FREE Your free Michigan exam · 14 more in Full-Length Pro See what's in Pro

JOURNEYMAN NEC 2023 FREE FULL-LENGTH EXAM

Michigan Journeyman Electrician Practice Test - Full-Length Test 1

A full-length, 80-question practice exam covering all 8 core NEC topic areas, weighted the same way the real exam is. Modeled on Michigan's real licensing exam format.

See Michigan electrician licensing requirements, fees & exam format

FREE FULL-LENGTH EXAM

Questions

240 min

Time

70%

Pass

Timer starts immediately. Progress is auto-saved.

About This Exam

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

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

About the Michigan electrician exam

Full-Length Pro · Michigan

15 Michigan exams: 1 free + 14 Pro
Full topic report on every attempt
Answer review with explanations + NEC references
Unlimited retakes

$19 once for Michigan only · pay once, keep forever

Unlock 14 more Michigan exams — $19

TOPICS COVERED

Motor Circuits Wiring Methods and Materials Wiring and Protection Load Calculations General Requirements Equipment for General Use Special Equipment Special Occupancies

Watch videoHow It Works

How this test works

Read each question carefully

Look for absolute words like always / never — they often distinguish the right answer.

Manage your time

You have 240 min for 80 questions. Skip tough ones and come back.

Progress is auto-saved

Your answers are saved locally — a page refresh won't lose your work.

See where you stand

After submitting you'll see your score, pass/fail and your 3 weakest topics. The full topic report and answer review with explanations are part of Full-Length Pro.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Test 1 for every state is free: you get your score, pass/fail and your 3 weakest topics. The other 14 Michigan exams, the full topic report and the answer review are part of Full-Length Pro ($19 once for Michigan).

80 questions in 240 minutes, sized and paced like the Michigan journeyman exam.

This exam uses a 70% pass mark. Check your state licensing board for the current official passing score.

It is written to the 2023 NEC. Confirm with your state licensing board which edition is adopted for your exam date.

No. Pro is bought per state and covers Michigan only. If you change states, you can unlock that state separately.

How to Use This Practice Test

This Michigan Journeyman Electrician Practice Test - Full-Length Test 1 has 80 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: 80 multiple-choice, one correct answer each

Michigan Journeyman Electrician Practice Test - Full-Length Test 1 — Question List

Question 1: A feeder serves two motors. The 50HP motor has a 100A branch circuit breaker and the 25HP motor has a 60A branch circuit breaker. The 25HP motor FLA is 34A. What is the maximum feeder overcurrent device size?

100A — match the largest branch circuit breaker
125A — largest breaker plus other motor FLA, capped below 134A
150A — largest breaker plus other motor FLA rounded up
160A — sum of both branch circuit breakers

NEC Reference: NEC 430.62(A)

Question 2: 2/0 THHN copper has an ampacity of 195 A (90°C column). What is its maximum allowable ampacity in a conduit with 5 other current-carrying conductors?

156 amperes
136 amperes
195 amperes
185 amperes

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

Question 3: A dwelling unit has a floor area of 2,000 sq ft. What is the minimum number of 120-volt, 2-wire branch circuits required for the general lighting load?

Four 15 amp 2-wire circuit
Four 20 amp 2-wire circuit
Three 15 amp 2-wire
Two 20 amp 2-wire circuit

NEC Reference: NEC 210.11(A), 220.41

Question 4: The commercial panel schedule shows a 400A, 120/208V, 3-phase panel with a mix of continuous and non-continuous loads. The total continuous load on the panel is 240A (3-phase). What is the minimum OCPD rating for the panel feeder breaker?

240 A (match the total continuous load)
300 A (125% of the continuous load)
320 A (133% of the continuous load)
400 A (always use the full panel rating)

NEC Reference: NEC 215.3

Question 5: When counting equipment grounding conductors (EGCs) in a box fill calculation, how many conductor volumes do all the EGCs combined count for?

Zero — equipment grounding conductors are always ignored in box fill
One conductor volume for all EGCs combined
One conductor volume per EGC
Two conductor volumes for all EGCs combined

NEC Reference: NEC 314.16(B)(5)

Question 6: A single rod, pipe or plate electrode that does not need a supplemental electrode must have a resistance to earth of not more than how many ohms?

NEC Reference: NEC 250.53(A)(2)

Question 7: A 480V service has 25,000A available SCC. The minimum AIC rating of OCPDs at the service must be:

10,000A AIC
14,000A AIC
25,000A AIC or higher
No AIC rating required for service equipment

NEC Reference: NEC 110.9

Question 8: Service conductors supplying the entire load of one dwelling unit may have an ampacity of not less than what percent of the service rating?

NEC Reference: NEC 310.12

Question 9: A single-phase motor has a full-load current of 50 A. What is the minimum branch-circuit conductor ampacity?

62.5 amperes
75 amperes
57.5 amperes
50 amperes

NEC Reference: NEC 430.22

Question 10: In a remote subpanel (not the service), how must the neutral bus and the equipment grounding bus be connected?

They must be bonded together, same as the main service panel
They must be kept on separate buses and not connected together
Only connected together if the subpanel is in the same building
No grounding bus is needed in a subpanel

NEC Reference: NEC 250.142(B)

Question 11: What is the minimum fixture wire size that shall be permitted?

12 AWG
14 AWG
16 AWG
18 AWG

NEC Reference: NEC 402.6

Question 12: A branch circuit overcurrent device protecting a continuous load (a load that runs for 3 hours or more) must be rated at least how much compared to the load current?

100% of the continuous load
115% of the continuous load
125% of the continuous load
150% of the continuous load

NEC Reference: NEC 210.20(A)

Question 13: The pool diagram shows a wet-niche luminaire installed in the pool wall 18 inches below the waterline. What is the maximum voltage allowed between conductors for a wet-niche pool luminaire?

120V
150V
240V
No limit — the fixture listing determines the voltage

NEC Reference: NEC 680.23(A)(4)

Question 14: A non-dwelling occupancy has a receptacle load of 15 kVA. What demand factor applies to the portion above 10 kVA?

50 %
75 %
90 %
82 %

NEC Reference: NEC 220.44

Question 15: An 80,000 sq ft hospital: after the demand factors are applied, what is the general lighting demand load?

35,600 VA
128,000 VA
42,000 VA
51,200 VA

NEC Reference: NEC Table 220.42(A), Table 220.45

Question 16: For a 200A, 120/240V service with 3/0 AWG copper service conductors, what is the minimum size copper grounding electrode conductor (GEC)?

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

NEC Reference: NEC Table 250.66

Question 17: A motor-generator arc welder has a primary current rating of 30 A and a 30% duty cycle. What is the minimum size copper branch-circuit conductor (60°C)?

12 AWG
10 AWG
14 AWG
8 AWG

NEC Reference: NEC 630.11(A)

Question 18: What is the minimum clearance of service-drop conductors over residential property where the voltage exceeds 300 volts to ground?

10 feet
15 feet
8 feet
12 feet

NEC Reference: NEC 230.24(B)(3)

Question 19: A 2,400 sq ft single-family dwelling has the following: range 12 kW, dryer 5 kW, water heater 4.5 kW, dishwasher 1.2 kW, disposal 0.8 kW, A/C 6 kW (240V), heat 7 kW. Using the optional method (220.82), the first 10 kVA at:

50%
75%
100%
125%

NEC Reference: NEC 220.82(B)(1)

Question 20: A 5 HP, 230-volt single-phase motor has a full-load current of 32 A. What minimum THWN copper conductor size is required for the branch circuit?

No 8 THWN
No 6 THWN
No 10 THWN
No 12 THWN

NEC Reference: NEC 430.22

Question 21: What is the smallest copper underground service conductor permitted to supply limited loads of a single branch circuit?

12 AWG
8 AWG
6 AWG
10 AWG

NEC Reference: NEC 230.31

Question 22: Signs and outline lighting must be at least how many feet above areas accessible to vehicles, unless protected from physical damage?

NEC Reference: NEC 600.9

Question 23: A 1,600 sq ft dwelling unit has 16 receptacles and 15 luminaires rated 100 W each. What is the general lighting load of the dwelling unit?

4,800 VA
1,600 VA
3,200 VA
6,400 VA

NEC Reference: NEC 220.41

Question 24: For a single-family dwelling unit, what is the minimum allowable rating of 3-wire service-entrance conductors?

100 amperes
150 amperes
200 amperes
180 amperes

NEC Reference: NEC 230.42(B)

Question 25: What is the minimum load required for the exterior sign or outline lighting outlet of a commercial occupancy?

1,200 VA
1,800 VA
1,500 VA
2,100 VA

NEC Reference: NEC 220.14(F)

Question 26: Resistance-type heating elements in electric space-heating equipment must be protected at not more than:

60 amperes
40 amperes
70 amperes
20 amperes

NEC Reference: NEC 424.22(B)

Question 27: A generator rated 65 volts or less is driven by a single motor. It is considered protected by the motor's overcurrent device if that device opens when the generator delivers not more than what percent of its full-load rated current?

NEC Reference: NEC 445.12(B)

Question 28: On a panelboard or switchboard supplied by a 3-phase, 4-wire delta system with a high leg, the high-leg conductor must be connected to which phase?

A, or First
B, or Center Phase
C or Third phase
Any Phase

NEC Reference: NEC 408.3(E)(1)

Question 29: Type AC cable is permitted to be installed in which locations?

Exposed work only
Concealed work only
Damp and wet locations
Both concealed and exposed work

NEC Reference: NEC 320.10

Question 30: A building has five household electric clothes dryers rated 5 kW each. What is the calculated dryer demand load?

21,250 VA
25,000 VA
5,000 VA
18,750 VA

NEC Reference: NEC 220.54

Question 31: What is the smallest fixture wire size permitted?

18 AWG
12 AWG
14 AWG
20 AWG

NEC Reference: NEC 402.6

Question 32: In an electrical system at what point branch circuit overcurrent protection device should be located?

At the equipment ground location
At the end of branch circuit
At the panelboard where they receive power supply
At the power outlet where power is consumed

NEC Reference: NEC 240.21

Question 33: The equipotential bonding grid for a permanently installed swimming pool must use a solid copper conductor no smaller than:

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

NEC Reference: NEC 680.26(B)(2)

Question 34: Three motors share a feeder at 460V, 3-phase — 20HP (27A FLA), 15HP (21A FLA), and 10HP (14A FLA). What is the minimum ampacity for the feeder conductors?

62 A (sum of all three FLAs)
69 A (125% of largest plus the rest)
78 A (125% of the total)
88 A (125% of each motor added)

NEC Reference: NEC 430.24

Question 35: For a service or feeder calculation, how is a laundry branch circuit load (one 20A circuit) included in the calculation?

2,400 VA (20 A × 120 V)
1,500 VA per laundry circuit
1,000 VA flat rate per circuit
The actual appliance nameplate wattage only

NEC Reference: NEC 220.52(B)

Question 36: You install 1/0 AWG THHN conductors (90°C insulation, 170A per Table 310.16). The terminations on the panel and equipment are marked "75°C." Which ampacity column from Table 310.16 must you use?

The 90°C column — the wire is rated 90°C so that is the limiting factor
The 75°C column — the terminal rating limits you to 75°C ampacity
The 60°C column — always use the most conservative value
Either column — the higher of the two values governs

NEC Reference: NEC 110.14(C)(1)

Question 37: Type UF cable installed as direct burial in a general outdoor location (not under a driveway or building) must have a minimum cover depth of:

12 inches
18 inches
24 inches
30 inches

NEC Reference: NEC Table 300.5

Question 38: 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 39: In a box fill calculation, a single-pole switch or duplex receptacle counts for how many conductor volumes?

Zero — devices do not count toward box fill
One conductor volume
Two conductor volumes (based on the largest conductor attached)
Four conductor volumes

NEC Reference: NEC 314.16(B)(4)

Question 40: A series-rated system uses a combination of OCPDs where a downstream breaker with a lower AIC rating is "backed up" by an upstream higher-rated breaker. What is required for this system to be code-compliant?

The downstream breaker must be at least 10,000A AIC
The combination of upstream and downstream OCPDs must be tested and listed together
Series-rated systems are never allowed under the NEC
Any combination is acceptable as long as the upstream device is 200% of the downstream

NEC Reference: NEC 240.86

Question 41: The NEC defines a continuous load as a load that is expected to continue without interruption for at least:

1 hour
2 hours
3 hours
8 hours

NEC Reference: NEC Article 100 (Definitions)

Question 42: An industrial heating appliance on a 40 A branch circuit is supplied by a tap conductor. What is the minimum tap conductor ampacity?

20 amperes
10 amperes
30 amperes
25 amperes

NEC Reference: NEC 210.19(A)(4)

Question 43: A 30-ampere branch circuit with heavy-duty lampholders may supply fixed lighting units in:

Single family dwelling unit
Multi family dwelling unit
Any occupancy
Any occupancy other than dwelling unit

NEC Reference: NEC 210.23(B)

Question 44: An intersystem bonding termination (IBT) is required at each building or structure served. What is its purpose?

To provide a ground fault path for the service entrance
To give communications systems a bonding point to the building grounding electrode system
To replace the need for ground rods at the service
To connect AFCI and GFCI devices to the same ground bus

NEC Reference: NEC 250.94

Question 45: Working space depth in front of a 480Y/277V switchboard with exposed live parts on both sides of the working space is (Condition 3, Table 110.26(A)(1)):

3 ft
3.5 ft
4 ft
6 ft

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

Question 46: When sizing conductors for an air conditioning condensing unit, which current value do you use?

The FLA value from Table 430.250 based on horsepower
The rated-load current or branch-circuit selection current from the nameplate
The locked-rotor current divided by 6
The compressor horsepower × 1.5

NEC Reference: NEC 440.6

Question 47: All conductors of a circuit must be installed in the same raceway, cable, trench, cord or cable tray, except as permitted.

True
False

NEC Reference: NEC 300.3(B)

Question 48: What demand factor applies to six household electric clothes dryers?

NEC Reference: NEC Table 220.54

Question 49: What is the minimum size of lighting track conductors?

12 AWG
14 AWG
16 AWG
10 AWG

NEC Reference: NEC 410.155(B)

Question 50: The voltage at the supply end of a feeder is 240 V. With the recommended maximum 3% feeder voltage drop, what is the minimum voltage at the load end of the feeder?

232.8 volts
240 volts
235 volts
228 volts

NEC Reference: NEC 215.2(A)(4)

Question 51: The branch-circuit short-circuit and ground-fault protective device for a single motor-compressor must in no case exceed what percent of its rated-load current?

175 %
225 %
220 %
150 %

NEC Reference: NEC 440.22(A)

Question 52: Type NM cable (Romex) must be supported at maximum intervals of how many feet, and within how many inches of every box or cabinet?

Every 6 feet, within 6 inches of boxes
Every 4½ feet, within 12 inches of boxes
Every 10 feet, within 3 feet of boxes
Every 8 feet, within 24 inches of boxes

NEC Reference: NEC 334.30(A)

Question 53: Which of the following color is used to identify intrinsically safe conductors?

Green
Yellow
Red
Light blue

NEC Reference: NEC 504.80(C)

Question 54: Conductors run in parallel per 310.10(G) must be:

Same length, material, size, insulation, and termination method
Different sizes mixed for ampacity flexibility
Different lengths but same insulation
6 AWG minimum

NEC Reference: NEC 310.10(G)

Question 55: In Class I, Division 1 locations, boxes and fittings for joints and splices must be:

Explosion proof
Water proof
Dust proof
Fire proof

NEC Reference: NEC 500.7(A)

Question 56: Type NM cable (Romex) is NOT permitted to be installed in which of the following locations?

Inside the walls of a wood-frame house
Embedded in poured concrete or aggregate fill
In an attic space with loose insulation
In a crawl space with direct support from the floor joists

NEC Reference: NEC 334.12(A)(3)

Question 57: What is the nominal voltage of a lead-acid cell?

2 volts
1.2 volts
1.7 volts
2.2 volts

NEC Reference: NEC 480.2

Question 58: A 45 kVA, 480–208Y/120V transformer has both primary and secondary overcurrent protection. The primary current works out to about 93.75A. What is the maximum size primary OCPD?

100A
125A
225A
250A

NEC Reference: NEC 450.3(B)

Question 59: EMT shall be securely fastened in place at least every ____

10 ft
8 ft
15 ft
20 ft

NEC Reference: NEC 358.30(A)

Question 60: A motor-compressor with a rated-load current of 20 A is on a 240-volt single-phase supply. What branch-circuit protection rating is normally used?

35 amperes
20 amperes
25 amperes
30 amperes

NEC Reference: NEC 440.22(A)

Question 61: A multiwire branch circuit generally may supply only:

Line-to-line loads
Line-to-neutral loads
Receptacle loads only
Service loads

NEC Reference: NEC 210.4(C)

Question 62: What is the maximum continuous load that can be connected to 240 volts 20 ampere branch circuit?

16 amperes
20 amperes
14 amperes
10 amperes

NEC Reference: NEC 210.20

Question 63: What is the minimum rating of a 3-wire service disconnecting means for a one-family dwelling?

100 Amperes
150 Amperes
50 Amperes
90 Amperes

NEC Reference: NEC 230.79(C)

Question 64: What is the general lighting unit load for retail stores, per NEC Table 220.42(A)?

1.9 VA per sq ft
3 VA per sq ft
4 VA per sq ft
5 VA per sq ft

NEC Reference: NEC Table 220.42(A)

Question 65: The secondary voltage of a transformer supplying impedance heating elements must not be over ____ volts if it is not GFCI protected.

NEC Reference: NEC 426.32, 427.27

Question 66: A 30-ampere branch circuit may supply fixed lighting units with heavy-duty lampholders in:

Single family dwelling unit
Multi family dwelling unit
Any occupancy
Any occupancy other than dwelling unit

NEC Reference: NEC 210.23

Question 67: On a 25-ampere branch circuit, what is the minimum size copper THW conductor?

14 AWG
8 AWG
12 AWG
10 AWG

NEC Reference: NEC Table 310.16, 240.4(D)

Question 68: In a load calculation for a commercial kitchen with one electric cooking appliance, what demand factor applies?

100%
80%
90%
75%

NEC Reference: NEC 220.56

Question 69: Lightning protection systems must be bonded to the building electrical grounding system. Why is this required?

To improve the lightning protection system performance
To prevent dangerous voltage differences (sideflash) between the two systems during a lightning strike
So the lightning protection can use the building ground rods instead of its own
To allow the main panel breaker to trip when lightning hits

NEC Reference: NEC 250.106

Question 70: An inverse-time circuit breaker is the most common type used in branch circuit and feeder panels. What does "inverse time" mean about how it operates?

It trips instantly at any current above its rating
It trips faster at higher currents and slower at lower overcurrent levels
It trips only after a fixed time delay regardless of current level
The trip direction is reversible, meaning it can be reset from either end

NEC Reference: NEC 240.2 (Definitions)

Question 71: A hospital essential electrical system must be divided into three separate branches. What are those three branches?

Emergency, standby, and optional standby
Life safety, critical, and equipment branches
Primary, secondary, and tertiary circuits
Normal power, backup power, and UPS circuits

NEC Reference: NEC 517.30(B)(1)

Question 72: Motor branch circuit protection devices can also protect the motor against overloads.

True
False

NEC Reference: NEC 430.51

Question 73: What is the key difference between a GFCI device (210.8) and ground-fault protection of equipment (GFP per 230.95)?

They are the same thing — GFP and GFCI both trip at 5 mA
GFCI trips at ~5 mA to protect people; GFP trips at much higher currents to protect equipment
GFP trips faster than GFCI but at the same current level
GFCI is for residential; GFP is only for outdoor commercial

NEC Reference: NEC 210.8, 230.95

Question 74: Intrinsically safe wiring (Article 504) must be kept separated from non-intrinsically safe circuits. What is the minimum separation required in the same enclosure?

No separation is required if both circuits are in conduit
At least 50 mm (2 inches) or separated by a grounded metal partition
At least 6 inches at every point
They can share space as long as the IS circuit source is fused at 1A

NEC Reference: NEC 504.30(A)

Question 75: According to NEC 210.12(B), where are arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCI) required in a dwelling unit?

Only bedroom circuits
Only where GFCI is not installed
15- and 20-A, 120-V circuits supplying outlets in kitchens, family rooms, dining and living rooms, bedrooms, hallways, closets, laundry areas and similar rooms
Only kitchens and dining areas

NEC Reference: NEC 210.12(B)

Question 76: A Maryland dwelling has a whole-house surge protective device (SPD) at the service. Per 230.67(A), is this required?

Yes, all dwelling unit services require a surge protective device
No, SPDs are never required
SPDs are only required for services over 400 amps
SPDs are required only in commercial occupancies

NEC Reference: NEC 230.67(A)

Question 77: What is the general purpose of an equipment bonding jumper on equipment installed in a Class I hazardous location?

Maintain a reliable low-impedance fault-current path
Reduce voltage drop only
Improve lighting levels
It has no real safety purpose

NEC Reference: NEC 501.30

Question 78: What is the minimum size conductor allowed to be run in parallel per NEC 310.10(H)(1)?

No. 4 AWG
No. 2 AWG
1/0 AWG
No. 8 AWG

NEC Reference: NEC 310.10(G)(1)

Question 79: A flexible metal conduit (FMC) whip supplying a rooftop unit measures 7 feet. Under 250.118, can it serve as the sole equipment grounding path?

Yes, FMC always qualifies as an equipment ground
No, past 6 feet a separate equipment grounding conductor is required
Yes, but only for circuits under 20 amps
No, FMC is never permitted as a grounding path

NEC Reference: NEC 250.118

Question 80: A permanently connected motor-operated appliance rated over 1/8 horsepower, that is not readily accessible, must be provided with a disconnecting means that is:

Capable of being locked in the open position
Not required at all
Always within sight, with no exceptions
Only a cord-and-plug is acceptable

NEC Reference: NEC 422.31(C)

Key NEC References for This Test

Article	What It Covers
Art. 100	Definitions — know: feeder, branch circuit, OCPD, dwelling unit
Art. 210	Branch Circuits — GFCI/AFCI locations, circuit ratings, outlet spacing (most tested)
Art. 220	Load Calculations — dwelling unit standard method
Art. 250	Grounding & Bonding — GEC sizing, electrode system, EGC
Art. 310	Conductors — ampacity (Table 310.12), insulation, derate rules
Art. 430	Motors — 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.

WHY GO PRO

Full-Length Pro for Michigan

You just practiced on one full-length, Michigan-style exam built to mirror the real licensing test — timing, weighting, and difficulty included.

14 More Michigan Exams15 in total, 1 free + 14 Pro

Full Topic ReportEvery attempt, topic-by-topic

Answer ReviewEvery explanation and NEC reference

$19 once for Michigan · pay once, keep forever