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JOURNEYMAN NEC 2020

NEC 2020 Journeyman Practice Test 4

Free Online Journeyman Electrician Practice Test — NEC 2020 Edition 4This free 30-question practice test covers dwelling and general load calculations, motor branch-circuit and overload protection rules, and transformer installation and overcurrent protection. All questions and explanations are based on the 2020 NEC.

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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 4 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 4 — Question List

Question 1: Per NEC Article 100, "ampacity" is defined as the maximum current a conductor can carry continuously, under the conditions of use, without exceeding what?

Its temperature rating
Its purchase price
Its physical length
Its manufacturer's warranty

NEC Reference: NEC Article 100

Question 2: Per NEC Article 100, a "continuous load" is one where the maximum current is expected to continue for how long?

30 minutes
1 hour
3 hours or more
24 hours

NEC Reference: NEC Article 100

Question 3: Per NEC Table 220.12, the general lighting load for a dwelling unit occupancy is calculated at how many volt-amperes per square foot of floor area?

1 VA per square foot
2 VA per square foot
3 VA per square foot
5 VA per square foot

NEC Reference: NEC Table 220.12

Question 4: In an office building, per NEC 220.14(I), each general-use receptacle outlet is generally counted at how many volt-amperes for load calculation purposes, unless the actual load is known to be higher?

90 VA
180 VA
360 VA
1,500 VA

NEC Reference: NEC 220.14(I)

Question 5: Per NEC Table 220.42, what demand factor generally applies to the first 3,000 volt-amperes of general lighting load in a dwelling unit?

35%
50%
100%
125%

NEC Reference: NEC Table 220.42

Question 6: A dwelling unit has a single 12 kW household electric range. Per NEC Table 220.55, what demand load is generally used for this range in a service or feeder calculation?

6 kW
8 kW
10 kW
12 kW

NEC Reference: NEC Table 220.55

Question 7: Per NEC 220.61(A), the feeder or service neutral (grounded conductor) load is generally based on what value?

The maximum unbalance between the neutral and any one ungrounded conductor
Always the same size as the largest ungrounded conductor
The sum of every line-to-neutral and line-to-line load combined
A fixed value with no relationship to the actual loads

NEC Reference: NEC 220.61(A)

Question 8: Under the optional calculation method for a dwelling unit in NEC 220.82(B), the first 10 kVA of general loads is taken at 100%, and the remainder is taken at what demand factor?

NEC Reference: NEC 220.82(B)

Question 9: Per NEC 430.6(A)(1), when sizing motor branch-circuit conductors and overcurrent protection, the full-load current value used must generally come from:

The NEC motor full-load current tables, not the nameplate
The motor nameplate current only, never the tables
A random estimate
The motor's locked-rotor current only

NEC Reference: NEC 430.6(A)(1)

Question 10: A single continuous-duty motor has a full-load current of 32 amperes, per the NEC motor full-load current tables. Per NEC 430.22(A), what is the minimum required branch-circuit conductor ampacity?

32 amperes
35 amperes
40 amperes
45 amperes

NEC Reference: NEC 430.22(A)

Question 11: Conductors supply three motors with full-load currents of 10, 15, and 20 amperes. Per NEC 430.24, what is the minimum required ampacity of these feeder conductors?

45 amperes
50 amperes
56 amperes
60 amperes

NEC Reference: NEC 430.24

Question 12: A continuous-duty motor has a marked service factor of 1.20 (1.15 or greater). Per NEC 430.32(A)(1), what is the maximum overload protection setting generally permitted, as a percentage of the motor's full-load current?

100%
115%
125%
150%

NEC Reference: NEC 430.32(A)(1)

Question 13: Per NEC Table 430.52, for other than Design B energy-efficient or Design E motors, what is the maximum percentage of full-load current generally permitted when an inverse time circuit breaker is used as the motor branch-circuit short-circuit and ground-fault protective device?

150%
175%
250%
400%

NEC Reference: NEC Table 430.52

Question 14: Per NEC 430.72, motor control circuit conductors — the smaller wires that operate a motor starter coil, for example — must generally be protected against overcurrent based on:

The conductor size and whether it extends beyond the controller enclosure
The paint color of the control panel
Nothing — control circuits never need protection
The manufacturer's logo on the coil

NEC Reference: NEC 430.72

Question 15: Per NEC 430.102(A), a disconnecting means must generally be located in sight from, and readily accessible from, what piece of motor equipment?

The motor controller
The main service panel only, regardless of distance
The building's front entrance
It does not need to be in sight of anything

NEC Reference: NEC 430.102(A)

Question 16: Per NEC 430.104, a motor controller must be durably marked with the manufacturer's identification and which electrical ratings?

Voltage, and current or horsepower rating
The installer's birthday
The building's street address only
No marking is ever required

NEC Reference: NEC 430.104

Question 17: Per NEC 430.109(A)(1), the disconnecting means for a motor circuit must generally be which type of device, rather than an ordinary general-use snap switch?

A horsepower-rated motor-circuit switch or listed molded case circuit breaker/switch
Any ordinary residential light switch
A standard duplex receptacle
A twist-off wire nut

NEC Reference: NEC 430.109(A)(1)

Question 18: Per NEC 440.22(A), the branch-circuit short-circuit and ground-fault protective device for an air-conditioning or refrigeration compressor generally must not exceed what percentage of the motor-compressor's rated-load current, unless a specific exception applies to allow starting?

125%
150%
175%
300%

NEC Reference: NEC 440.22(A)

Question 19: Per NEC 440.52, overload protection for a hermetic refrigerant motor-compressor is generally sized based on which value marked on the equipment nameplate?

The rated-load current or branch-circuit selection current
The building's total service size
The compressor's shipping weight
A fixed value with no relation to the nameplate

NEC Reference: NEC 440.52

Question 20: Per NEC Table 450.3(B), the maximum overcurrent protection for a transformer rated 1000 volts or less is generally based on the transformer's:

Rated primary (and secondary, if protected) current
Physical weight in pounds
Exterior paint color
Manufacture date only

NEC Reference: NEC Table 450.3(B)

Question 21: Per NEC 450.9, the ventilating openings of a transformer must generally not be:

Blocked in a way that restricts airflow
Painted any particular color
Larger than the transformer case
Labeled with a warning sign

NEC Reference: NEC 450.9

Question 22: Per NEC 450.11, every transformer must be provided with a nameplate showing which of the following, among other required information?

Rated kVA, frequency, and primary/secondary voltage
The installer's home address
The building's zoning classification
Nothing is required on a transformer nameplate

NEC Reference: NEC 450.11

Question 23: True or false: per NEC 450.13, transformers must generally be installed so they are readily accessible for inspection and maintenance, except for specific dry-type transformers meeting limited exceptions.

True
False
Only for outdoor transformers
Only for transformers over 1000V

NEC Reference: NEC 450.13

Question 24: Per NEC 210.19(A)(1), an individual branch circuit that supplies a single piece of noncontinuous-duty utilization equipment must have conductors with an ampacity not less than:

The rating of the equipment supplied
Twice the rating of the equipment supplied
A fixed 15 amperes, regardless of the load
There is no minimum ampacity requirement

NEC Reference: NEC 210.19(A)(1)

Question 25: Per NEC 220.87, when determining the existing load of a building to evaluate whether a new load addition can be supplied without a service upgrade, the maximum demand data used must generally be based on a minimum period of:

One month
One year
Five years
No minimum period applies

NEC Reference: NEC 220.87

Question 26: Per NEC Table 220.12, the general lighting unit load for an office building occupancy is generally:

0.25 VA per square foot
2 VA per square foot
3.5 VA per square foot
10 VA per square foot

NEC Reference: NEC Table 220.12

Question 27: Per NEC 215.2(A)(1), feeder conductors supplying both continuous and noncontinuous loads must have an ampacity not less than what, before any adjustment or correction factors?

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

NEC Reference: NEC 215.2(A)(1)

Question 28: True or false: per NEC 240.4(G), certain conductor applications, such as flexible cords, fixture wires, and motor circuit conductors, have their maximum overcurrent protection sizes specified in other specific NEC sections, rather than under the general small-conductor rule of 240.4(D).

True
False
Only for underground conductors
Only in hazardous locations

NEC Reference: NEC 240.4(G)

Question 29: A dwelling unit has a 125-volt, 15-ampere receptacle mounted on an outdoor balcony. Per the 2020 NEC, what protection does NEC 210.8(A)(3) require for this receptacle?

GFCI protection is required
No protection is required for balcony receptacles
AFCI protection only, never GFCI
Only a weatherproof-in-use cover is required, with no GFCI

NEC Reference: NEC 210.8(A)(3)

Question 30: Per NEC Table 430.52, for other than Design B energy-efficient or Design E motors, what is the maximum percentage of full-load current generally permitted when a time-delay (dual-element) fuse is used as the motor branch-circuit short-circuit and ground-fault protective device?

125%
175%
250%
300%

NEC Reference: NEC Table 430.52

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 4

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NEC 2020 Journeyman Practice Test 4

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NEC 2020 Journeyman Practice Test 4 — Question List

Question 1: Per NEC Article 100, "ampacity" is defined as the maximum current a conductor can carry continuously, under the conditions of use, without exceeding what?

Question 2: Per NEC Article 100, a "continuous load" is one where the maximum current is expected to continue for how long?

Question 3: Per NEC Table 220.12, the general lighting load for a dwelling unit occupancy is calculated at how many volt-amperes per square foot of floor area?

Question 4: In an office building, per NEC 220.14(I), each general-use receptacle outlet is generally counted at how many volt-amperes for load calculation purposes, unless the actual load is known to be higher?

Question 5: Per NEC Table 220.42, what demand factor generally applies to the first 3,000 volt-amperes of general lighting load in a dwelling unit?

Question 6: A dwelling unit has a single 12 kW household electric range. Per NEC Table 220.55, what demand load is generally used for this range in a service or feeder calculation?

Question 7: Per NEC 220.61(A), the feeder or service neutral (grounded conductor) load is generally based on what value?

Question 8: Under the optional calculation method for a dwelling unit in NEC 220.82(B), the first 10 kVA of general loads is taken at 100%, and the remainder is taken at what demand factor?

Question 9: Per NEC 430.6(A)(1), when sizing motor branch-circuit conductors and overcurrent protection, the full-load current value used must generally come from:

Question 10: A single continuous-duty motor has a full-load current of 32 amperes, per the NEC motor full-load current tables. Per NEC 430.22(A), what is the minimum required branch-circuit conductor ampacity?

Question 11: Conductors supply three motors with full-load currents of 10, 15, and 20 amperes. Per NEC 430.24, what is the minimum required ampacity of these feeder conductors?

Question 12: A continuous-duty motor has a marked service factor of 1.20 (1.15 or greater). Per NEC 430.32(A)(1), what is the maximum overload protection setting generally permitted, as a percentage of the motor's full-load current?

Question 13: Per NEC Table 430.52, for other than Design B energy-efficient or Design E motors, what is the maximum percentage of full-load current generally permitted when an inverse time circuit breaker is used as the motor branch-circuit short-circuit and ground-fault protective device?

Question 14: Per NEC 430.72, motor control circuit conductors — the smaller wires that operate a motor starter coil, for example — must generally be protected against overcurrent based on:

Question 15: Per NEC 430.102(A), a disconnecting means must generally be located in sight from, and readily accessible from, what piece of motor equipment?

Question 16: Per NEC 430.104, a motor controller must be durably marked with the manufacturer's identification and which electrical ratings?

Question 17: Per NEC 430.109(A)(1), the disconnecting means for a motor circuit must generally be which type of device, rather than an ordinary general-use snap switch?

Question 18: Per NEC 440.22(A), the branch-circuit short-circuit and ground-fault protective device for an air-conditioning or refrigeration compressor generally must not exceed what percentage of the motor-compressor's rated-load current, unless a specific exception applies to allow starting?

Question 19: Per NEC 440.52, overload protection for a hermetic refrigerant motor-compressor is generally sized based on which value marked on the equipment nameplate?

Question 20: Per NEC Table 450.3(B), the maximum overcurrent protection for a transformer rated 1000 volts or less is generally based on the transformer's:

Question 21: Per NEC 450.9, the ventilating openings of a transformer must generally not be:

Question 22: Per NEC 450.11, every transformer must be provided with a nameplate showing which of the following, among other required information?

Question 23: True or false: per NEC 450.13, transformers must generally be installed so they are readily accessible for inspection and maintenance, except for specific dry-type transformers meeting limited exceptions.

Question 24: Per NEC 210.19(A)(1), an individual branch circuit that supplies a single piece of noncontinuous-duty utilization equipment must have conductors with an ampacity not less than:

Question 25: Per NEC 220.87, when determining the existing load of a building to evaluate whether a new load addition can be supplied without a service upgrade, the maximum demand data used must generally be based on a minimum period of:

Question 26: Per NEC Table 220.12, the general lighting unit load for an office building occupancy is generally:

Question 27: Per NEC 215.2(A)(1), feeder conductors supplying both continuous and noncontinuous loads must have an ampacity not less than what, before any adjustment or correction factors?

Question 29: A dwelling unit has a 125-volt, 15-ampere receptacle mounted on an outdoor balcony. Per the 2020 NEC, what protection does NEC 210.8(A)(3) require for this receptacle?

Question 30: Per NEC Table 430.52, for other than Design B energy-efficient or Design E motors, what is the maximum percentage of full-load current generally permitted when a time-delay (dual-element) fuse is used as the motor branch-circuit short-circuit and ground-fault protective device?

Key NEC References for This Test

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