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NEC CODE NEC 2020

Branch Circuits (NEC 210) — NEC 2020 Edition

Free NEC 2020 practice test on branch circuits. Covers multiwire branch circuits, voltage limitations, circuit ratings, lampholder requirements, cord-and-plug loads, and GFCI/AFCI protection scope. Simple English, full explanations.

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The National Electrical Code (NFPA 70) is the benchmark standard for safe electrical installation in the US. It is updated every 3 years by the NFPA.

Study the edition adopted by your state. As of 2025, most states use the 2020 or 2023 NEC. These tests are written to the 2023 edition.

The most tested articles are 100 (Definitions), 200–250 (Wiring & Grounding), 300–314 (Wiring Methods), 400–411 (Conductors), 430 (Motors), and 700–701 (Emergency Systems).

How to Use This Practice Test

This Branch Circuits (NEC 210) — NEC 2020 Edition has 30 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: Use the NEC index (back of the book) — find answers by keyword, not by article number.

Topics covered: NEC articles 100, 210, 220, 240, 250, 300, 310, 430, and special occupancies.
Passing score: Aim for 80%+ on NEC code tests before exam day.
Questions: 30 multiple-choice, one correct answer each

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Branch Circuits (NEC 210) — NEC 2020 Edition — Question List

Question 1: A multiwire branch circuit is generally required to supply only what type of loads?

Line-to-neutral loads
Line-to-line loads only
Any load, with no restriction
Only 240-volt loads

NEC Reference: NEC 210.4(C)

Question 2: In a dwelling unit, what is the maximum voltage generally permitted for branch circuits supplying luminaires?

120 volts
240 volts
150 volts
480 volts

NEC Reference: NEC 210.6(A)

Question 3: True or false: the laundry branch circuit that supplies laundry receptacle outlets must not have any other outlet on it.

True
False
Only in multifamily buildings
Only if the circuit is 30 amperes

NEC Reference: NEC 210.11(C)(2)

Question 4: What amperage rating is required for the additional branch circuit dedicated to dwelling unit bathroom receptacle outlets?

20 amp
15 amp
25 amp
10 amp

NEC Reference: NEC 210.11(C)(3)

Question 5: For a branch circuit with both continuous and non-continuous loads, what is the minimum branch-circuit size, without applying any correction factors?

Continuous load plus non-continuous load
Continuous load plus 125% of non-continuous load
125% of continuous load plus non-continuous load
125% of continuous load only

NEC Reference: NEC 210.19(A)(1)

Question 6: What is the minimum branch-circuit rating generally required for a household appliance load of 10 kW?

30 amperes
20 amperes
40 amperes
25 amperes

NEC Reference: NEC 210.19(A)(3)

Question 7: How many heavy-duty lampholders (each rated 600 volt-amperes) can be supplied by a 20-ampere, 120-volt branch circuit, treating the load as continuous?

NEC Reference: NEC 210.19 / 220.21

Question 8: True or false: a lampholder connected to a 30-ampere branch circuit must be of the heavy-duty type.

True
False
Only for dwelling units
Only for 3-phase circuits

NEC Reference: NEC 210.21(A)

Question 9: A cord-and-plug-connected utilization equipment generally must not exceed what percent of the branch-circuit rating?

NEC Reference: NEC 210.23

Question 10: If a feeder conductor supplies only transformers, what ampere rating must the feeder conductor generally be, relative to the sum of the transformer nameplate ratings?

Not less than the sum of the nameplate ratings
125% of the sum of the nameplate ratings
110% of the sum of the nameplate ratings
Half the sum of the nameplate ratings

NEC Reference: NEC 215.2

Question 11: All 125-volt, 15- and 20-ampere receptacles installed in dwelling unit bathrooms must have what protection?

GFCI protection
No protection is required
AFCI protection only
A dedicated 50-ampere circuit

NEC Reference: NEC 210.8(A)(1)

Question 12: Per the 2020 NEC, GFCI protection is required for dwelling unit outdoor receptacles up to what voltage?

125 volts
250 volts
480 volts
No outdoor receptacles are covered

NEC Reference: NEC 210.8(A)(3)

Question 13: 120-volt, 15- and 20-ampere branch circuits supplying outlets in dwelling unit habitable rooms generally require what protection?

AFCI protection
No protection is required
GFCI protection only
A padlock on the panel

NEC Reference: NEC 210.12(A)

Question 14: In dwelling unit habitable rooms, receptacles must be placed so no point along the floor line is more than how far from a receptacle outlet?

6 feet
4 feet
8 feet
10 feet

NEC Reference: NEC 210.52(A)(1)

Question 15: Along a kitchen countertop, receptacles must be placed so no point is more than how far from an outlet?

12 inches
24 inches
48 inches
6 feet

NEC Reference: NEC 210.52(C)(1)

Question 16: Central heating equipment in a dwelling must generally be supplied by what type of circuit?

An individual branch circuit
The kitchen small-appliance circuit
Any lighting circuit
A shared water heater circuit

NEC Reference: NEC 210.11(C)(4)

Question 17: A multiwire branch circuit feeding devices on the same yoke needs a way to do what?

Disconnect all ungrounded conductors together
Disconnect only the neutral
Nothing extra is needed
Disconnect one wire at a time

NEC Reference: NEC 210.4(B)

Question 18: A continuous load is one where the maximum current continues for at least how long?

1 hour
3 hours
30 minutes
24 hours

NEC Reference: NEC Article 100

Question 19: Each small-appliance branch circuit in a dwelling unit is counted at how many volt-amperes for load calculation purposes?

1,500 VA
1,000 VA
3,000 VA
750 VA

NEC Reference: NEC 220.52(A)

Question 20: For a one-family dwelling, at least one receptacle outlet must be installed where outdoors, per NEC 210.52(E)(1)?

At the front and back of the dwelling
Only in the attic
Only in a locked shed
None is required outdoors

NEC Reference: NEC 210.52(E)(1)

Question 21: A dwelling unit hallway of what minimum length generally requires at least one receptacle outlet?

10 feet
4 feet
20 feet
2 feet

NEC Reference: NEC 210.52(H)

Question 22: Does a receptacle outlet located behind a stationary appliance, like a refrigerator, count toward the required receptacle spacing along a wall?

Generally no, it is not counted
Yes, it always counts
Only if it is a GFCI receptacle
Only in multifamily buildings

NEC Reference: NEC 210.52(A)(1)

Question 23: Which 125-volt, 15- and 20-ampere receptacles in a dwelling unit must be tamper-resistant?

Essentially all dwelling unit receptacles
Only rooms with small children
Only outdoor receptacles
Only garage receptacles

NEC Reference: NEC 406.12

Question 24: Branch circuits are generally classified by their rating. Which of the following IS a standard branch-circuit rating category listed in NEC 210.3?

20 amperes
18 amperes
22 amperes
35 amperes

NEC Reference: NEC 210.3

Question 25: The laundry branch circuit in a dwelling unit is counted at how many volt-amperes for load calculation purposes?

1,500 VA
1,000 VA
750 VA
2,000 VA

NEC Reference: NEC 220.52(B)

Question 26: What protection is required for 125-volt, 15- and 20-ampere receptacles installed in a dwelling unit garage?

GFCI protection
No protection is required
AFCI protection only
A dedicated 50-ampere circuit

NEC Reference: NEC 210.8(A)(2)

Question 27: Does the dwelling unit AFCI protection requirement in NEC 210.12(A) generally include kitchen circuits?

Yes, kitchens are included
No, kitchens are always excluded
Only in multifamily buildings
Only for circuits over 20 amperes

NEC Reference: NEC 210.12(A)

Question 28: Per the NEC informational note, what is the recommended maximum voltage drop for a branch circuit alone (not combined with the feeder)?

NEC Reference: NEC 210.19(A) Informational Note No. 4

Question 29: What is the minimum rating required for the dwelling unit laundry branch circuit?

20 amperes
15 amperes
30 amperes
10 amperes

NEC Reference: NEC 210.11(C)(2)

Question 30: What is the smallest conductor size generally permitted for a 15-ampere general-purpose branch circuit in a dwelling?

14 AWG
12 AWG
10 AWG
16 AWG

NEC Reference: NEC 240.4(D)(3) / Table 310.16

Key NEC References for This Test

Article	What It Covers
Ch. 1–4	General rules — apply to all installations
Ch. 5–7	Special rules — override Ch. 1–4 where they conflict
Ch. 8	Communications — completely independent of Ch. 1–7
Ch. 9	Tables — referenced by articles, not standalone enforceable rules
Art. 210.12	AFCI — major expansion in NEC 2026
Art. 230.67	Surge protection at service equipment — new NEC 2026

Study Tip: Learn the NEC index — use keywords, not article numbers. Practice finding 5 different topics in under 2 minutes each.

Branch Circuits (NEC 210) — NEC 2020 Edition

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Key NEC References for This Test

Branch Circuits (NEC 210) — NEC 2020 Edition

How this test works

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this Branch Circuits (NEC 210) — NEC 2020 Edition free?

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Which NEC edition should I study?

What articles are covered on electrician licensing exams?

How to Use This Practice Test

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Branch Circuits (NEC 210) — NEC 2020 Edition — Question List

Question 1: A multiwire branch circuit is generally required to supply only what type of loads?

Question 2: In a dwelling unit, what is the maximum voltage generally permitted for branch circuits supplying luminaires?

Question 3: True or false: the laundry branch circuit that supplies laundry receptacle outlets must not have any other outlet on it.

Question 4: What amperage rating is required for the additional branch circuit dedicated to dwelling unit bathroom receptacle outlets?

Question 5: For a branch circuit with both continuous and non-continuous loads, what is the minimum branch-circuit size, without applying any correction factors?

Question 6: What is the minimum branch-circuit rating generally required for a household appliance load of 10 kW?

Question 7: How many heavy-duty lampholders (each rated 600 volt-amperes) can be supplied by a 20-ampere, 120-volt branch circuit, treating the load as continuous?

Question 8: True or false: a lampholder connected to a 30-ampere branch circuit must be of the heavy-duty type.

Question 9: A cord-and-plug-connected utilization equipment generally must not exceed what percent of the branch-circuit rating?

Question 10: If a feeder conductor supplies only transformers, what ampere rating must the feeder conductor generally be, relative to the sum of the transformer nameplate ratings?

Question 11: All 125-volt, 15- and 20-ampere receptacles installed in dwelling unit bathrooms must have what protection?

Question 12: Per the 2020 NEC, GFCI protection is required for dwelling unit outdoor receptacles up to what voltage?

Question 13: 120-volt, 15- and 20-ampere branch circuits supplying outlets in dwelling unit habitable rooms generally require what protection?

Question 14: In dwelling unit habitable rooms, receptacles must be placed so no point along the floor line is more than how far from a receptacle outlet?

Question 15: Along a kitchen countertop, receptacles must be placed so no point is more than how far from an outlet?

Question 16: Central heating equipment in a dwelling must generally be supplied by what type of circuit?

Question 17: A multiwire branch circuit feeding devices on the same yoke needs a way to do what?

Question 18: A continuous load is one where the maximum current continues for at least how long?

Question 19: Each small-appliance branch circuit in a dwelling unit is counted at how many volt-amperes for load calculation purposes?

Question 20: For a one-family dwelling, at least one receptacle outlet must be installed where outdoors, per NEC 210.52(E)(1)?

Question 21: A dwelling unit hallway of what minimum length generally requires at least one receptacle outlet?

Question 22: Does a receptacle outlet located behind a stationary appliance, like a refrigerator, count toward the required receptacle spacing along a wall?

Question 23: Which 125-volt, 15- and 20-ampere receptacles in a dwelling unit must be tamper-resistant?

Question 24: Branch circuits are generally classified by their rating. Which of the following IS a standard branch-circuit rating category listed in NEC 210.3?

Question 25: The laundry branch circuit in a dwelling unit is counted at how many volt-amperes for load calculation purposes?

Question 26: What protection is required for 125-volt, 15- and 20-ampere receptacles installed in a dwelling unit garage?

Question 27: Does the dwelling unit AFCI protection requirement in NEC 210.12(A) generally include kitchen circuits?

Question 28: Per the NEC informational note, what is the recommended maximum voltage drop for a branch circuit alone (not combined with the feeder)?

Question 29: What is the minimum rating required for the dwelling unit laundry branch circuit?

Question 30: What is the smallest conductor size generally permitted for a 15-ampere general-purpose branch circuit in a dwelling?

Key NEC References for This Test

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