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JOURNEYMAN NEC 2020

NEC 2020 Journeyman Practice Test 2

Free Online Journeyman Electrician Practice Test — NEC 2020 Edition 2This free 30-question practice test covers branch-circuit rules, overcurrent protection, GFCI and AFCI requirements, and basic load-calculation concepts. 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 2 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 2 — Question List

Question 1: Per NEC Article 100, an "outlet" is defined as a point on the wiring system at which current is taken to supply what?

Utilization equipment
The utility transformer
The grounding electrode
The service point only

NEC Reference: NEC Article 100

Question 2: Per NEC Article 100, a "device" is defined as a unit of an electrical system that carries or controls electric energy as its principal function, but does NOT do what?

Consume (utilize) the energy
Carry current at all
Mount in a box
Have a rated voltage

NEC Reference: NEC Article 100

Question 3: Per NEC 110.3(B), listed or labeled equipment must be installed and used in accordance with:

Any instructions included in the listing or labeling
Whatever the installer personally prefers
The lowest-cost method available
No documentation is ever required

NEC Reference: NEC 110.3(B)

Question 4: Where branch circuits of more than one voltage system share the same raceway, box, or enclosure, per NEC 210.5(C), the ungrounded conductors of each system must be:

Left unmarked, since electricians should already know the systems
Identified by system at each termination/connection point
Run in entirely separate buildings only
Always the same color for every system

NEC Reference: NEC 210.5(C)

Question 5: Per NEC 210.11(A), the minimum number of branch circuits required for an installation is determined from:

The total computed load, per Article 220, and the rating of the circuits used
A random guess by the installer
The number of rooms in the building only
The building's square footage alone, with no other factor

NEC Reference: NEC 210.11(A)

Question 6: A branch circuit supplies both continuous and noncontinuous loads. Per NEC 210.20(A), the overcurrent device rating must be not less than what, without applying any adjustment or correction factors?

The noncontinuous load plus 125% of the continuous load
100% of both loads combined, with no adjustment
125% of the noncontinuous load only
50% of the total connected load

NEC Reference: NEC 210.20(A)

Question 7: Per NEC 210.23(A)(1), a single receptacle installed on an individual branch circuit must have an ampere rating of:

Not less than the branch-circuit rating
Always exactly 15 amperes
Half the branch-circuit rating
There is no requirement at all

NEC Reference: NEC 210.23(A)(1)

Question 8: Per NEC 225.18, overhead branch-circuit and feeder conductors of 0-150 volts to ground, over an area subject only to pedestrian traffic, must maintain a minimum vertical clearance from final grade of:

8 feet
10 feet
12 feet
18 feet

NEC Reference: NEC 225.18

Question 9: Besides the common ratings listed in NEC 240.6(A), NEC 240.6(B) recognizes additional standard ampere ratings for fuses, including which of the following small sizes?

1, 3, 6, and 10 amperes
11, 13, 17, and 19 amperes
2, 4, 8, and 16 amperes
There are no additional standard fuse ratings

NEC Reference: NEC 240.6(B)

Question 10: A calculated conductor ampacity does not correspond to a standard overcurrent device size. Per NEC 240.4(B), rounding up to the next higher standard rating is generally permitted, provided the device is rated no more than what maximum ampere value, among other conditions?

400 amperes
800 amperes
1200 amperes
There is no maximum

NEC Reference: NEC 240.4(B)

Question 11: Per NEC 240.5, flexible cords and fixture wires must generally be protected against overcurrent based on what?

Their own ampacity, per Table 240.5
The main service rating only
Nothing — they never need overcurrent protection
The largest breaker available in the panel

NEC Reference: NEC 240.5

Question 12: Per NEC 240.15(A), an overcurrent device must generally be installed in series with:

Each ungrounded conductor
The grounded (neutral) conductor only
The equipment grounding conductor only
No conductor — it is optional

NEC Reference: NEC 240.15(A)

Question 13: Per NEC 250.20(B), a 120/240-volt, single-phase, 3-wire alternating-current system supplying the premises wiring of a dwelling must generally be:

Grounded
Ungrounded, by default
Isolated from earth entirely
Grounded only if the owner requests it

NEC Reference: NEC 250.20(B)

Question 14: Per NEC 300.5(D)(4), direct-buried conductors or cables emerging from the ground must be protected by an enclosure or raceway, from the required burial depth up to a point at least how high above finished grade?

4 feet
6 feet
8 feet
10 feet

NEC Reference: NEC 300.5(D)(4)

Question 15: A cable is installed running parallel to a wood framing member. Per NEC 300.4(D), the cable must be kept at least how far from the nearest edge of the framing member, unless protected by a steel plate?

1/2 inch
1 1/4 inch
2 1/2 inch
6 inches

NEC Reference: NEC 300.4(D)

Question 16: Per NEC 400.12, flexible cords and cables are generally NOT permitted to be used as a substitute for what?

The fixed wiring of a structure
A portable lamp cord
An extension cord used temporarily outdoors
A cord supplying a listed appliance

NEC Reference: NEC 400.12

Question 17: Per NEC 400.10, which of the following is a use generally permitted for flexible cords and cables?

Connecting a portable lamp or appliance
Permanent wiring of a finished wall
Wiring embedded in poured concrete
Replacing service-entrance conductors

NEC Reference: NEC 400.10

Question 18: Per NEC 404.2(B), a grounded (neutral) conductor must generally be provided at which of the following?

Most switch locations controlling lighting loads
Only three-way switches
Only switches located outdoors
Nowhere — a neutral is never needed at a switch

NEC Reference: NEC 404.2(B)

Question 19: An existing outlet box has no equipment grounding conductor. Per NEC 406.4(D), which replacement option is generally permitted, marked "No Equipment Ground"?

A GFCI-type receptacle marked "No Equipment Ground"
A standard grounding-type receptacle with no other change
Nothing may ever be installed at that outlet again
A receptacle with the grounding pin removed

NEC Reference: NEC 406.4(D)

Question 20: Per NEC 408.36, a panelboard must generally be protected by an overcurrent device having a rating not greater than:

The rating of the panelboard
Twice the rating of the panelboard
There is no rating relationship required
Half the rating of the panelboard, always

NEC Reference: NEC 408.36

Question 21: Per NEC 408.4(A), every circuit and circuit modification must be legibly identified as to its clear, evident, and specific purpose on:

A circuit directory at the panelboard
A note left with the homeowner only, not at the panel
Nothing — labeling is optional
The electrician's personal notebook only

NEC Reference: NEC 408.4(A)

Question 22: Per NEC 404.9(B), a snap switch with a metal mounting yoke installed in a grounded metal box must generally be:

Left ungrounded, since switches carry little current
Effectively grounded
Insulated from the box entirely
Bonded to the water pipe directly, bypassing the box

NEC Reference: NEC 404.9(B)

Question 23: A two-family dwelling has a 240-volt outdoor receptacle for a portable generator connection. Per the 2020 NEC, does NEC 210.8(A)(3) require GFCI protection for this specific receptacle?

No, not under the 2020 scope, which covers only 125-volt outdoor receptacles
Yes, all outdoor receptacles of any voltage were already covered in 2020
Only if the generator is gasoline powered
GFCI protection has never applied to outdoor receptacles

NEC Reference: NEC 210.8(A)(3)

Question 24: In a dwelling unit, per NEC 220.14(J), general-use 15- and 20-ampere receptacle outlets are generally accounted for by which load in a service or feeder calculation?

The general lighting load (3 VA per square foot)
A separate 1500 VA load per receptacle
A separate 180 VA load per receptacle, as in commercial buildings
They are never counted in any calculation

NEC Reference: NEC 220.14(J)

Question 25: Per NEC 225.30, a building or structure supplied by feeders or branch circuits from another building or structure on the same property is generally supplied by how many such feeders or branch circuits, absent a listed exception?

One
Exactly three, always
As many as convenient, with no limit
Zero — a separate structure cannot be fed by a feeder

NEC Reference: NEC 225.30

Question 26: Per NEC 250.86, metal enclosures and raceways installed for conductors other than service conductors must generally be:

Grounded
Left ungrounded in all cases
Painted rather than grounded
Insulated from earth intentionally

NEC Reference: NEC 250.86

Question 27: Per NEC 210.8(A)(1), all 125-volt, 15- and 20-ampere receptacles installed in dwelling unit bathrooms must have what type of protection?

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

NEC Reference: NEC 210.8(A)(1)

Question 28: Per NEC 210.12(A), 120-volt, 15- and 20-ampere branch circuits supplying outlets in dwelling unit kitchens and laundry areas generally require what protection?

AFCI protection
No protection is required
GFCI protection only, never AFCI
A padlock on the panel door

NEC Reference: NEC 210.12(A)

Question 29: Per NEC 210.12(B), when a receptacle outlet is replaced or a branch circuit is extended in an area of an existing dwelling that would otherwise require AFCI protection under 210.12(A), what must generally be done?

AFCI protection must generally be provided
Nothing — existing circuits are always exempt
The circuit must be entirely abandoned
GFCI protection is substituted automatically, with no other option

NEC Reference: NEC 210.12(B)

Question 30: Per NEC 220.52(A), each 20-ampere small-appliance branch circuit in a dwelling unit is counted at how many volt-amperes for feeder and service load calculation purposes?

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

NEC Reference: NEC 220.52(A)

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 2

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NEC 2020 Journeyman Practice Test 2

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NEC 2020 Journeyman Practice Test 2 — Question List

Question 1: Per NEC Article 100, an "outlet" is defined as a point on the wiring system at which current is taken to supply what?

Question 2: Per NEC Article 100, a "device" is defined as a unit of an electrical system that carries or controls electric energy as its principal function, but does NOT do what?

Question 3: Per NEC 110.3(B), listed or labeled equipment must be installed and used in accordance with:

Question 4: Where branch circuits of more than one voltage system share the same raceway, box, or enclosure, per NEC 210.5(C), the ungrounded conductors of each system must be:

Question 5: Per NEC 210.11(A), the minimum number of branch circuits required for an installation is determined from:

Question 6: A branch circuit supplies both continuous and noncontinuous loads. Per NEC 210.20(A), the overcurrent device rating must be not less than what, without applying any adjustment or correction factors?

Question 7: Per NEC 210.23(A)(1), a single receptacle installed on an individual branch circuit must have an ampere rating of:

Question 8: Per NEC 225.18, overhead branch-circuit and feeder conductors of 0-150 volts to ground, over an area subject only to pedestrian traffic, must maintain a minimum vertical clearance from final grade of:

Question 9: Besides the common ratings listed in NEC 240.6(A), NEC 240.6(B) recognizes additional standard ampere ratings for fuses, including which of the following small sizes?

Question 10: A calculated conductor ampacity does not correspond to a standard overcurrent device size. Per NEC 240.4(B), rounding up to the next higher standard rating is generally permitted, provided the device is rated no more than what maximum ampere value, among other conditions?

Question 11: Per NEC 240.5, flexible cords and fixture wires must generally be protected against overcurrent based on what?

Question 12: Per NEC 240.15(A), an overcurrent device must generally be installed in series with:

Question 13: Per NEC 250.20(B), a 120/240-volt, single-phase, 3-wire alternating-current system supplying the premises wiring of a dwelling must generally be:

Question 14: Per NEC 300.5(D)(4), direct-buried conductors or cables emerging from the ground must be protected by an enclosure or raceway, from the required burial depth up to a point at least how high above finished grade?

Question 15: A cable is installed running parallel to a wood framing member. Per NEC 300.4(D), the cable must be kept at least how far from the nearest edge of the framing member, unless protected by a steel plate?

Question 16: Per NEC 400.12, flexible cords and cables are generally NOT permitted to be used as a substitute for what?

Question 17: Per NEC 400.10, which of the following is a use generally permitted for flexible cords and cables?

Question 18: Per NEC 404.2(B), a grounded (neutral) conductor must generally be provided at which of the following?

Question 19: An existing outlet box has no equipment grounding conductor. Per NEC 406.4(D), which replacement option is generally permitted, marked "No Equipment Ground"?

Question 20: Per NEC 408.36, a panelboard must generally be protected by an overcurrent device having a rating not greater than:

Question 21: Per NEC 408.4(A), every circuit and circuit modification must be legibly identified as to its clear, evident, and specific purpose on:

Question 22: Per NEC 404.9(B), a snap switch with a metal mounting yoke installed in a grounded metal box must generally be:

Question 23: A two-family dwelling has a 240-volt outdoor receptacle for a portable generator connection. Per the 2020 NEC, does NEC 210.8(A)(3) require GFCI protection for this specific receptacle?

Question 24: In a dwelling unit, per NEC 220.14(J), general-use 15- and 20-ampere receptacle outlets are generally accounted for by which load in a service or feeder calculation?

Question 25: Per NEC 225.30, a building or structure supplied by feeders or branch circuits from another building or structure on the same property is generally supplied by how many such feeders or branch circuits, absent a listed exception?

Question 26: Per NEC 250.86, metal enclosures and raceways installed for conductors other than service conductors must generally be:

Question 27: Per NEC 210.8(A)(1), all 125-volt, 15- and 20-ampere receptacles installed in dwelling unit bathrooms must have what type of protection?

Question 28: Per NEC 210.12(A), 120-volt, 15- and 20-ampere branch circuits supplying outlets in dwelling unit kitchens and laundry areas generally require what protection?

Question 29: Per NEC 210.12(B), when a receptacle outlet is replaced or a branch circuit is extended in an area of an existing dwelling that would otherwise require AFCI protection under 210.12(A), what must generally be done?

Question 30: Per NEC 220.52(A), each 20-ampere small-appliance branch circuit in a dwelling unit is counted at how many volt-amperes for feeder and service load calculation purposes?

Key NEC References for This Test

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