NEC_PRACTICE NEC 2020

NEC 2020 Code Questions Practice Test 5

Free NEC 2020 practice test with 30 questions covering minimum service disconnect ratings, the overcurrent device next-size-up rule, the effective ground-fault current path, isolated ground receptacles, and HVAC equipment servicing receptacles. Answers include NEC 2020 references.

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This NEC 2020 Code Questions Practice Test 5 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: Mixed-format test — questions jump between topics just like the real exam. Don't spend more than 90 seconds on any one question.

  • Topics covered: All NEC chapters — branch circuits, grounding, conductors, wiring methods, motors, and more.
  • Passing score: Aim for 80%+ consistently before scheduling your exam.
  • Questions: 30 multiple-choice, one correct answer each
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NEC 2020 Code Questions Practice Test 5 — Question List

Question 1: What is the minimum size of aluminium conductor used for surge protective devices?

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

NEC Reference: NEC 242.62

Question 2: Which of the following is the standard fuse rating of an electrical fuse as per NEC?

  • 45
  • 50
  • 55
  • 60

Question 3: Without applying any de-rating factor for conductor current carrying capacity, how many conductors can run parallel in raceway or cable?

  • 4
  • 3
  • 5
  • 6

NEC Reference: NEC 310.15(B)(3)(a)

Question 4: A 120 volts panel has a rating of 50A. What is its maximum over current device rating?

  • 50 A
  • 62.5 A
  • 57.5 A
  • 75 A

Question 5: Which of the following is maximum operating voltage of a low voltage lighting system?

  • 30 volts
  • 25 volts
  • 40 volts
  • 35 volts

NEC Reference: NEC 411.2

Question 6: The standby power shall be available not more than ……………..

  • 30 seconds
  • 75 seconds
  • 1 minute
  • 2 minute

NEC Reference: NEC 701.11

Question 7: In class I division 2 location, unless it is specified the cross sectional area of the conductors permitted in a seal shall not exceed …………. percentage of a cross sectional area of RMC

  • 25
  • 30
  • 40
  • 50

NEC Reference: NEC 501.15(C)(6)

Question 8: Branch circuits for heating and air conditioning equipment located in the elevators shall not exceed which of the following voltage?

  • 600 volts
  • 480 volts
  • 240 volts
  • 900 volts

NEC Reference: NEC 620.3(C)

Question 9: What is the minimum volume allowance required per a No 14 AWG conductor?

  • 1.50 in<sup>3</sup>
  • 1.75 in<sup>3</sup>
  • 2.0 in<sup>3</sup>
  • 2.5 in<sup>3</sup>

NEC Reference: NEC 314.16(B)

Question 10: Mutli-wire branch circuits shall not be permitted in class I division I locations.

  • True
  • False

NEC Reference: NEC 501.40

Question 11: A 125 volt, 15 or 20 ampere receptacle must be located within what distance of HVAC equipment for servicing purposes?

  • 10 feet
  • 25 feet
  • 50 feet
  • 100 feet

NEC Reference: NEC 210.63

Question 12: For installations consisting of not more than two 2-wire branch circuits, the service disconnecting means must have a rating of not less than:

  • 15 amperes
  • 30 amperes
  • 60 amperes
  • 100 amperes

NEC Reference: NEC 230.79(B)

Question 13: Where the ampacity of a conductor does not correspond with a standard overcurrent device rating, and the conductor is not part of a multi-outlet branch circuit supplying receptacles, the next higher standard rating is permitted only if it does not exceed:

  • 400 amperes
  • 800 amperes
  • 1200 amperes
  • There is no limit

NEC Reference: NEC 240.4(B)

Question 14: The purpose of the effective ground-fault current path is to provide a low-impedance path facilitating the operation of the overcurrent device or ground-fault detector during a:

  • Ground fault on the wiring system
  • Normal, everyday operation
  • Voltage drop conditions only
  • Lightning strikes only

NEC Reference: NEC 250.4(A)(5)

Question 15: An isolated ground receptacle is used to reduce which of the following at sensitive electronic equipment?

  • Electrical noise / electromagnetic interference
  • Voltage
  • Ampacity
  • Water intrusion

NEC Reference: NEC 250.146(D)

Question 16: Direct-buried conductors or cables may be spliced or tapped underground without a splice box, provided the splice method is:

  • Listed for direct burial
  • Wrapped with ordinary electrical tape
  • Splices are never allowed underground
  • Soldered only, with no other method allowed

NEC Reference: NEC 300.5(E)

Question 17: Per NEC Table 314.16(A), a 4 inch round or octagonal box that is 1 1/2 inch deep has a listed volume of:

  • 12.5 cubic inches
  • 15.5 cubic inches
  • 18 cubic inches
  • 21 cubic inches

NEC Reference: NEC Table 314.16(A)

Question 18: Even though the conductors inside NM cable may have a 90 C insulation rating, the ampacity of NM cable must be determined using which temperature rating column?

  • 60 C
  • 75 C
  • 90 C
  • 105 C

NEC Reference: NEC 334.80

Question 19: Liquidtight flexible metal conduit (LFMC) is commonly used to connect which type of equipment where flexibility and moisture resistance are both needed?

  • Motors and vibrating equipment
  • Overhead service drops only
  • Underground burial only, with no conduit
  • It has no permitted uses

NEC Reference: NEC 350.10

Question 20: Flexible cords and cables are permitted to be used for which of the following?

  • Connection of portable lamps and appliances
  • As permanent fixed building wiring
  • Run through a wall cavity permanently
  • As a substitute for a raceway in new construction

NEC Reference: NEC 400.10

Question 21: Where a switch handle is operated vertically, the "up" position of the handle must correspond to which switch state?

  • On (closed)
  • Off (open)
  • It has no meaning
  • Tripped/fault position

NEC Reference: NEC 240.81

Question 22: A receptacle installed in a damp location (such as under a roofed, open porch protected from direct rain) must be provided with an enclosure that is:

  • Weatherproof when the receptacle is covered
  • No cover is required in a damp location
  • Explosion-proof
  • Fireproof only

NEC Reference: NEC 406.9(A)

Question 23: Cord-and-plug-connected vending machines manufactured after a certain date must include which factory-installed protection within the attachment cord or plug?

  • GFCI protection
  • AFCI protection
  • No protection is required
  • Surge protection only

NEC Reference: NEC 422.51

Question 24: A motor disconnecting means (other than for a torque motor) must have an ampere rating of not less than what percentage of the motor full-load current?

  • 100 %
  • 115 %
  • 125 %
  • 150 %

NEC Reference: NEC 430.110(A)

Question 25: For hermetic refrigerant motor-compressors, ampacity and overcurrent protective device sizing must be based on which current value from the equipment nameplate?

  • The nameplate rated-load current
  • The horsepower table value only
  • A fixed value of 20 amperes always
  • The service panel rating

NEC Reference: NEC 440.6(A)

Question 26: Conductors from the generator terminals to the first distribution device containing overcurrent protection must have an ampacity of not less than what percentage of the nameplate current rating for a generator that is not a continuous-load application?

  • 100 %
  • 115 %
  • 125 %
  • 150 %

NEC Reference: NEC 445.13

Question 27: At carnivals, circuses, and fairs, ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection for personnel is required for:

  • 125 volt, 15 and 20 ampere receptacles
  • Only 480 volt equipment
  • No GFCI protection is required at carnivals
  • Only lighting circuits

NEC Reference: NEC 525.23

Question 28: Each electric sign and outline lighting system must be provided with an externally operable switch or circuit breaker disconnecting means, located:

  • Within sight, or lockable in the open position
  • Anywhere in the building
  • No disconnect is ever required
  • Only at the utility transformer

NEC Reference: NEC 600.6

Question 29: For an installation consisting of a single 2-wire branch circuit, the service disconnecting means must have a rating of not less than:

  • 15 amperes
  • 30 amperes
  • 60 amperes
  • 100 amperes

NEC Reference: NEC 230.79(A)

Question 30: The ampacity of conductors supplying an individual AC arc welder is determined by multiplying the rated primary current by a multiplier based on the:

  • Welder duty cycle
  • Ambient humidity
  • Building square footage
  • Number of welders on site

NEC Reference: NEC 630.11(A)

EXAM CARD NEC_PRACTICE
Questions30
Time limit45 min
Pass score70%
Code editionNEC 2020
DifficultyIntermediate
Last reviewedJun 2026

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Source: NEC 2026 (NFPA 70)