Tennessee Limited Licensed Electrician (LLE) — Questions and Answers

Question 1: What determines the minimum branch-circuit conductor size for a single hermetic refrigerant motor-compressor per NEC 440.32?

115% of the locked-rotor current
The nameplate rated-load current (Correct answer)
The nameplate minimum circuit ampacity
125% of the rated-load current

Correct answer: The nameplate rated-load current

Per NEC 440.32, the branch-circuit conductor size for a single motor-compressor must not be less than 125% of the rated-load current OR the branch-circuit selection current, whichever is greater.

Question 2: Under NEC 358.30, EMT (Electrical Metallic Tubing) must be secured at intervals not exceeding:

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

Correct answer: 10 feet

NEC 358.30 requires EMT to be secured at least every 10 feet and within 3 feet of each outlet box, junction box, or other enclosure.

Question 3: Per NEC Table 310.15(C)(1), when 4 to 6 current-carrying conductors are bundled together in a raceway, the ampacity must be derated to what percentage of the base table value?

50%
60%
70%
80% (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 80%

NEC Table 310.15(C)(1) requires an 80% derating factor when 4 to 6 current-carrying conductors are bundled in the same raceway.

Question 4: What NEC article covers the requirements for swimming pool, fountain, and similar installation wiring?

Article 625
Article 680 (Correct answer)
Article 700
Article 422

Correct answer: Article 680

NEC Article 680 covers swimming pools, fountains, hot tubs, spas, and similar installations with specific wiring and bonding requirements.

Question 5: When installing a mini-split HVAC system, what is the NEC requirement for the outdoor unit's disconnecting means?

No disconnect is required for units under 1 HP
A disconnect inside the building near the indoor unit
A disconnect within sight from the outdoor unit (Correct answer)
Only a circuit breaker at the panel is required

Correct answer: A disconnect within sight from the outdoor unit

NEC 440.14 requires a disconnecting means within sight from and readily accessible from the equipment, which applies to mini-split outdoor units.

Question 6: What is the calculated load for 40 linear feet of show-window lighting in a retail store?

4,000 VA
8,000 VA (Correct answer)
6,000 VA
10,000 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 7: What is the maximum rating of the feeder overcurrent protection device when supplying multiple motors per NEC 430.62?

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

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

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

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 9: Per NEC 314.16, how is the volume allowance calculated for device boxes?

By counting only the number of conductors
By measuring the physical box dimensions only
By the wire gauge size only
By counting conductors, devices, clamps, and grounding conductors using specific volume allowances (Correct answer)

Correct answer: By counting conductors, devices, clamps, and grounding conductors using specific volume allowances

NEC 314.16(B) requires counting conductors and assigning volume allowances based on conductor size, plus allowances for devices, clamps, and equipment grounding conductors.

Question 10: A panelboard is marked "Suitable for use as service equipment only when not more than six main circuit breakers are installed." This is an example of what NEC rule?

The Tap Rule (240.21)
The Six Disconnect Rule (230.71) (Correct answer)
The Series Rating Rule (240.86)
The Interrupting Rating Rule (110.9)

Correct answer: The Six Disconnect Rule (230.71)

This marking relates directly to NEC 230.71, which permits up to six switches or circuit breakers to serve as the service disconnecting means. The panelboard's listing and marking ensure it is used in compliance with this 'six-handle rule' for service equipment.

Question 11: Per NEC 314.27(A)(1), what minimum weight must a standard outlet box be listed to support for a ceiling-mounted luminaire?

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

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

Twice the circuit breaker rating
The available fault current at the line terminals (Correct answer)
The normal operating current
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 13: What condition can cause a three-phase motor to overheat even when total current appears normal?

Clean power supply
Proper ventilation
Voltage imbalance between the three phases (Correct answer)
Running at full rated load

Correct answer: Voltage imbalance between the three phases

Voltage imbalance between phases causes unequal current distribution in motor windings, leading to hot spots and overheating even when average current appears normal.

Question 14: Per NEC 220.14(H), what VA per linear foot is used for multioutlet assemblies where simultaneous use is likely in a commercial setting?

90 VA per foot
180 VA per 5-foot section
360 VA per foot
180 VA per foot (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 180 VA per foot

When simultaneous use of multioutlet assemblies is likely, NEC 220.14(H)(2) requires 180 VA per foot of the assembly.

Question 15: What is the standard voltage for most residential electrical systems in the United States?

130/250 volts
120/240 volts (Correct answer)
140/260 volts
110/220 volts

Correct answer: 120/240 volts

The standard voltage for most residential electrical systems in the United States is 120/240 volts. This means that individual circuits typically provide 120 volts for general-purpose outlets and lighting, while larger appliances like ovens and clothes dryers use 240 volts. This dual voltage system efficiently powers a wide range of household devices.

Question 16: According to the National Electrical Code (NEC), how often should electrical outlets be placed in a residential home?

Every 12 feet
Every 10 feet
Every 8 feet
Every 6 feet (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Every 6 feet

According to the National Electrical Code (NEC), electrical outlets should be placed every 6 feet in a residential home, meaning no point along the wall line should be more than 6 feet from an outlet. This ensures convenient access to power without relying excessively on extension cords, which can be a fire hazard. This rule applies to habitable rooms and hallways.

Question 17: Why is it important to disconnect power before performing electrical work?

To reduce workload
To prevent accidental shock or injury (Correct answer)
To save energy
To comply with regulations

Correct answer: To prevent accidental shock or injury

It is critically important to disconnect power before performing electrical work to prevent accidental shock or injury. Working on energized circuits exposes individuals to severe risks, including electrocution, burns, and arc flashes. De-energizing the circuit ensures a safe working environment and is a fundamental safety practice.

Question 18: What is the minimum service size required for a single-family dwelling per NEC 230.79(C)?

100 amperes (Correct answer)
200 amperes
150 amperes
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 19: What is the minimum trade size of Schedule 40 PVC conduit required to enclose three 6 AWG THWN conductors and two 8 AWG THWN conductors?

1" (Correct answer)
1-1/4"
1-1/2"
3/4"

Correct answer: 1"

First, find the area of each conductor from Chapter 9, Table 5: 6 AWG THWN = 0.0507 sq. in. and 8 AWG THWN = 0.0366 sq. in. Calculate total area: (3 x 0.0507) + (2 x 0.0366) = 0.1521 + 0.0732 = 0.2253 sq. in. Using Chapter 9, Table 4 for PVC Sch 40 and the 40% fill column (for over 2 wires), a 3/4" conduit allows 0.213 sq. in. (too small) and a 1" conduit allows 0.346 sq. in. Therefore, 1" is the minimum size.

Question 20: What is the primary purpose of using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when working with electricity?

To protect against electrical hazards (Correct answer)
To improve tool handling
To increase comfort
To enhance visibility

Correct answer: To protect against electrical hazards

The primary purpose of using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when working with electricity is to protect against electrical hazards. PPE such as insulated gloves, safety glasses, and flame-resistant clothing creates a barrier between the worker and potential dangers like electric shock, arc flash, and burns. This significantly reduces the risk of injury or fatality.

Question 21: Per NEC 110.24, what marking is required on service equipment regarding fault current?

No marking is required
A warning label about shock hazard only
The maximum available fault current and date of calculation must be marked (Correct answer)
Only the breaker AIC rating needs to be visible

Correct answer: The maximum available fault current and date of calculation must be marked

NEC 110.24(A) requires service equipment (other than dwelling units) to be legibly marked with the maximum available fault current and the date the calculation was performed.

Question 22: What is the minimum size copper bonding jumper required for a 200A service per NEC Table 250.66?

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

Correct answer: 4 AWG

Per NEC Table 250.66, a 200A service with 2/0 AWG copper or 4/0 AWG aluminum service conductors requires a minimum 4 AWG copper grounding electrode conductor, which is also the basis for the bonding jumper.

Question 23: Per NEC 314.16(B)(5), how many volume allowances does a single-gang yoke or strap with a device (switch or receptacle) count as?

No volume allowance
Three volume allowances
Two volume allowances (Correct answer)
One volume allowance

Correct answer: Two volume allowances

NEC 314.16(B)(5) counts each device or yoke/strap as two volume allowances of the largest conductor connected to the device.

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: An overhead service drop, with a voltage not exceeding 300V between conductors, passes over a residential roof with a 3-in-12 pitch. According to NEC 230.24(A), what is the minimum vertical clearance that must be maintained above the roof surface?

10 feet
18 inches
3 feet
8 feet (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 8 feet

NEC 230.24(A) generally requires an 8-foot vertical clearance over roofs. An exception exists for roofs with a slope of 4 in 12 or greater, which allows a reduction to 3 feet. Since the roof pitch is 3-in-12 (less than 4-in-12), the general requirement of 8 feet applies.

Question 26: What is the minimum arc flash PPE category for work on a 480V motor control center with the doors open per NFPA 70E Table 130.7(C)(15)(a)?

Category 4
Category 1
Category 3
Category 2 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Category 2

NFPA 70E Table 130.7(C)(15)(a) typically assigns PPE Category 2 for working on 480V MCCs with doors open under normal conditions.

Question 27: According to NEC 230.70(A)(1), the service disconnecting means shall be installed at a readily accessible location:

In the attic space above the garage
Inside a locked electrical room
Either outside or inside nearest the point of entrance (Correct answer)
Within 50 feet of the service point

Correct answer: Either outside or inside nearest the point of entrance

The code requires the service disconnect to be located where it can be accessed quickly in an emergency. This must be either outside the building or inside nearest the point where the service conductors enter.

Question 28: 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)
Always — a single rod is never sufficient
Only when the soil is sandy
Only in commercial installations

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 29: What is the difference between 'grounding' and 'bonding' as defined by the NEC?

Bonding is for lightning protection; grounding is for fault protection
Grounding is for AC systems; bonding is for DC systems
Grounding connects to the earth; bonding connects conductive parts together to ensure electrical continuity (Correct answer)
They mean the same thing

Correct answer: Grounding connects to the earth; bonding connects conductive parts together to ensure electrical continuity

The NEC defines grounding as connecting to the earth, while bonding is connecting conductive parts together to establish electrical continuity and conductivity.

Question 30: An electrician is installing a run of 1/2-inch Electrical Metallic Tubing (EMT) on the surface of a wall. According to NEC Article 358, what is the maximum permitted spacing between supports for this raceway?

5 feet
3 feet
12 feet
10 feet (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 10 feet

NEC 358.30(A) states that EMT shall be securely fastened in place at least every 3 m (10 ft). Additionally, a support is required within 3 feet of each termination point like a box or conduit body.

Question 31: What is the maximum voltage rating for Type NM cable per NEC 334.116?

1000 volts
300 volts
600 volts (Correct answer)
150 volts

Correct answer: 600 volts

NEC 334.116 states that NM cable shall be rated at 600 volts.

Question 32: 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)?

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

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 33: What does the term "lockout/tagout" refer to in electrical safety?

A method for organizing tools
A way to label circuit breakers
A procedure to ensure machinery is properly shut off and not restarted during maintenance (Correct answer)
A system for tracking equipment usage

Correct answer: A procedure to ensure machinery is properly shut off and not restarted during maintenance

"Lockout/tagout" refers to a crucial safety procedure used to ensure machinery or equipment is properly shut off and cannot be restarted during maintenance or servicing. This involves physically locking the energy isolating device in the safe position and attaching a tag to inform others that the equipment is being worked on. This prevents unexpected energization and protects workers from hazardous energy release.

Question 34: 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 located within sight of the service disconnect.
It can only be used in residential occupancies.
It must have a maximum of six circuit breakers.
It must be protected by an overcurrent device on its supply side. (Correct answer)

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 35: 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)
Electric Shock Hazard
High Voltage

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 36: What is the effect of longer conductor runs on available fault current?

Fault current doubles
Fault current decreases (Correct answer)
No effect on fault current
Fault current increases

Correct answer: Fault current decreases

Longer conductor runs add impedance to the fault path, which reduces the available fault current at the downstream end.

Question 37: Per NEC 250.52, which of the following qualifies as a grounding electrode?

A wooden fence post
A 10-foot metal water pipe in direct contact with the earth (Correct answer)
Any metal object touching the ground
A gas pipe

Correct answer: A 10-foot metal water pipe in direct contact with the earth

NEC 250.52(A)(1) recognizes a metal underground water pipe in direct contact with the earth for 10 feet or more as a grounding electrode.

Question 38: Which of the following BEST describes an 'effective ground-fault current path'?

The structural steel frame of a building that is in direct contact with the earth.
A connection to the earth through a grounding electrode with a resistance of 25 ohms or less.
An intentionally constructed, low-impedance conductive path designed to carry current under fault conditions from the point of a ground fault to the electrical supply source. (Correct answer)
A path that utilizes the grounded (neutral) conductor to clear a fault.

Correct answer: An intentionally constructed, low-impedance conductive path designed to carry current under fault conditions from the point of a ground fault to the electrical supply source.

An effective ground-fault current path is a core concept in Article 250. It is an intentionally created, permanent, and electrically continuous path of low impedance designed to safely carry fault current back to the source, which allows the overcurrent protective device to operate. It is composed of equipment grounding conductors, raceways, and enclosures.

Question 39: Per OSHA regulations, at what voltage level do electrical safety standards begin to apply for work on exposed energized conductors?

120 volts
240 volts
50 volts (Correct answer)
24 volts

Correct answer: 50 volts

OSHA considers voltages above 50 volts as potentially hazardous, and electrical safety work practices apply at this threshold.

Question 40: In a series circuit, if you add more resistors, what happens to the total resistance?

It doubles
It decreases
It remains the same
It increases (Correct answer)

Correct answer: It increases

In a series circuit, components are connected end-to-end, forming a single path for current. When more resistors are added in series, their individual resistances directly add up to the total resistance of the circuit. Therefore, adding more resistors always causes the total resistance to increase.

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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