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JOURNEYMAN NEC 2020

NEC 2020 Journeyman Practice Test 1

Free Online Journeyman Electrician Practice Test — NEC 2020 Edition 1This free 30-question practice test covers Article 100 definitions, working space clearances, service entrance and disconnect rules, and foundational grounding and branch-circuit basics. All questions and explanations are based on the 2020 NEC.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes — completely free with no account required. All questions include detailed explanations and NEC references.

Most state Journeyman exams have 80–100 questions covering NEC code, wiring methods, branch circuits, motor controls, and load calculations.

Most states require a 70–75% passing score. This practice test uses the same 70% pass threshold so you know where you stand.

Questions are written to the 2020 NEC. Check your state licensing board to confirm which edition your state has adopted.

How to Use This Practice Test

This NEC 2020 Journeyman Practice Test 1 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: 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: 30 multiple-choice, one correct answer each

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45 min

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NEC 2020 Journeyman Practice Test 1 — Question List

Question 1: Per NEC Article 100, equipment described as "readily accessible" can be reached quickly, without needing to do which of the following?

Obtain a special permit
Climb over obstacles or use a portable ladder
Call a licensed engineer
Shut off power to the entire building

NEC Reference: NEC Article 100

Question 2: Per NEC Article 100, a branch circuit is defined as the circuit conductors between the final overcurrent device protecting the circuit and what?

The service point
The utility transformer
The connected outlet(s)
The grounding electrode

NEC Reference: NEC Article 100

Question 3: Per NEC Article 100, a "dwelling unit" is defined as a single unit providing complete and independent living facilities, including permanent provisions for which of the following?

Living, sleeping, cooking, and sanitation
A private garage only
Commercial office space
Outdoor storage only

NEC Reference: NEC Article 100

Question 4: A 480Y/277-volt panelboard has grounded parts on one side of the working space and exposed live parts on the other side (Condition 2). Per NEC Table 110.26(A)(1), what is the minimum required working space depth?

3 feet
3 feet 6 inches
4 feet
5 feet

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

Question 5: Per NEC 110.26(A)(2), the width of the working space in front of electrical equipment must be at least 30 inches, or what, whichever is greater?

The width of the equipment
10 feet
The width of the room
6 feet

NEC Reference: NEC 110.26(A)(2)

Question 6: Per NEC 110.26(E)(1)(a), the dedicated electrical space above an indoor panelboard extends from the top of the equipment to the structural ceiling, or to a height of 6 feet above the equipment, whichever is:

Higher
Lower
Exactly 6 feet, always
There is no dedicated space rule

NEC Reference: NEC 110.26(E)(1)(a)

Question 7: Per NEC 110.27(A), live parts of equipment operating at 50 volts or more must be guarded against accidental contact by using which of the following?

An enclosure, partition, restricted location, or elevation
Bright paint only
A warning sticker with no physical barrier
Nothing is required below 600 volts

NEC Reference: NEC 110.27(A)

Question 8: Per NEC 110.14(A), copper and aluminum conductors are generally permitted to be connected to the same terminal or splicing connector only if:

It is never permitted under any circumstance
The device is identified (listed) for that purpose
The conductors are painted the same color
The connection is made outdoors only

NEC Reference: NEC 110.14(A)

Question 9: Per NEC 230.2, a building or structure is generally supplied by how many services, unless one of the listed exceptions applies (such as fire pumps, emergency systems, or sufficient capacity/occupancy conditions)?

One
Exactly two, always
As many as the owner wants, with no restriction
Zero — every building needs a generator instead

NEC Reference: NEC 230.2

Question 10: Per NEC 230.70(A)(1), the service disconnecting means must be installed at a readily accessible location either outside a building or inside:

In a locked room with no key held by the owner
Nearest the point of entrance of the service conductors
At least 50 feet from the building
In the attic, regardless of access

NEC Reference: NEC 230.70(A)(1)

Question 11: Per NEC 230.71(A), the service disconnecting means for each service permitted by 230.2 (or each set of service-entrance conductors permitted by 230.40, Exception No. 1, 3, 4, or 5) must consist of not more than how many switches or sets of circuit breakers?

Four
Six
Eight
Twelve

NEC Reference: NEC 230.71(A)

Question 12: For installations not specifically covered by the one-family dwelling, two-family dwelling, or multifamily dwelling rules, what is the minimum rating for a single service disconnecting means, per NEC 230.79(D)?

15 amperes
30 amperes
60 amperes
100 amperes

NEC Reference: NEC 230.79(D)

Question 13: Per NEC 230.90(A), each ungrounded service conductor must have overcurrent protection in series with a rating or setting no higher than:

The conductor's allowable ampacity
Twice the conductor's ampacity
There is no limit at all
A fixed 15 amperes regardless of the conductor

NEC Reference: NEC 230.90(A)

Question 14: Per NEC 230.95, ground-fault protection of equipment (GFPE) is generally required for which type of service?

Every single-family dwelling service, regardless of size
A solidly grounded wye service over 150V to ground, with a disconnect of 1000A or more
Any service rated under 100 amperes
Only DC-powered services

NEC Reference: NEC 230.95

Question 15: Per NEC 230.42(A), ungrounded service-entrance conductors must have an ampacity not less than the calculated load determined under which NEC article?

Article 250
Article 220
Article 300
Article 690

NEC Reference: NEC 230.42(A)

Question 16: For a service supplied by a single utility transformer, per NEC 250.24(A)(1), the system bonding jumper must generally be installed where?

On the supply side of the service disconnecting means, at a single point
On the load side of every branch-circuit breaker
At the farthest receptacle from the panel
It is optional for single-transformer services

NEC Reference: NEC 250.24(A)(1)

Question 17: A detached garage is supplied by a feeder from the main dwelling panel. Per NEC 250.32(B)(1), what must generally be run along with the feeder conductors to the garage?

An equipment grounding conductor
A second grounding electrode conductor, and nothing else
Nothing extra is required
Only a bonding jumper for a water pipe

NEC Reference: NEC 250.32(B)(1)

Question 18: A building has a metal underground water pipe, a concrete-encased electrode, and a ground ring, all of the types described in NEC 250.52(A). What does NEC 250.50 require?

All the electrodes must be bonded together into one system
Only one electrode may be used, chosen at random
Each electrode must serve its own separate system
No bonding between electrodes is required

NEC Reference: NEC 250.50

Question 19: To qualify as a concrete-encased electrode (Ufer ground) using bare copper conductor, per NEC 250.52(A)(3), the conductor must be at least what size and length, encased in at least how much concrete?

10 feet of 6 AWG, in 1 inch of concrete
20 feet of 4 AWG, in 2 inches of concrete
5 feet of 2 AWG, in 4 inches of concrete
20 feet of 12 AWG, in 2 inches of concrete

NEC Reference: NEC 250.52(A)(3)

Question 20: Which of the following is recognized by NEC 250.118 as a type of equipment grounding conductor, when properly installed with approved fittings?

PVC conduit
A garden hose
Electrical metallic tubing (EMT)
Non-metallic cable ties

NEC Reference: NEC 250.118

Question 21: Per NEC 210.52(B)(1), how many 20-ampere small-appliance branch circuits are generally required at minimum to serve kitchen and dining area receptacles in a dwelling unit?

One
Two
Three
Four

NEC Reference: NEC 210.52(B)(1)

Question 22: Per NEC 210.63, a 125-volt, 15- or 20-ampere receptacle outlet must generally be installed for servicing heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration equipment, located within what distance of the equipment?

10 feet
25 feet
50 feet
100 feet

NEC Reference: NEC 210.63

Question 23: Per the 2020 NEC, NEC 210.8(A)(3) requires GFCI protection for dwelling unit outdoor receptacles up to what voltage rating?

125 volts
250 volts
480 volts
No outdoor receptacles are covered

NEC Reference: NEC 210.8(A)(3)

Question 24: Per the 2020 NEC Table 310.15(B)(16), what is the allowable ampacity of a 1/0 AWG copper conductor with 75°C insulation, in a raceway with no more than 3 current-carrying conductors at 30°C ambient?

125 amperes
150 amperes
170 amperes
195 amperes

NEC Reference: NEC Table 310.15(B)(16)

Question 25: Per the 2020 NEC Table 310.15(B)(16), what is the allowable ampacity of a 3 AWG copper conductor with 60°C insulation, in a raceway with no more than 3 current-carrying conductors at 30°C ambient?

75 amperes
85 amperes
100 amperes
110 amperes

NEC Reference: NEC Table 310.15(B)(16)

Question 26: Per NEC 240.6(A), which of the following is NOT a standard ampere rating for fuses and inverse time circuit breakers?

35 amperes
38 amperes
40 amperes
45 amperes

NEC Reference: NEC 240.6(A)

Question 27: Per NEC 240.24(A), overcurrent devices must be readily accessible and, except for supplementary protection or where accessible by portable means, must generally be installed so the center of the grip of the operating handle, when in its highest position, is not more than what height above the floor or working platform?

5 feet
6 feet 7 inches
8 feet
There is no maximum height

NEC Reference: NEC 240.24(A)

Question 28: When calculating box fill per NEC 314.16(B)(4), a single-pole switch mounted on a strap (yoke) is counted how many times, based on the largest conductor connected to that device?

Once
Twice
Three times
It is not counted at all

NEC Reference: NEC 314.16(B)(4)

Question 29: Per NEC 300.11(A), can a raceway generally be used as a means of support for another raceway, cable, or non-electrical equipment?

Generally no, except under narrow listed conditions
Yes, this is always permitted
Yes, but only in a detached garage
Only for supporting gas piping

NEC Reference: NEC 300.11(A)

Question 30: A 125-volt, 20-ampere receptacle supplies a permanently installed swimming pool pump motor. Per NEC 680.21(C), what protection is generally required for this outlet?

No protection is required
AFCI protection only
GFCI protection
A fused disconnect only, with no GFCI

NEC Reference: NEC 680.21(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.

NEC 2020 Journeyman Practice Test 1

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NEC 2020 Journeyman Practice Test 1 — Question List

Question 1: Per NEC Article 100, equipment described as "readily accessible" can be reached quickly, without needing to do which of the following?

Question 2: Per NEC Article 100, a branch circuit is defined as the circuit conductors between the final overcurrent device protecting the circuit and what?

Question 3: Per NEC Article 100, a "dwelling unit" is defined as a single unit providing complete and independent living facilities, including permanent provisions for which of the following?

Question 4: A 480Y/277-volt panelboard has grounded parts on one side of the working space and exposed live parts on the other side (Condition 2). Per NEC Table 110.26(A)(1), what is the minimum required working space depth?

Question 5: Per NEC 110.26(A)(2), the width of the working space in front of electrical equipment must be at least 30 inches, or what, whichever is greater?

Question 6: Per NEC 110.26(E)(1)(a), the dedicated electrical space above an indoor panelboard extends from the top of the equipment to the structural ceiling, or to a height of 6 feet above the equipment, whichever is:

Question 7: Per NEC 110.27(A), live parts of equipment operating at 50 volts or more must be guarded against accidental contact by using which of the following?

Question 8: Per NEC 110.14(A), copper and aluminum conductors are generally permitted to be connected to the same terminal or splicing connector only if:

Question 9: Per NEC 230.2, a building or structure is generally supplied by how many services, unless one of the listed exceptions applies (such as fire pumps, emergency systems, or sufficient capacity/occupancy conditions)?

Question 10: Per NEC 230.70(A)(1), the service disconnecting means must be installed at a readily accessible location either outside a building or inside:

Question 11: Per NEC 230.71(A), the service disconnecting means for each service permitted by 230.2 (or each set of service-entrance conductors permitted by 230.40, Exception No. 1, 3, 4, or 5) must consist of not more than how many switches or sets of circuit breakers?

Question 12: For installations not specifically covered by the one-family dwelling, two-family dwelling, or multifamily dwelling rules, what is the minimum rating for a single service disconnecting means, per NEC 230.79(D)?

Question 13: Per NEC 230.90(A), each ungrounded service conductor must have overcurrent protection in series with a rating or setting no higher than:

Question 14: Per NEC 230.95, ground-fault protection of equipment (GFPE) is generally required for which type of service?

Question 15: Per NEC 230.42(A), ungrounded service-entrance conductors must have an ampacity not less than the calculated load determined under which NEC article?

Question 16: For a service supplied by a single utility transformer, per NEC 250.24(A)(1), the system bonding jumper must generally be installed where?

Question 17: A detached garage is supplied by a feeder from the main dwelling panel. Per NEC 250.32(B)(1), what must generally be run along with the feeder conductors to the garage?

Question 18: A building has a metal underground water pipe, a concrete-encased electrode, and a ground ring, all of the types described in NEC 250.52(A). What does NEC 250.50 require?

Question 19: To qualify as a concrete-encased electrode (Ufer ground) using bare copper conductor, per NEC 250.52(A)(3), the conductor must be at least what size and length, encased in at least how much concrete?

Question 20: Which of the following is recognized by NEC 250.118 as a type of equipment grounding conductor, when properly installed with approved fittings?

Question 21: Per NEC 210.52(B)(1), how many 20-ampere small-appliance branch circuits are generally required at minimum to serve kitchen and dining area receptacles in a dwelling unit?

Question 22: Per NEC 210.63, a 125-volt, 15- or 20-ampere receptacle outlet must generally be installed for servicing heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration equipment, located within what distance of the equipment?

Question 23: Per the 2020 NEC, NEC 210.8(A)(3) requires GFCI protection for dwelling unit outdoor receptacles up to what voltage rating?

Question 24: Per the 2020 NEC Table 310.15(B)(16), what is the allowable ampacity of a 1/0 AWG copper conductor with 75°C insulation, in a raceway with no more than 3 current-carrying conductors at 30°C ambient?

Question 25: Per the 2020 NEC Table 310.15(B)(16), what is the allowable ampacity of a 3 AWG copper conductor with 60°C insulation, in a raceway with no more than 3 current-carrying conductors at 30°C ambient?

Question 26: Per NEC 240.6(A), which of the following is NOT a standard ampere rating for fuses and inverse time circuit breakers?

Question 28: When calculating box fill per NEC 314.16(B)(4), a single-pole switch mounted on a strap (yoke) is counted how many times, based on the largest conductor connected to that device?

Question 29: Per NEC 300.11(A), can a raceway generally be used as a means of support for another raceway, cable, or non-electrical equipment?

Question 30: A 125-volt, 20-ampere receptacle supplies a permanently installed swimming pool pump motor. Per NEC 680.21(C), what protection is generally required for this outlet?

Key NEC References for This Test

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