Correct answer: To establish a low-impedance path for fault current to facilitate the operation of overcurrent devices.

The primary purpose of bonding is to create a continuous, low-impedance path for fault current to travel back to the source. This ensures that enough current will flow during a ground fault to trip the circuit breaker or blow the fuse, protecting personnel and equipment. While grounding helps with lightning and voltage stabilization, bonding is specifically for clearing faults.

Question 29: According to NEC 110.16(A), service equipment in other than dwelling units that is likely to require examination while energized must be field marked to warn of what specific hazard?

Lockout/Tagout Required
Potential Arc-Flash Hazards (Correct answer)
High Voltage
Electric Shock Hazard

Correct answer: Potential Arc-Flash Hazards

NEC 110.16(A) requires that such equipment be field-marked to warn qualified persons of potential electric arc-flash hazards. The marking must be located so it is clearly visible to qualified persons before they examine, adjust, service, or perform maintenance on the equipment.

Question 30: In the NEC, what does the term "Readily Accessible" mean?

Capable of being reached for operation, but may require a portable ladder.
Admitting close approach; not guarded by locked doors or elevation.
Visible and not more than 50 feet distant from the equipment.
Capable of being reached quickly for operation, renewal, or inspections without requiring tools to open doors or climbing over obstacles. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Capable of being reached quickly for operation, renewal, or inspections without requiring tools to open doors or climbing over obstacles.

Article 100 defines "Readily Accessible" as capable of being reached quickly for operation or inspection without requiring tools to open doors, climbing over obstacles, or using a portable ladder. This is a higher level of accessibility than just "Accessible."

Question 31: What is the primary purpose of the National Electrical Code (NEC)?

To ensure the efficient use of electricity
To provide a guide for training qualified electricians
To serve as a design specification for electrical installations
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 that the purpose of the 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 an instruction manual for untrained persons.

Question 32: Per NEC 210.8(F), GFCI protection is required for dishwasher branch circuits in dwelling units. What is the voltage and ampere range?

120V, 15A only
120V through 250V, 50A or less (Correct answer)
All voltages and amperages
240V, 30A only

Correct answer: 120V through 250V, 50A or less

NEC 210.8(F) requires GFCI protection for dishwasher branch circuits rated 125V through 250V, 50 amperes or less in dwelling units.

Question 33: What is the calculated general lighting load for a 20,000 sq. ft. office building after applying all applicable demand factors?

41,250 VA (Correct answer)
35,000 VA
70,000 VA
23,750 VA

Correct answer: 41,250 VA

First, calculate the total lighting VA: 20,000 sq. ft. x 3.5 VA/sq. ft. (Table 220.12) = 70,000 VA. Then, apply demand factors from Table 220.42: the first 12,500 VA is at 100%, and the remainder (57,500 VA) is at 50%. The final calculated load is 12,500 VA + (57,500 VA x 0.50) = 41,250 VA.

Question 34: Per NEC 250.122, what is the minimum size equipment grounding conductor for a circuit protected by a 60-ampere overcurrent device?

8 AWG
10 AWG (Correct answer)
14 AWG
12 AWG

Correct answer: 10 AWG

NEC Table 250.122 requires a minimum 10 AWG copper equipment grounding conductor for a 60-ampere rated overcurrent device.

Question 35: An air-conditioning unit has a rated-load current of 18A and a locked-rotor current of 90A. What is the minimum ampere rating for the required disconnecting means?

25A
30A (Correct answer)
18A
20A

Correct answer: 30A

As per NEC 440.12(A)(1), the disconnecting means must have an ampere rating of at least 115% of the motor-compressor's rated-load current. In this case, 18A * 1.15 = 20.7A. A standard 30A non-fused disconnect is the minimum standard size that meets this requirement.

Question 36: When calculating sign lighting load for a commercial building per NEC 220.14(F), what is the minimum VA for each commercial occupancy?

1,800 VA
2,400 VA
600 VA
1,200 VA (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 1,200 VA

NEC 220.14(F) requires a minimum of 1,200 VA for sign or outline lighting for each commercial occupancy with ground-floor frontage.

Question 37: Which of the following wiring methods is NOT permitted in wet locations?

Liquidtight Flexible Metal Conduit (LFMC)
Intermediate Metal Conduit (IMC)
Type NM cable (Correct answer)
Rigid Metal Conduit (RMC)

Correct answer: Type NM cable

Type NM cable is prohibited in wet or damp locations per NEC 334.12; RMC, IMC, and LFMC are all listed for use in wet locations.

Question 38: What is the difference between an inverse-time circuit breaker and an instantaneous-trip circuit breaker?

They are the same device
Instantaneous-trip is faster and always preferred
Inverse-time provides both overload and short-circuit protection; instantaneous-trip provides only short-circuit protection (Correct answer)
Inverse-time is for AC; instantaneous is for DC

Correct answer: Inverse-time provides both overload and short-circuit protection; instantaneous-trip provides only short-circuit protection

Inverse-time breakers have a time-delay element for overload protection plus instantaneous trip for short circuits. Instantaneous-trip breakers respond only to short-circuit level faults.

Question 39: Per NEC 250.24(A)(5), what is the rule regarding neutral-to-ground connections in subpanels?

The grounded conductor (neutral) must not be connected to the equipment grounding conductor or enclosure at subpanels (Correct answer)
An additional bonding jumper is required
They must be bonded together as in the main panel
It depends on the panel manufacturer

Correct answer: The grounded conductor (neutral) must not be connected to the equipment grounding conductor or enclosure at subpanels

NEC 250.24(A)(5) prohibits reconnecting the neutral to ground at any point on the load side of the service disconnecting means, including subpanels.

Question 40: According to NEC 334.12, Type NM cable is prohibited from being installed in which of the following locations?

Interior walls of single-family dwellings
Accessible crawl spaces of one-family homes
Attic spaces above insulation
Embedded in poured concrete or masonry (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Embedded in poured concrete or masonry

NEC 334.12(1) prohibits Type NM cable from being embedded in poured concrete, aggregate, or masonry because the jacket is not rated for such conditions.

Tennessee Limited Licensed Electrician (LLE)

The TN LLE exam certifies electricians to perform limited electrical work in Tennessee, testing knowledge of the National Electrical Code, wiring methods, grounding, overcurrent protection, and load calculations.

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