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JOURNEYMAN NEC 2020

NEC 2020 Journeyman Practice Test 9

Free Online Journeyman Electrician Practice Test — NEC 2020 Edition 9This free 30-question practice test covers dwelling unit load calculations using the pre-2023 table numbers, feeder conductor sizing, and special occupancy rules for hazardous (classified) locations, healthcare facilities, and pools. 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 9 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 9 — Question List

Question 1: Per the 2020 NEC 220.14(J), what is the general lighting load unit value used for dwelling units?

2 VA per square foot
3 VA per square foot
5 VA per square foot
1.5 VA per square foot

NEC Reference: NEC 220.14(J)

Question 2: A dwelling unit has 2,000 square feet of living area. Using the 2020 NEC 220.14(J) general lighting unit load, what is the general lighting load?

4,000 VA
5,000 VA
6,000 VA
8,000 VA

NEC Reference: NEC 220.14(J)

Question 3: Per NEC 220.14(J), general-use receptacle outlets in a dwelling unit (other than small appliance, laundry, and specific circuits) require what additional load in the service/feeder calculation?

No additional load — already included in the general lighting load
180 VA per receptacle, same as commercial
360 VA per receptacle
1,500 VA per receptacle

NEC Reference: NEC 220.14(J)

Question 4: Per NEC 220.52(A), each 20 ampere small appliance branch circuit in a dwelling unit is calculated at what load value for service/feeder purposes?

1,000 VA
1,500 VA
2,000 VA
3,000 VA

NEC Reference: NEC 220.52(A)

Question 5: Per NEC 220.52(B), the required laundry branch circuit in a dwelling unit is calculated at what load value?

1,000 VA
1,500 VA
2,500 VA
3,000 VA

NEC Reference: NEC 220.52(B)

Question 6: A dwelling unit has a total connected general lighting, receptacle, small appliance, and laundry load of 8,000 VA. Using the 2020 NEC Table 220.42 demand factors, what is the calculated demand load?

8,000 VA
4,750 VA
2,800 VA
6,000 VA

NEC Reference: NEC Table 220.42

Question 7: A dwelling unit has four qualifying appliances fastened in place, each rated 1,000 VA. Per NEC 220.53, what is the demand load for these appliances?

4,000 VA
3,000 VA
2,000 VA
1,000 VA

NEC Reference: NEC 220.53

Question 8: Per NEC 220.54, the calculated load for a single dwelling unit clothes dryer must be at least what value, or the nameplate rating if larger?

3,000 watts
4,500 watts
5,000 watts
6,000 watts

NEC Reference: NEC 220.54

Question 9: Per NEC Table 220.55, a dwelling unit has a single electric range rated 12 kW or less. What demand load is assigned for that one range under Column C?

12 kW
10 kW
8 kW
6 kW

NEC Reference: NEC Table 220.55

Question 10: A dwelling has an electric heating system and a separate air-conditioning system that are interlocked so they cannot operate at the same time. Per NEC 220.60, how should these two loads be handled in the calculation?

Only the larger of the two loads must be included
Both loads must always be added together in full
Both loads are always omitted
Only the smaller load is used

NEC Reference: NEC 220.60

Question 11: Per NEC 220.61, the feeder or service neutral conductor for a dwelling must be sized based on:

The maximum unbalanced load between the neutral and any one ungrounded conductor
It must always match the full ungrounded conductor size
It is never required for a 3-wire dwelling service
It is sized only for continuous loads

NEC Reference: NEC 220.61(A)

Question 12: Per NEC 220.82(B), when using the optional method for calculating a dwelling unit service or feeder load, what demand factors are applied to the total general loads?

100 percent of the first 10 kVA, plus 40 percent of the remainder
50 percent of everything, no matter the amount
100 percent of all general loads, no reduction
25 percent flat demand factor on all loads

NEC Reference: NEC 220.82(B)

Question 13: Using the optional method of NEC 220.82(B), a dwelling unit has a total connected general load of 38,000 VA (lighting, small appliance, laundry, and other listed loads combined). What is the demand load for these general loads?

38,000 VA
19,000 VA
21,200 VA
15,200 VA

NEC Reference: NEC 220.82(B)

Question 14: Per NEC 215.2(A)(1)(a), feeder conductors must have an ampacity of not less than what combination of noncontinuous and continuous loads?

100% noncontinuous load plus 125% continuous load
125% of the total load regardless of type
100% of the total load with no adjustment
150% of the continuous load only

NEC Reference: NEC 215.2(A)(1)(a)

Question 15: Per NEC 500.5(B), a Class I hazardous (classified) location is one in which:

Flammable gases or vapors may be present in ignitible quantities
Combustible dust is the only hazard present
Ignitible fibers or flyings are the only hazard present
No hazardous atmosphere is present under any condition

NEC Reference: NEC 500.5(B)

Question 16: Per NEC 500.5(C), a Class II hazardous (classified) location is one made hazardous by the presence of:

Combustible dust
Flammable gases only
Ignitible fibers and flyings only
High humidity

NEC Reference: NEC 500.5(C)

Question 17: Per NEC 500.5(D), a Class III hazardous (classified) location is one made hazardous by the presence of:

Easily ignitible fibers or flyings
Flammable gases only
Combustible dust only
Corrosive liquids

NEC Reference: NEC 500.5(D)

Question 18: In the NEC Class/Division hazardous location system, what is the key distinction between a Division 1 and a Division 2 location?

Division 1 = hazard present under normal conditions; Division 2 = hazard present only under abnormal conditions
Division 1 and Division 2 are identical in every respect
Division 2 is always more hazardous than Division 1
The division depends only on building square footage

NEC Reference: NEC 500.5

Question 19: Per NEC 501.10(A), which wiring methods are among those generally recognized for use in Class I, Division 1 locations?

Threaded rigid metal conduit and threaded steel intermediate metal conduit
Standard Type NM cable only
EMT with set-screw fittings only
Open knob-and-tube wiring

NEC Reference: NEC 501.10(A)

Question 20: Per NEC 511.3, in a commercial repair garage where flammable liquids or LP-gas fueled vehicles are serviced, the floor area up to what height above the floor is generally classified as a Class I, Division 2 location (absent adequate ventilation)?

12 inches
18 inches
24 inches
36 inches

NEC Reference: NEC 511.3(C)

Question 21: Per NEC 517.13(B), in addition to a metal raceway or listed metallic cable armor/sheath providing an equipment grounding return path, what else must be run with branch circuits serving patient care spaces in a healthcare facility?

An insulated copper equipment grounding conductor run with the circuit conductors
Nothing further is required
A second, separate neutral conductor
A ground rod at every receptacle

NEC Reference: NEC 517.13(B)

Question 22: What is the primary safety purpose of the redundant (dual-path) equipment grounding requirement in NEC 517.13 for patient care spaces?

To minimize voltage differences between conductive surfaces a patient could contact
To reduce the cost of copper conductors
To eliminate the need for any overcurrent protection
To allow the neutral to be omitted entirely

NEC Reference: NEC 517.13

Question 23: Per NEC 680.23(A)(5), underwater luminaires in a pool that operate at more than 15 volts must be protected by:

A ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)
An arc-fault circuit interrupter only
No special protection is required
A standard fuse rated at 60 amperes

NEC Reference: NEC 680.23(A)(5)

Question 24: Per NEC 680.26, the equipotential bonding grid required around a permanently installed pool is intended primarily to:

Equalize voltage potential between pool structure, decking, and metal parts
Provide the main service grounding electrode for the dwelling
Replace the need for GFCI protection entirely
Reduce the water temperature

NEC Reference: NEC 680.26(A)

Question 25: True or false: per NEC 680.22(A)(5), all 125-volt through 250-volt receptacles located within the pool area defined by Article 680 must have GFCI protection.

True
False
Only receptacles over 250 volts
Only receptacles more than 50 feet from the pool

NEC Reference: NEC 680.22(A)(5)

Question 26: In a dwelling unit load calculation, the "general lighting load" calculated from the square footage of the dwelling is understood to also cover which other loads, without a separate calculation?

General-use receptacle outlets
The electric range only
The service disconnect rating
The air conditioning compressor

NEC Reference: NEC 220.14(J)

Question 27: Per NEC 220.83, which situation does this optional calculation method specifically address?

Adding a new load to an existing dwelling unit that already has a computed load
Sizing an entirely new commercial service
Sizing conductors for a swimming pool motor only
Calculating hazardous location loads

NEC Reference: NEC 220.83

Question 28: A feeder supplies a continuous load of 40 amperes and a noncontinuous load of 20 amperes. Per NEC 215.2(A)(1)(a), what is the minimum required feeder conductor ampacity?

60 amperes
70 amperes
75 amperes
80 amperes

NEC Reference: NEC 215.2(A)(1)(a)

Question 29: Per NEC 501.15, seal fittings are required in raceways in Class I hazardous locations primarily to:

Prevent the passage of gases, vapors, or flames through the raceway
Improve conductor ampacity
Reduce voltage drop
Provide the equipment grounding path

NEC Reference: NEC 501.15

Question 30: In NEC load calculations, what is the general purpose of applying a "demand factor" to a connected load?

It accounts for the fact that not all connected loads operate at the same time
It increases the required conductor size beyond the connected load
It has no effect on the calculated load
It only applies to hazardous locations

NEC Reference: NEC Article 220

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 9

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Key NEC References for This Test

NEC 2020 Journeyman Practice Test 9

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NEC 2020 Journeyman Practice Test 9 — Question List

Question 1: Per the 2020 NEC 220.14(J), what is the general lighting load unit value used for dwelling units?

Question 2: A dwelling unit has 2,000 square feet of living area. Using the 2020 NEC 220.14(J) general lighting unit load, what is the general lighting load?

Question 3: Per NEC 220.14(J), general-use receptacle outlets in a dwelling unit (other than small appliance, laundry, and specific circuits) require what additional load in the service/feeder calculation?

Question 4: Per NEC 220.52(A), each 20 ampere small appliance branch circuit in a dwelling unit is calculated at what load value for service/feeder purposes?

Question 5: Per NEC 220.52(B), the required laundry branch circuit in a dwelling unit is calculated at what load value?

Question 6: A dwelling unit has a total connected general lighting, receptacle, small appliance, and laundry load of 8,000 VA. Using the 2020 NEC Table 220.42 demand factors, what is the calculated demand load?

Question 7: A dwelling unit has four qualifying appliances fastened in place, each rated 1,000 VA. Per NEC 220.53, what is the demand load for these appliances?

Question 8: Per NEC 220.54, the calculated load for a single dwelling unit clothes dryer must be at least what value, or the nameplate rating if larger?

Question 9: Per NEC Table 220.55, a dwelling unit has a single electric range rated 12 kW or less. What demand load is assigned for that one range under Column C?

Question 10: A dwelling has an electric heating system and a separate air-conditioning system that are interlocked so they cannot operate at the same time. Per NEC 220.60, how should these two loads be handled in the calculation?

Question 11: Per NEC 220.61, the feeder or service neutral conductor for a dwelling must be sized based on:

Question 12: Per NEC 220.82(B), when using the optional method for calculating a dwelling unit service or feeder load, what demand factors are applied to the total general loads?

Question 13: Using the optional method of NEC 220.82(B), a dwelling unit has a total connected general load of 38,000 VA (lighting, small appliance, laundry, and other listed loads combined). What is the demand load for these general loads?

Question 14: Per NEC 215.2(A)(1)(a), feeder conductors must have an ampacity of not less than what combination of noncontinuous and continuous loads?

Question 15: Per NEC 500.5(B), a Class I hazardous (classified) location is one in which:

Question 16: Per NEC 500.5(C), a Class II hazardous (classified) location is one made hazardous by the presence of:

Question 17: Per NEC 500.5(D), a Class III hazardous (classified) location is one made hazardous by the presence of:

Question 18: In the NEC Class/Division hazardous location system, what is the key distinction between a Division 1 and a Division 2 location?

Question 19: Per NEC 501.10(A), which wiring methods are among those generally recognized for use in Class I, Division 1 locations?

Question 20: Per NEC 511.3, in a commercial repair garage where flammable liquids or LP-gas fueled vehicles are serviced, the floor area up to what height above the floor is generally classified as a Class I, Division 2 location (absent adequate ventilation)?

Question 21: Per NEC 517.13(B), in addition to a metal raceway or listed metallic cable armor/sheath providing an equipment grounding return path, what else must be run with branch circuits serving patient care spaces in a healthcare facility?

Question 22: What is the primary safety purpose of the redundant (dual-path) equipment grounding requirement in NEC 517.13 for patient care spaces?

Question 23: Per NEC 680.23(A)(5), underwater luminaires in a pool that operate at more than 15 volts must be protected by:

Question 24: Per NEC 680.26, the equipotential bonding grid required around a permanently installed pool is intended primarily to:

Question 25: True or false: per NEC 680.22(A)(5), all 125-volt through 250-volt receptacles located within the pool area defined by Article 680 must have GFCI protection.

Question 26: In a dwelling unit load calculation, the "general lighting load" calculated from the square footage of the dwelling is understood to also cover which other loads, without a separate calculation?

Question 27: Per NEC 220.83, which situation does this optional calculation method specifically address?

Question 28: A feeder supplies a continuous load of 40 amperes and a noncontinuous load of 20 amperes. Per NEC 215.2(A)(1)(a), what is the minimum required feeder conductor ampacity?

Question 29: Per NEC 501.15, seal fittings are required in raceways in Class I hazardous locations primarily to:

Question 30: In NEC load calculations, what is the general purpose of applying a "demand factor" to a connected load?

Key NEC References for This Test

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