Tennessee Limited Licensed Electrician (LLE) — Questions and Answers

Question 1: Which of the following scenarios describes an 'overload' condition rather than a short circuit or ground fault?

A power tool's cord is damaged, causing the hot and neutral wires to make contact.
A circuit continues to operate, but with excessive current drawn by equipment connected to it, causing the conductor to heat up. (Correct answer)
An ungrounded 'hot' conductor accidentally touches a metal junction box.
Insulation between two conductors fails, allowing them to touch.

Correct answer: A circuit continues to operate, but with excessive current drawn by equipment connected to it, causing the conductor to heat up.

An overload is a type of overcurrent that occurs when excessive current is confined to the normal current-carrying path, often due to connecting too many loads or faulty equipment. This causes overheating. A short circuit or ground fault involves current flowing outside of its intended path.

Question 2: Per NEC 440.12, what is the minimum number of disconnecting means permitted for an air-conditioning unit?

Two — one for power, one for control
One per motor
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 3: Per NEC 310.15(B)(7), what ampacity method applies to 120/240V, single-phase dwelling service conductors?

Standard Table 310.16 values apply
A special table with higher ampacities for service entrance conductors (Correct answer)
83% of the standard ampacity
Conductors may be sized one trade size smaller

Correct answer: A special table with higher ampacities for service entrance conductors

NEC 310.15(B)(7) provides a special table with higher ampacities specifically for dwelling unit service and feeder conductors because of the diversity of residential loads.

Question 4: Which of the following actions would most likely INCREASE the available fault current at a panelboard?

Increasing the length of the feeder conductors
Replacing the upstream transformer with a larger kVA unit (Correct answer)
Using smaller gauge feeder conductors
Adding more non-continuous loads to the panel

Correct answer: Replacing the upstream transformer with a larger kVA unit

The size of the upstream transformer is a primary factor in determining available fault current; a larger kVA transformer has a lower internal impedance and can deliver more current during a fault. Longer or smaller conductors would add impedance and decrease fault current.

Question 5: What does NEC 300.4(A)(1) require when NM cable passes through bored holes in wood framing members?

The cable must be in conduit through the wood
No specific requirements
The hole must be at least 1.25 inches from the nearest edge of the wood member, or a steel nail plate must be used (Correct answer)
The hole must be centered exactly in the stud

Correct answer: The hole must be at least 1.25 inches from the nearest edge of the wood member, or a steel nail plate must be used

NEC 300.4(A)(1) requires bored holes to be at least 1-1/4 inches from the nearest edge of the wood member. If this distance cannot be maintained, a 1/16-inch steel plate must protect the cable.

Question 6: A Tennessee LLE is sizing a service for a small commercial office with 4,000 sq ft. Using NEC Table 220.12 at 3.5 VA/sq ft, what is the calculated general lighting load?

10,000 VA
4,000 VA
14,000 VA (Correct answer)
12,000 VA

Correct answer: 14,000 VA

4,000 sq ft x 3.5 VA/sq ft = 14,000 VA for the general lighting load before demand factors.

Question 7: 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 8: Per NEC 210.12, where is AFCI protection required in a dwelling unit?

Every room including bathrooms
All areas except bathrooms, garages, and outdoors (Correct answer)
Bedrooms and living rooms
Only bedrooms

Correct answer: All areas except bathrooms, garages, and outdoors

NEC 210.12(A) requires AFCI protection for 120V, 15- and 20-ampere branch circuits supplying outlets in most dwelling unit areas, with specific exemptions.

Question 9: According to NEC 110.12, what general standard applies to the workmanship of all electrical installations?

Installations must be neat and workmanlike (Correct answer)
Work must pass visual inspection only
Only licensed electricians may perform installations
Any method is acceptable if it functions properly

Correct answer: Installations must be neat and workmanlike

NEC 110.12 requires that electrical equipment be installed in a neat and workmanlike manner, which is a subjective but enforceable standard.

Question 10: Per NEC 240.4(B), when can the next standard size overcurrent device be used above the conductor ampacity?

Always
When the ampacity does not correspond to a standard device rating AND the circuit does not supply multioutlet receptacle branch circuits (Correct answer)
Never — the OCPD must always be at or below conductor ampacity
Only for motor circuits

Correct answer: When the ampacity does not correspond to a standard device rating AND the circuit does not supply multioutlet receptacle branch circuits

NEC 240.4(B) permits the next higher standard overcurrent device rating when the conductor ampacity doesn't match a standard size, provided the circuit isn't a multioutlet receptacle branch circuit.

Question 11: According to the NEC, what is the primary purpose of bonding an electrical system?

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

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 12: What is the minimum number of 20-ampere small-appliance branch circuits required for the kitchen in a dwelling unit per NEC 210.11(C)(1)?

3
1
2 (Correct answer)
4

Correct answer: 2

NEC 210.11(C)(1) requires a minimum of two 20-ampere small-appliance branch circuits serving the kitchen and dining areas.

Question 13: 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 14: According to NEC Article 440, a disconnecting means for an air-conditioning unit must be located within sight from the unit. What is the maximum distance to be considered "within sight"?

50 feet (Correct answer)
25 feet
75 feet
100 feet

Correct answer: 50 feet

The term "In Sight From" is defined in NEC Article 100 as being visible and not more than 50 feet distant from the other. This rule ensures a technician can safely de-energize the unit while working on it.

Question 15: When are supplemental ground rods required in addition to a single ground rod per NEC 250.53(A)(2)?

When the single rod does not achieve 25 ohms or less to ground (Correct answer)
Only in commercial installations
Always — a single rod is never sufficient
Only when the soil is sandy

Correct answer: When the single rod does not achieve 25 ohms or less to ground

NEC 250.53(A)(2) requires a supplemental electrode when a single ground rod cannot be shown to have a resistance of 25 ohms or less to ground.

Question 16: Per NEC 334.80, what limitation applies to NM cable when installed in thermal insulation?

NM cable must be derated to the 75 degrees C column
NM cable cannot be installed in insulation
A derating factor of 50% applies
Ampacity must be based on the 60 degrees C conductor rating (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Ampacity must be based on the 60 degrees C conductor rating

NEC 334.80 requires that the ampacity of NM cable installed in thermal insulation be based on the 60 degrees C conductor temperature rating.

Question 17: Per NEC 440.65, what additional protection is required for single-phase residential HVAC equipment rated at 250 volts or less?

HACR-type circuit breaker
AFCI protection
Surge protection
Listed LCDI or AFCI protection cord set (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Listed LCDI or AFCI protection cord set

NEC 440.65 requires cord-and-plug-connected single-phase HVAC equipment rated 250 volts or less to be provided with one of several specified protection methods including LCDI or AFCI protection.

Question 18: Per NEC 250.64(A), what protection is required for aluminum or copper-clad aluminum grounding electrode conductors?

They must not be installed where subject to physical damage or corrosive conditions, and must not be in contact with masonry or earth (Correct answer)
No special protection required
They require a special coating
They must be in conduit at all times

Correct answer: They must not be installed where subject to physical damage or corrosive conditions, and must not be in contact with masonry or earth

NEC 250.64(A) prohibits aluminum or copper-clad aluminum GECs from being used where in direct contact with masonry, earth, or where subject to corrosive conditions.

Question 19: According to NEC 110.9, an overcurrent protective device's interrupting rating must be:

Equal to the circuit's continuous load.
Less than the available fault current.
Exactly 125% of the conductor ampacity.
Equal to or greater than the available fault current. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Equal to or greater than the available fault current.

NEC 110.9 is a fundamental safety rule stating that equipment intended to interrupt current at fault levels must have an interrupting rating sufficient for the current that is available at the line terminals of the equipment. This means the device's rating must be equal to or greater than the available fault current.

Question 20: Which component is used to store electrical energy in an electric field?

Capacitor (Correct answer)
Transformer
Inductor
Resistor

Correct answer: Capacitor

A capacitor is an electrical component designed to store electrical energy in an electric field. It consists of two conductive plates separated by a dielectric (insulating) material. When a voltage is applied, charge accumulates on the plates, storing energy that can be released later.

Question 21: Per NEC 230.70, where must the service disconnecting means be located?

In the basement only
At the utility meter only
At the nearest point of entrance of the service conductors, readily accessible inside or outside the building (Correct answer)
Anywhere the homeowner prefers

Correct answer: At the nearest point of entrance of the service conductors, readily accessible inside or outside the building

NEC 230.70(A)(1) requires the service disconnect to be installed at a readily accessible location nearest the point of entrance of the service conductors.

Question 22: Per NEC 210.52(A), what is the maximum spacing between receptacle outlets along a wall in a dwelling unit?

8 feet
12 feet
No point along the wall should be more than 6 feet from a receptacle (Correct answer)
6 feet

Correct answer: No point along the wall should be more than 6 feet from a receptacle

NEC 210.52(A)(1) requires receptacles so that no point along the floor line of any wall space is more than 6 feet from a receptacle outlet.

Question 23: A feeder is installed to supply a subpanel in a detached garage. Which of the following is required for the feeder?

It must have a disconnect within sight of the main panel.
It must be installed in rigid metal conduit only.
It must include an equipment grounding conductor. (Correct answer)
It must be protected by a GFCI breaker at the source.

Correct answer: It must include an equipment grounding conductor.

NEC 215.6 requires that a feeder supplying a separate building include an equipment grounding conductor for grounding the non-current-carrying metal parts of equipment. This ensures a low-impedance path for fault current back to the source.

Question 24: 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)
They must be bonded together as in the main panel
An additional bonding jumper is required
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 25: What is the minimum trade size EMT conduit permitted for general wiring per NEC 358.20?

1/2 inch (Correct answer)
3/8 inch
3/4 inch
1/4 inch

Correct answer: 1/2 inch

NEC 358.20(A) establishes 1/2-inch (metric designator 16) as the minimum trade size for EMT.

Question 26: What is the maximum rating of the feeder overcurrent protection device when supplying multiple motors per NEC 430.62?

Standard next size up from the calculated feeder ampacity
250% of total motor load
125% of total motor FLC
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 27: Per NEC 314.27(A)(1), what minimum weight must a standard outlet box be listed to support for a ceiling-mounted luminaire?

35 pounds
25 pounds
50 pounds (Correct answer)
No minimum weight requirement

Correct answer: 50 pounds

NEC 314.27(A)(1) requires that outlet boxes used as the sole support for luminaires must be listed for the weight to be supported, with a minimum of 50 pounds.

Question 28: Under NEC 350.60, Flexible Metal Conduit (FMC) is permitted to serve as the sole equipment grounding conductor only if the total ground return path length does not exceed:

6 feet (Correct answer)
8 feet
3 feet
10 feet

Correct answer: 6 feet

NEC 350.60 permits FMC to serve as the equipment grounding conductor if the ground return path length does not exceed 6 feet and the circuit overcurrent device does not exceed 20 amperes.

Question 29: A commercial occupancy has 100 general-purpose duplex receptacles. What is the calculated load for these receptacles after applying demand factors?

14,000 VA (Correct answer)
18,000 VA
9,000 VA
10,000 VA

Correct answer: 14,000 VA

Per NEC 220.14(I), each receptacle outlet is calculated at 180 VA. The total connected load is 100 outlets x 180 VA = 18,000 VA. According to NEC 220.44, the first 10 kVA (10,000 VA) is taken at 100%, and the remainder (8,000 VA) is at 50%. The calculated load is 10,000 VA + (8,000 VA x 0.50) = 14,000 VA.

Question 30: A residential service is supplied by 2/0 AWG copper service-entrance conductors. What is the minimum size copper Grounding Electrode Conductor (GEC) required for a connection to a ground rod?

4 AWG
2 AWG
8 AWG
6 AWG (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 6 AWG

According to NEC Article 250.66(A), the grounding electrode conductor connected to a rod, pipe, or plate electrode is not required to be larger than 6 AWG copper unless it continues on to bond other electrodes. Even though Table 250.66 would require a larger conductor based on the 2/0 service conductors for other types of electrodes, the connection to a ground rod has this specific exception.

Question 31: What is the purpose of ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protection on construction sites per NEC 590.6?

To protect equipment from power surges
To prevent overloads on temporary circuits
To prevent unauthorized use of temporary power
To detect imbalances in current flow and disconnect before lethal shock occurs (Correct answer)

Correct answer: To detect imbalances in current flow and disconnect before lethal shock occurs

GFCI protection detects current imbalances as small as 4-6 milliamps and rapidly disconnects the circuit to prevent electrocution.

Question 32: What is the minimum approach distance for unqualified personnel working near exposed energized parts according to OSHA standards?

6 feet
1 foot
10 feet (Correct answer)
3 feet

Correct answer: 10 feet

According to OSHA standards, the minimum approach distance for unqualified personnel working near exposed energized parts is 10 feet. This distance is established to prevent accidental contact with live electrical components, which could lead to severe injury or electrocution. Maintaining this safe zone is crucial for protecting individuals who do not have the training or equipment to work directly with electricity.

Question 33: What is the minimum service size required for a single-family dwelling per NEC 230.79(C)?

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

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 34: What is the minimum depth of a 4-inch square metal box commonly used at junction points?

1-5/8 inches
1-1/4 inches
1-1/2 inches
2-1/8 inches (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 2-1/8 inches

A standard 4-inch square (4S) box commonly used at junction points is 2-1/8 inches deep, providing 30.3 cubic inches of volume.

Question 35: When performing a commercial load calculation, the largest motor in the building gets what additional demand applied per NEC 220.50?

No additional demand
100% of its locked-rotor current
50% of its nameplate rating
25% of its full-load current added (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 25% of its full-load current added

Per NEC 220.50, the feeder or service must include 25% of the highest-rated motor load in addition to the total calculated load.

Question 36: Which of the following wiring methods is NOT permitted in wet locations?

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

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

Remove it from service immediately and tag it as defective (Correct answer)
Report it at the end of the work day
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 38: Per NEC 300.5(G), conduits or raceways that enter a building from underground must:

Be sealed or plugged to prevent moisture or gases from entering the structure (Correct answer)
Use only RMC for the final 5 feet before building entry
Be equipped with a drain fitting at the lowest point of the conduit run
Terminate in a NEMA 4 enclosure at the point of 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 39: What does the NEC require for working space illumination around electrical equipment per 110.26(D)?

Adequate illumination must be provided (Correct answer)
A minimum of 50 foot-candles is required
Natural light is sufficient
Illumination is only required for 480V and above

Correct answer: Adequate illumination must be provided

NEC 110.26(D) simply requires that illumination be provided for all working spaces around electrical equipment without specifying a minimum foot-candle level.

Question 40: 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.

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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120 min

Time Limit

73%

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