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JOURNEYMAN NEC 2023 FREE FULL-LENGTH EXAM

California Journeyman Electrician Practice Test - Full-Length Test 1

A full-length, 100-question practice exam covering all 8 core NEC topic areas, weighted the same way the real exam is. Modeled on California's real licensing exam format.

See California electrician licensing requirements, fees & exam format

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100 questions, 240 min, 70% to pass — sized and paced like the California licensing exam. Finish it to see your score and your 3 weakest topics, free.

Open book: the real California exam lets you use the NEC. Keep your code book next to you and practise looking things up.

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TOPICS COVERED
General Requirements Equipment for General Use Wiring and Protection Special Occupancies Load Calculations Wiring Methods and Materials Motor Circuits Special Equipment
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100 questions in 240 minutes, sized and paced like the California journeyman exam.

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How to Use This Practice Test

This California Journeyman Electrician Practice Test - Full-Length Test 1 has 100 questions with detailed answers and NEC references. Take the full test, review every wrong answer, and look up the NEC article it references before moving on.

Tip: This is an open-book exam — tab your NEC index and Articles 210, 250, and 430 before you start.

  • Topics covered: Branch circuits, grounding, wiring methods, load calculations, and motors.
  • Passing score: 70–75% (most states). Aim for 80% on practice tests so the real exam feels easy.
  • Questions: 100 multiple-choice, one correct answer each
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California Journeyman Electrician Practice Test - Full-Length Test 1 — Question List

Question 1: What must be provided for electrical equipment that is exposed to physical damage?

  • Warning signs
  • Working space
  • Enclosures or guards
  • Extra headroom

NEC Reference: NEC 110.27(B)

Question 2: A 3-phase overcurrent device (such as a delta breaker) must not be connected to the bus of a panelboard that has fewer than how many bus bars?

  • 3
  • 2
  • 4
  • 5

NEC Reference: NEC 408.36(C)

Question 3: Instruments, pilot lights and potential transformers on switchboards must be supplied by circuits protected by overcurrent devices rated not more than:

  • 30 amperes
  • 15 amperes
  • 20 amperes
  • 10 amperes

NEC Reference: NEC 408.52

Question 4: A ground ring used as a grounding electrode must encircle the building with at least how many feet of bare copper conductor, and buried at least how deep?

  • At least 10 feet, buried 18 inches deep
  • At least 20 feet, buried 30 inches deep
  • At least 20 feet, buried 18 inches deep
  • At least 30 feet, buried 24 inches deep

NEC Reference: NEC 250.52(A)(4)

Question 5: Amusement rides and attractions must not be located closer than how far in any direction from overhead conductors operating at 600 V or less?

  • 20 feet
  • 15 feet
  • 12 feet
  • 8 feet

NEC Reference: NEC 525.5

Question 6: What is the smallest aluminum conductor permitted for underground service conductors?

  • 8 AWG
  • 6 AWG
  • 10 AWG
  • 12 AWG

NEC Reference: NEC 230.31(B)

Question 7: A feeder serves a heating load of 30 kW and a cooling load of 22 kW, both not in use at the same time. For service-load calculations, the value used is:

  • Sum of both = 52 kW
  • Average = 26 kW
  • Larger only = 30 kW
  • 125% of larger = 37.5 kW

NEC Reference: NEC 220.60

Question 8: A feeder uses two 500 kcmil THWN conductors per phase in parallel. How must the equipment grounding conductor be sized for the parallel set?

  • One EGC sized for the total parallel conductor ampacity is acceptable
  • Each conduit must have its own EGC sized per Table 250.122 for the OCPD rating
  • No EGC is required when using parallel conductors of 500 kcmil or larger
  • The EGC size is based on the conductor size, not the OCPD rating

NEC Reference: NEC 250.122(F)

Question 9: The current carried continuously in bare copper bars in sheet metal auxiliary gutters must not exceed how many amperes per square inch of cross section?

  • 1000 A per sq in
  • 750 A per sq in
  • 700 A per sq in
  • 900 A per sq in

NEC Reference: NEC 366.23

Question 10: What is the minimum load for the required exterior sign or outline lighting for a commercial occupancy as per NEC?

  • 1,200 VA
  • 1,500 VA
  • 1,000 VA
  • 1,800 VA

NEC Reference: NEC 220.14(F)

Question 11: An air conditioning system is fed from its own panel. Per Article 440, the overcurrent protection for the A/C branch circuit is determined by which rule, not just Article 240?

  • Article 240 ampacity rules always govern A/C circuits
  • Article 440 governs — the OCPD is sized per nameplate BCSC, not just conductor ampacity
  • Article 430 motor rules govern all A/C equipment
  • A/C circuits use the same sizing rules as any other appliance

NEC Reference: NEC Article 440

Question 12: What is the calculated load for a single piece of equipment with four receptacles in a retail shop?

  • 360 Volt-Ampere
  • 720 Volt-Ampere
  • 800 Volt-Ampere
  • 180 Volt-Ampere

NEC Reference: NEC 220.14(I)

Question 13: A feeder supplies a 10 HP and a 15 HP motor, both 230 V, 3-phase, protected by inverse-time breakers. What is the maximum feeder protection?

  • 175 A
  • 105 A
  • 125 A
  • 200 A

NEC Reference: NEC 430.250

Question 14: Dry-type transformers rated not more than ____ are permitted to be installed in hollow spaces of buildings.

  • 50 KVA
  • 100 KVA
  • 85 KVA
  • 75 KVA

NEC Reference: NEC 450.13(B)

Question 15: What is the calculated load for a show window that is 10 feet long, measured horizontally along its base?

  • 2000 V-A
  • 1800 V-A
  • 1600 V-A
  • 2200 V-A

NEC Reference: NEC 220.43(A)

Question 16: In a Class I, Division 1 classified area, sealing fittings in conduit runs must be installed within how many inches of an enclosure where the conduit enters or exits?

  • 6 inches
  • 12 inches
  • 18 inches
  • 36 inches

NEC Reference: NEC 501.15(A)(1)

Question 17: A 120-volt, 30-ampere branch circuit supplies lighting outlets and a cord-and-plug connected air conditioner. What is the maximum full-load current of the air conditioner?

  • 15 amperes
  • 24 amperes
  • 30 amperes
  • 20 amperes

NEC Reference: NEC 440.62(C)

Question 18: What is the ampacity of 8 AWG copper THWN at 75°C?

  • 40 A
  • 50 A
  • 55 A
  • 65 A

NEC Reference: NEC Table 310.16

Question 19: What is the maximum size fuse allowed to protect 12 AWG THW copper branch conductor?

  • 15 amperes
  • 20 amperes
  • 25 amperes
  • 30 amperes

NEC Reference: NEC 240.4(D)(5)

Question 20: The over load protection must be provided for the motor if it is rated more than ____ Hp.

  • 1/8 Hp
  • 1/4 Hp
  • 1/2 Hp
  • 1 Hp

NEC Reference: NEC 430.32(A)

Question 21: What is the minimum rating of the service disconnecting means for a one-family dwelling?

  • 100 ampere for a 3 wire service
  • 140 ampere for a 2 wire service
  • 50 ampere for a 3 wire service
  • 80 ampere for a 2 wire service

NEC Reference: NEC 230.79

Question 22: How many small appliance branch circuits are required at minimum for the kitchen and dining area of a single-family dwelling?

  • One 20A circuit
  • Two 20A circuits
  • Three 20A circuits
  • One 30A circuit

NEC Reference: NEC 210.11(C)(1)

Question 23: A panelboard is equipped with snap switches rated 30 amperes or less. Its overcurrent protection must not exceed:

  • 30 amperes
  • 150 amperes
  • 200 amperes
  • 225 amperes

NEC Reference: NEC 408.36(A)

Question 24: The overcurrent protection for a feeder or branch circuit must be located where the conductors receive their supply. When is it permitted to place the overcurrent device away from the supply point?

  • Whenever the load end breaker is close to the equipment
  • When one of the specific tap rule exceptions in 240.21 applies
  • For any feeder run longer than 25 feet
  • The OCPD location is always flexible — it can go anywhere in the circuit

NEC Reference: NEC 240.21(A)

Question 25: A nonautomatic arc welder has a 60% duty cycle and primary current of 50A. Table 630.11(A) gives a multiplier of 0.78 for 60% duty cycle. What is the minimum branch circuit conductor ampacity?

  • 33A — using a 0.65 factor
  • 39A — 50A × 0.78
  • 44A — 50A × 0.89 (80% factor)
  • 50A — no duty cycle reduction

NEC Reference: NEC 630.11(A)

Question 26: Under which condition may conductors of different circuits occupy the same raceway?

  • If the insulation rating voltage is not less than the maximum circuit voltage
  • If the insulating rating voltage is greater than the maximum circuit voltage
  • If the two circuits have same voltage
  • If the two circuits have same insulation rating voltage

NEC Reference: NEC 300.3(C)(1)

Question 27: Overhead service conductors must not be smaller than ____ copper.

  • 14 AWG
  • 12 AWG
  • 10 AWG
  • 8 AWG

NEC Reference: NEC 230.23(B)

Question 28: A Quick Recovery electric heater is rated at 4500 watts 240 volts. What rating of circuit breaker is required for protecting it?

  • 30 Amperes
  • 25 Amperes
  • 20 Amperes
  • 15 Amperes

NEC Reference: NEC 422.13

Question 29: Insulated equipment grounding conductors are identified by which color?

  • Red
  • Green (or green with yellow stripes)
  • Gray
  • White

NEC Reference: NEC 250.119

Question 30: Which circuits must NOT be connected to any system that contains trolley wires with a ground return?

  • Circuits for lighting and power
  • Grounding conductors
  • Ungrounded trolley wires
  • Bonding conductors

NEC Reference: NEC 110.19

Question 31: A hermetic refrigerant motor-compressor has a rated-load current of 34 A. What is the minimum ampere rating of its disconnecting means?

  • 45 amperes
  • 34 amperes
  • 50 amperes
  • 40 amperes

NEC Reference: NEC 440.12(A)(1)

Question 32: A single-family dwelling has one air conditioner rated 4 kW and fixed heating equipment rated 3 kW. What is the calculated load for both?

  • 4 KW
  • 7 KW
  • 3.5 KW
  • 3 KW

NEC Reference: NEC 220.60

Question 33: What is the minimum ampere rating of short circuit ground fault protective device that can be used for individual motor-compressor?

  • 12 amperes
  • 15 amperes
  • 20 amperes
  • 18 amperes

NEC Reference: NEC 440.22(A)

Question 34: In a wet location, a surface-mounted cabinet must be mounted so there is at least how much air space between the enclosure and the wall?

  • 1/4 inch
  • 1/2 inch
  • 3/4 inch
  • 1 inch

NEC Reference: NEC 312.2

Question 35: A panelboard contains snap switches rated 30 amperes or less. What is the maximum rating of its overcurrent protection?

  • 30 amperes
  • 120 amperes
  • 45 amperes
  • 200 amperes

NEC Reference: NEC 408.36(A)

Question 36: Which of the following loads is NOT permitted to be connected to a small appliance branch circuit (SABC)?

  • A toaster plugged into a counter receptacle
  • A refrigerator in the kitchen
  • A microwave on the counter
  • A ceiling light fixture in the kitchen

NEC Reference: NEC 210.52(B)(2)

Question 37: What is the corrected ampacity of 1/0 copper THWN in a wet location where the ambient temperature is 40°C?

  • 123 Amperes
  • 132 Amperes
  • 150 Amperes
  • 141 Amperes

NEC Reference: NEC 310.16

Question 38: What is the smallest conductor permitted for the pool equipotential bonding grid?

  • 8 AWG solid copper
  • 12 AWG copper
  • 10 AWG copper
  • 6 AWG aluminum

NEC Reference: NEC 680.26(B)

Question 39: For a single-family dwelling unit, what is the minimum allowable rating of 3-wire service-entrance conductors?

  • 120 amperes
  • 100 amperes
  • 150 amperes
  • 200 amperes

NEC Reference: NEC 230.42(B)

Question 40: A 240-volt, single-phase room air conditioner rated not more than ____ may be considered a single motor unit.

  • 30 amperes
  • 40 amperes
  • 50 amperes
  • 60 amperes

NEC Reference: NEC 440.62(A)(2)

Question 41: A 19,000 sq ft commercial building has one hundred eighty 15 A and 20 A, 120 V receptacles. What is the calculated receptacle load?

  • 21,200 VA
  • 18,000 VA
  • 19,600 VA
  • 23,500 VA

NEC Reference: NEC 220.14(I), 220.44

Question 42: A service is supplied by three parallel sets of 400 kcmil copper conductors. What size copper grounding electrode conductor is required?

  • 3/0 AWG
  • 2/0 AWG
  • 2 AWG
  • 4 AWG

NEC Reference: NEC Table 250.66

Question 43: Every commercial occupancy that is accessible to pedestrians must have at least one circuit dedicated to what?

  • An outdoor GFCI circuit
  • A sign or outline lighting outlet
  • An emergency lighting circuit
  • A dedicated circuit for the cash register

NEC Reference: NEC 600.5(A)

Question 44: What is the minimum general lighting load of a 110,000 sq ft school?

  • 330 KVA
  • 220 KVA
  • 165 KVA
  • 440 KVA

NEC Reference: NEC Table 220.42(A)

Question 45: What is the general lighting load of a 2,500 sq ft dwelling unit that has 20 receptacles and 15 luminaires rated 100 W each?

  • 7500 Volt-Amperes
  • 11000 Volt-Amperes
  • 9500 Volt-Amperes
  • 12000 Volt-Amperes

NEC Reference: NEC 220.41, 220.14(J)

Question 46: Service drop conductors at the point where they enter a dwelling (over a porch or walkway accessible only to pedestrians) must be at least how many feet above the ground?

  • 8 feet
  • 10 feet
  • 12 feet
  • 15 feet

NEC Reference: NEC 230.24(B)(1)

Question 47: How many receptacles must be installed at a minimum for each patient bed in a Category 1 (critical care) patient bed location?

  • 4 receptacles
  • 8 receptacles
  • 12 receptacles
  • 14 receptacles

NEC Reference: NEC 517.19(B)

Question 48: What is the minimum load included for each outlet for a heavy-duty lampholder?

  • 600 volt-amperes
  • 560 volt-amperes
  • 460 volt-amperes
  • 760 volt-amperes

NEC Reference: NEC 220.14(E)

Question 49: What is the minimum size copper conductor permitted for overhead spans up to 50 ft (1000 V or less)?

  • 8 AWG
  • 10 AWG
  • 6 AWG
  • 12 AWG

NEC Reference: NEC 225.6(a)

Question 50: A raceway carries 6 current-carrying THWN conductors in a 40°C ambient. The 75°C ampacity from Table 310.16 must be multiplied by what combined factor?

  • 0.80
  • 0.88
  • 0.70 (about)
  • 0.65

NEC Reference: NEC 310.15(B)(1) / Table 310.15(C)(1)

Question 51: A retail shop has 20 duplex receptacles, each on its own yoke. What is the calculated load for these receptacles?

  • 300 volt-amperes
  • 3,600 volt-amperes
  • 1,800 volt-amperes
  • 36,000 volt-amperes

NEC Reference: NEC 220.14(I)

Question 52: Exposed live parts of a motor operating at 120 volts must be guarded.

  • True
  • False

NEC Reference: NEC 430.232

Question 53: What percentage of rated ampacity is allowed for each conductor when a flexible cord has eight current-carrying conductors?

  • 80
  • 70
  • 60
  • 50

NEC Reference: NEC 400.5(A)(3)

Question 54: All 125-volt, 15- and 20-ampere receptacles installed in dwelling unit bathrooms require:

  • Non-grounding receptacles
  • Weatherproof receptacles
  • Protective guards
  • GFCI protection

NEC Reference: NEC 210.8(A)(1)

Question 55: What size service conductors are required for a dwelling load with a calculated load is 190 A. The service disconnect breaker is rated at 200 A?

  • 1/0 AWG
  • 2/0 AWG
  • 3/0 AWG
  • 4/0 AWG

NEC Reference: NEC 310.12

Question 56: If four current-carrying conductors are in a raceway, each conductor's allowable ampacity is reduced to:

  • 80 % of ampere rating of the conductor
  • Maximum ampere rating of the conductor
  • 70 % of ampere rating of the conductor
  • 60 % of ampere rating of the conductor

NEC Reference: NEC Table 310.15(C)(1)

Question 57: Electrical equipment at 120/240 volts has exposed live parts on the front only (Condition 1). What minimum working space depth is required in front of it?

  • 4 feet
  • 3 feet
  • 5 feet
  • 2 feet

NEC Reference: NEC Table 110.26(A)(1)

Question 58: For a permanently connected appliance rated not more than 300 volt-amperes or ____, the branch-circuit overcurrent device can serve as the disconnecting means.

  • 1/2 horsepower
  • 3/4 horsepower
  • 1 horsepower
  • 1/8 horsepower

NEC Reference: NEC 422.31(A)

Question 59: The maximum fill percentage allowed for conductors inside a metallic wireway is:

  • 10%
  • 20%
  • 40%
  • 53%

NEC Reference: NEC 376.22(A)

Question 60: What size overcurrent device is required for a 24 A continuous load?

  • 30 amperes
  • 24 amperes
  • 28 ampers
  • 26 amperes

NEC Reference: NEC 210.20(A)

Question 61: Underground service raceways or ducts entering a building must be sealed.

  • True
  • False

NEC Reference: NEC 230.8

Question 62: Five current-carrying conductors, each with an ampacity of 25 A, are in the same cable. What is the adjusted ampacity of each conductor?

  • 25 amperes
  • 20 amperes
  • 30 amperes
  • 22.5 amperes

NEC Reference: NEC Table 310.15(C)(1)

Question 63: Service-entrance cables must be supported by straps within what distance of every service head?

  • 24 inches
  • 36 inches
  • 12 inches
  • 15 inches

NEC Reference: NEC 230.51(A)

Question 64: Flexible cords and cables used to power rides and equipment at carnivals and fairs must be rated for:

  • Light use only — carnival voltages are low
  • Any listed flexible cord rated for the voltage and current
  • Hard-usage or extra-hard-usage service
  • Type NM cable only — flexible cords are not allowed outdoors

NEC Reference: NEC 525.20(B)

Question 65: An electrician installs a motor according to all NEC rules, but the motor manufacturer instructions say to use a specific wiring method and conductor size that is more restrictive than what the NEC requires. Which takes precedence?

  • The NEC always overrides manufacturer instructions
  • The manufacturer installation instructions — they are part of the listing
  • Whichever is less expensive to install
  • The local building code, which supersedes both

NEC Reference: NEC 110.3(B)

Question 66: A ground ring used as a grounding electrode must use a copper conductor not smaller than what size?

  • 6 AWG bare copper
  • 4 AWG bare copper
  • 2 AWG bare copper
  • 1/0 AWG bare copper

NEC Reference: NEC 250.52(A)(4)

Question 67: What is the maximum overcurrent protection for 16 AWG copper conductors?

  • 15 A
  • 7 A
  • 20 A
  • 10 A

NEC Reference: NEC 240.4(D)(2)

Question 68: A branch-circuit-rated circuit breaker is marked for use with 18 AWG copper and supplies a continuous load of 5.6 A. What overcurrent protection may be used?

  • 7 amperes
  • 10 amperes
  • 15 amperes
  • 20 amperes

NEC Reference: NEC 240.4(D)(1)

Question 69: At least how many entrances of sufficient area must be provided to give access to the working space around electrical equipment?

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4

NEC Reference: NEC 110.26

Question 70: A transformer secondary in a building has a 2-wire, 240V secondary with a 50A rated secondary conductor. A feeder tap from the secondary conductor runs 15 feet to a panelboard. No OCPD is at the tap point. Under 240.21(C)(1), is this tap permitted?

  • Yes — transformer secondary taps have no length limit
  • No — 15 feet exceeds the 10-foot secondary tap rule; the 25-foot rule conditions must be checked instead
  • Yes — 15 feet is permitted as long as the conductors are in conduit
  • No — any transformer secondary must have an OCPD directly at the secondary terminals

NEC Reference: NEC 240.21(C)

Question 71: What is the smallest standard ampere rating for fuses and inverse-time circuit breakers in Table 240.6(A)?

  • 10 amperes
  • 15 amperes
  • 20 amperes
  • 25 amperes

NEC Reference: NEC 240.6(A)

Question 72: An Article 411 low-voltage lighting system operates at 30 volts ac or less. What peak voltage does that correspond to?

  • 34 volts
  • 30 volts
  • 38.2 volts
  • 42.4 volts

NEC Reference: NEC 411.1

Question 73: The rating of the overcurrent device protecting a panelboard must ____ the panelboard rating.

  • Not be greater than
  • Be 125% of
  • Be greater than
  • Be 115% of

NEC Reference: NEC 408.36

Question 74: Field-installed secondary wiring for electric signs of 1000 volts or less must use conductors not smaller than:

  • 18 AWG
  • 16 AWG
  • 14 AWG
  • 12 AWG

NEC Reference: NEC 600.31

Question 75: Adjustment factors for more than three current-carrying conductors do not apply to conductors in raceways not exceeding what length?

  • 24 inch
  • 28 inch
  • 18 inch
  • 20 inch

NEC Reference: NEC 310.15(C)(1)(b)

Question 76: For outside branch circuits 1000 V or less, overhead conductors for spans up to 50 ft must not be smaller than:

  • 18 AWG
  • 12 AWG
  • 10 AWG
  • 8 AWG

NEC Reference: NEC 225.6(A)(1)

Question 77: The minimum headroom of the working space in front of a panelboard, switchboard, or motor control center must be at least:

  • 6 feet
  • 6.5 feet (2.0 m)
  • 7 feet
  • 8 feet

NEC Reference: NEC 110.26(A)(3)

Question 78: An all-electric restaurant has a connected load of 150 kVA on a 120/208 V, 3-phase supply. Using the optional method, what is the required service conductor ampacity?

  • 444 A
  • 333 A
  • 416 A
  • 577 A

NEC Reference: NEC 220.88

Question 79: What size inverse-time circuit breaker is permitted for a 10 HP, 230-volt, 3-phase motor?

  • 70A
  • 56 A
  • 40A
  • 30 A

NEC Reference: NEC 430.250

Question 80: Overhead conductors for festoon lighting must not be smaller than:

  • 8 AWG
  • 6 AWG
  • 12 AWG
  • 10 AWG

NEC Reference: NEC 225.6(B)

Question 81: What is the branch-circuit calculated load for a single 12 kW electric range in a dwelling unit?

  • 6 KW
  • 8 KW
  • 12 KW
  • 15 KW

NEC Reference: NEC 220.55

Question 82: A mechanical contractor wants to run a water supply pipe through the dedicated electrical space directly above a 200A panelboard. Is this permitted?

  • Yes — water pipe above the panel is fine as long as it does not drip
  • No — foreign systems including pipes are not permitted in the dedicated electrical space
  • Yes — but a drip shield must be installed above the panel
  • Yes — the pipe is permitted if it runs parallel to the panel, not over it

NEC Reference: NEC 110.26(F)(1)(b)

Question 83: Splices and taps in a cabinet or cutout box must not fill more than what percent of the cross-sectional area at that point?

  • 75
  • 70
  • 60
  • 80

NEC Reference: NEC 312.8

Question 84: A roof-mounted A/C unit must have a disconnecting means located per 440.14 within sight from the equipment OR:

  • Lockable in the open position per 110.25
  • Inside the air handler
  • At the service panel only
  • Within 100 feet

NEC Reference: NEC 440.14

Question 85: An Oregon dwelling has 1,600 square feet of living area. Using 220.41's 3 VA per square foot general lighting load, what is the total general lighting load?

  • 3,200 VA
  • 4,800 VA
  • 6,400 VA
  • 8,000 VA

NEC Reference: NEC 220.41

Question 86: What is the maximum total of bends permitted in an EMT run between pull points?

  • 60 degrees
  • 90 degrees
  • 180 degrees
  • 360 degrees

NEC Reference: NEC 358.26

Question 87: A branch circuit supplies a continuous load of 16 amperes. Per NEC 210.19(A)(1), what is the minimum ampacity the branch circuit conductor must have?

  • 16 amperes
  • 18 amperes
  • 20 amperes
  • 25 amperes

NEC Reference: NEC 210.19(A)(1)

Question 88: A demand factor is applied to certain dwelling loads because not all loads are likely to operate:

  • At the same time
  • At full voltage
  • On the same phase
  • From the same panelboard

NEC Reference: NEC Table 220.45

Question 89: Conductors feeding through a cabinet, cutout box, or meter socket enclosure that are not connected to equipment in the enclosure are permitted only if the conductor fill does not exceed what percentage of the cross-sectional area?

  • 40 %
  • 20 %
  • 60 %
  • 100 %

NEC Reference: NEC 312.8

Question 90: In a standard 2-wire branch circuit, how does the size of the neutral conductor compare to the hot conductor?

  • Half the size of the hot conductor
  • At least the same size as the hot conductor
  • Double the size of the hot conductor
  • No neutral is needed in a 2-wire circuit

NEC Reference: NEC 210.19(A)

Question 91: A clothes dryer nameplate reads 4,700 watts. Under 220.54, what value must be used for load calculation purposes?

  • 4,700 watts
  • 5,000 watts
  • 3,760 watts
  • 9,400 watts

NEC Reference: NEC 220.54

Question 92: What size branch-circuit conductor is required for an 18-ampere motor-compressor connected to a 240-volt circuit, with terminals rated at 75 C?

  • 12 AWG
  • 10 AWG
  • 14 AWG
  • 8 AWG

NEC Reference: NEC 440.32 / Table 310.16

Question 93: Conductors are permitted to be connected in parallel (electrically joined at both ends) only when they are sized:

  • 1/0 AWG and larger
  • 14 AWG and larger
  • 8 AWG and larger
  • Any size is permitted to be paralleled

NEC Reference: NEC 310.10(G)(1)

Question 94: The 10-foot feeder tap rule (240.21(B)(1)) allows a smaller conductor to be tapped from a feeder without an OCPD at the tap point. What is a key condition that must be met?

  • Tap conductors must be in free air only, not in conduit
  • Tap conductors must be at least 1/10 the rating of the feeder OCPD and enclosed in a raceway
  • Tap conductors must match the ampacity of the full feeder
  • Tap conductors longer than 10 feet are acceptable if in conduit

NEC Reference: NEC 240.21(B)(1)

Question 95: Fixed outdoor electric de-icing and snow-melting equipment must be protected by:

  • Ground-fault protection of equipment (GFPE)
  • No protection at all
  • A simple fuse only, no GFPE
  • AFCI protection only

NEC Reference: NEC 426.28

Question 96: Per Article 100, how does the NEC define "identified" as applied to equipment suitability?

  • Recognizable as suitable for the specific purpose, use, or application, per a qualified testing lab
  • "Identified" simply means the equipment has a serial number
  • Identified equipment need not be evaluated by any testing entity
  • "Identified" and "listed" mean the exact same thing in every context

NEC Reference: NEC Art. 100

Question 97: Per NEC 230.42(B), ungrounded service-entrance conductors for a specific installation generally must not be smaller than what, relative to the service disconnecting means?

  • The rating of the service disconnecting means
  • 125% of the disconnect rating
  • Half the disconnect rating
  • The utility transformer rating

NEC Reference: NEC 230.42(B)

Question 98: A motor nameplate shows FLA = 40A and service factor = 1.15. What is the highest trip setting allowed on the overload relay?

  • 40A — match the FLA exactly
  • 46A — 115% of FLA
  • 50A — 125% of FLA
  • 56A — 140% of FLA

NEC Reference: NEC 430.32(A)(1)

Question 99: Which NEC article generally covers intrinsically safe systems, including conductor color identification requirements?

  • Article 504
  • Article 500
  • Article 725
  • Article 501

NEC Reference: NEC Article 504

Question 100: A Maryland contractor installs a junction box in a finished ceiling but leaves it accessible via a removable ceiling tile. Per 314.29, is this compliant?

  • Yes, a removable ceiling tile provides access without removing building structure
  • No, all junction boxes must be surface mounted and fully exposed
  • No, boxes above a ceiling are always prohibited regardless of access
  • Accessibility rules do not apply to junction boxes

NEC Reference: NEC 314.29

Key NEC References for This Test

ArticleWhat It Covers
Art. 100Definitions — know: feeder, branch circuit, OCPD, dwelling unit
Art. 210Branch Circuits — GFCI/AFCI locations, circuit ratings, outlet spacing (most tested)
Art. 220Load Calculations — dwelling unit standard method
Art. 250Grounding & Bonding — GEC sizing, electrode system, EGC
Art. 310Conductors — ampacity (Table 310.12), insulation, derate rules
Art. 430Motors — conductor 125% FLA, OCPD 250% FLA, overloads, disconnects
Study Tip: Tab Articles 210, 250, and 430 in your NEC before the exam. Know the Table 310.12 ampacity values for 14, 12, 10, 8, 6, and 4 AWG copper.
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EXAM CARD JOURNEYMAN FREE
Questions100
Time limit240 min
Pass score70%
Code editionNEC 2023
DifficultyIntermediate
Last reviewedJun 2026

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Source: NEC 2026 (NFPA 70)
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