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JOURNEYMAN NEC 2026

NEC 2026 Journeyman Practice Test 4

Free Online Journeyman Electrician Practice Test — NEC 2026 Edition 4This free 25-question practice test covers motor branch-circuit conductor sizing, overload and disconnect requirements, box and pull-box fill calculations, and select 2026 NEC GFCI and arc-energy reduction rules tied to appliance and overcurrent protection. Based on the 2026 National Electrical Code.

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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 2026 NEC. Check your state licensing board to confirm which edition your state has adopted.

How to Use This Practice Test

This NEC 2026 Journeyman Practice Test 4 has 25 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: 25 multiple-choice, one correct answer each

Questions

38 min

Time

70%

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NEC 2026 Journeyman Practice Test 4 — Question List

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

The applicable table in Article 430, not the motor nameplate
The motor nameplate current rating only
The nameplate service factor
The motor's locked-rotor current

NEC Reference: NEC 430.6(A)(1)

Question 2: A 5HP, 230-volt, single-phase motor has a full-load current of 28A per Table 430.248. Per NEC 430.22(A), the minimum branch-circuit conductor ampacity is:

NEC Reference: NEC 430.22(A)

Question 3: A continuous-duty motor has a marked service factor of 1.0 (not 1.15 or higher) and no marked temperature rise. Per NEC 430.32(A)(1), the maximum overload protection setting is:

115% of nameplate full-load current
125% of nameplate full-load current
140% of nameplate full-load current
150% of nameplate full-load current

NEC Reference: NEC 430.32(A)(1)

Question 4: Per NEC Table 430.52, the maximum rating of a dual-element (time-delay) fuse used as motor branch-circuit short-circuit and ground-fault protection is what percentage of the motor's full-load current?

125%
175%
250%
300%

NEC Reference: NEC Table 430.52

Question 5: A 3HP motor drives a water pump located 40 feet away via a long drive shaft, with the controller mounted near the motor. Per NEC 430.102(B), the disconnecting means must be located in sight from:

Only the controller
Both the motor location and the driven machinery location
Only the driven machinery
Neither — a lockout/tagout procedure is sufficient

NEC Reference: NEC 430.102(B)

Question 6: Per NEC 430.109(A)(1), a motor circuit disconnecting means for a motor rated in horsepower is generally required to be:

A horsepower-rated switch or circuit breaker
Any general-use snap switch, regardless of rating
A non-fused knife switch of any ampacity
Not required if the motor is under 1HP

NEC Reference: NEC 430.109(A)(1)

Question 7: Per NEC 430.110(A), for a motor disconnecting means (other than for a torque motor or a listed device for group installation), the ampere rating of the disconnect must not be less than what percentage of the motor's full-load current?

100%
115%
125%
150%

NEC Reference: NEC 430.110(A)

Question 8: An air-conditioning compressor has a rated-load current (RLC) of 20A and a maximum overcurrent protection (MOCP) marked on the nameplate as 35A. Per NEC 440.22(A), is a 30A branch-circuit protective device acceptable?

Acceptable, since it does not exceed the marked MOCP
Unacceptable, because it is below the RLC
Unacceptable, because only the exact MOCP value may be used
Unacceptable, because it must equal 175% of RLC

NEC Reference: NEC 440.22(A)

Question 9: Per NEC 440.32, branch-circuit conductors supplying a single motor-compressor must have an ampacity of not less than what percentage of the motor-compressor's rated-load current?

100%
115%
125%
150%

NEC Reference: NEC 440.32

Question 10: Per NEC 445.18, a generator must be equipped with disconnecting means to disconnect the generator and all protective devices and control apparatus from the circuits it supplies, unless:

The driving means can be readily shut down and the generator does not operate in parallel with another source
The generator is under 1kW
The generator is portable and gasoline-powered
A disconnect is never required for generators

NEC Reference: NEC 445.18

Question 11: Per NEC 314.16(A), when performing a box fill calculation, each conductor that originates outside the box and terminates or is spliced inside the box is counted:

Once
Twice
Not counted at all
Three times

NEC Reference: NEC 314.16(B)(1)

Question 12: Per NEC 314.16(B)(4), for each strap (yoke) containing one or more devices, such as a duplex receptacle, the box fill calculation must add a volume allowance equal to how many conductors of the largest conductor connected to the device?

One
Two
Three
Four

NEC Reference: NEC 314.16(B)(4)

Question 13: Per NEC 314.16(B)(5), all internal cable clamps within a single box are counted collectively as how many conductors, based on the largest conductor present, for box fill purposes?

None — clamps are not counted
One
Two
One per clamp installed

NEC Reference: NEC 314.16(B)(5)

Question 14: Per NEC 314.28(A)(1), for a straight pull, a pull box or junction box enclosing conductors 4 AWG or larger must have a minimum length of not less than how many times the trade diameter of the largest raceway?

4 times
6 times
8 times
10 times

NEC Reference: NEC 314.28(A)(1)

Question 15: Per NEC 314.28(A)(2), for an angle or U pull, the distance from where each raceway enters the box to the opposite wall must be not less than how many times the trade diameter of the largest raceway in that row?

4 times
6 times
8 times
12 times

NEC Reference: NEC 314.28(A)(2)

Question 16: Per NEC Article 100, an "Overload" is operation of equipment in excess of normal, full-load rating that, if it persists for a sufficient length of time, would cause damage or overheating, and it:

Does not include short circuits or ground faults
Is the same thing as a short circuit
Only applies to motors, not conductors
Always trips instantly, like a fault current

NEC Reference: NEC Article 100

Question 17: Per NEC 240.4, conductors, other than flexible cords, flexible cables, and fixture wires, must be protected against overcurrent in accordance with their:

Ampacities, as specified in 310.14, unless otherwise permitted or required
Physical length only
Insulation color
Voltage rating only

NEC Reference: NEC 240.4

Question 18: Per NEC Table 314.16(B), each No. 10 AWG conductor counted in a box fill calculation requires a volume allowance of:

2.00 cubic inches
2.25 cubic inches
2.50 cubic inches
3.00 cubic inches

NEC Reference: NEC Table 314.16(B)

Question 19: A dwelling has an outdoor 125-volt receptacle intended to power a portable pool-cleaning appliance, located near an in-ground swimming pool. Per the 2026 NEC, this outdoor dwelling receptacle must be GFCI protected if located within how many feet of the outside edge of the pool?

6 feet
10 feet
15 feet
20 feet

NEC Reference: NEC 2026 — 210.8 / 680.22(A)(4)

Question 20: Per the 2026 NEC 422.5(A), which of the following dwelling unit appliances is NOT among those requiring GFCI protection on its branch circuit?

Dishwasher
Electric clothes dryer
Fixed electric baseboard wall heater
Electric range

NEC Reference: NEC 2026 — 422.5(A)

Question 21: A 240-volt, cord-and-plug-connected heat-pump water heater is installed in a dwelling utility room. Per the 2026 NEC 422.5(A)(7), the branch circuit for this water heater requires:

No special protection beyond standard overcurrent protection
GFCI protection
AFCI protection only
Surge protection only

NEC Reference: NEC 2026 — 422.5(A)(7)

Question 22: An indoor commercial wet location has a 30A, 277-volt single-phase receptacle. Per the 2026 NEC 210.8(B), is this receptacle required to have GFCI protection under the other-than-dwelling rule?

No, because 277V exceeds the 250V scope of 210.8(B)
Yes, all commercial wet-location receptacles need GFCI
Only if it is rated 20A or less
Only if it supplies a motor load

NEC Reference: NEC 2026 — 210.8(B)

Question 23: Per the 2026 NEC 240.67(B), which of the following would NOT qualify as a permitted arc-energy reduction method for fuses rated 1200A or more?

A non-thermal fuse with a clearing time of 0.07 seconds or less
Differential relaying
Lengthening the conductors between the fuse and the load
Energy-reducing maintenance switching with a local status indicator

NEC Reference: NEC 2026 — 240.67(B)

Question 24: Per the 2026 NEC 240.87(B)(4), an "energy-reducing active arc flash mitigation system" reduces arc energy by operating:

Faster than the breaker's normal clearing time, reducing incident energy
Only after the upstream breaker fails to trip
On a fixed 24-hour delay
Only during scheduled maintenance

NEC Reference: NEC 2026 — 240.87(B)(4)

Question 25: Per the 2026 NEC 240.87(C), acceptable documentation to support a chosen arc-energy reduction method may include:

Engineering documentation such as an incident-energy analysis or manufacturer's clearing-time data
A verbal explanation from the installing electrician
Nothing — documentation is never required
A photo of the equipment nameplate only

NEC Reference: NEC 2026 — 240.87(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 2026 Journeyman Practice Test 4

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Key NEC References for This Test

NEC 2026 Journeyman Practice Test 4

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NEC 2026 Journeyman Practice Test 4 — Question List

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

Question 2: A 5HP, 230-volt, single-phase motor has a full-load current of 28A per Table 430.248. Per NEC 430.22(A), the minimum branch-circuit conductor ampacity is:

Question 3: A continuous-duty motor has a marked service factor of 1.0 (not 1.15 or higher) and no marked temperature rise. Per NEC 430.32(A)(1), the maximum overload protection setting is:

Question 4: Per NEC Table 430.52, the maximum rating of a dual-element (time-delay) fuse used as motor branch-circuit short-circuit and ground-fault protection is what percentage of the motor's full-load current?

Question 5: A 3HP motor drives a water pump located 40 feet away via a long drive shaft, with the controller mounted near the motor. Per NEC 430.102(B), the disconnecting means must be located in sight from:

Question 6: Per NEC 430.109(A)(1), a motor circuit disconnecting means for a motor rated in horsepower is generally required to be:

Question 7: Per NEC 430.110(A), for a motor disconnecting means (other than for a torque motor or a listed device for group installation), the ampere rating of the disconnect must not be less than what percentage of the motor's full-load current?

Question 8: An air-conditioning compressor has a rated-load current (RLC) of 20A and a maximum overcurrent protection (MOCP) marked on the nameplate as 35A. Per NEC 440.22(A), is a 30A branch-circuit protective device acceptable?

Question 9: Per NEC 440.32, branch-circuit conductors supplying a single motor-compressor must have an ampacity of not less than what percentage of the motor-compressor's rated-load current?

Question 10: Per NEC 445.18, a generator must be equipped with disconnecting means to disconnect the generator and all protective devices and control apparatus from the circuits it supplies, unless:

Question 11: Per NEC 314.16(A), when performing a box fill calculation, each conductor that originates outside the box and terminates or is spliced inside the box is counted:

Question 12: Per NEC 314.16(B)(4), for each strap (yoke) containing one or more devices, such as a duplex receptacle, the box fill calculation must add a volume allowance equal to how many conductors of the largest conductor connected to the device?

Question 13: Per NEC 314.16(B)(5), all internal cable clamps within a single box are counted collectively as how many conductors, based on the largest conductor present, for box fill purposes?

Question 14: Per NEC 314.28(A)(1), for a straight pull, a pull box or junction box enclosing conductors 4 AWG or larger must have a minimum length of not less than how many times the trade diameter of the largest raceway?

Question 15: Per NEC 314.28(A)(2), for an angle or U pull, the distance from where each raceway enters the box to the opposite wall must be not less than how many times the trade diameter of the largest raceway in that row?

Question 16: Per NEC Article 100, an "Overload" is operation of equipment in excess of normal, full-load rating that, if it persists for a sufficient length of time, would cause damage or overheating, and it:

Question 17: Per NEC 240.4, conductors, other than flexible cords, flexible cables, and fixture wires, must be protected against overcurrent in accordance with their:

Question 18: Per NEC Table 314.16(B), each No. 10 AWG conductor counted in a box fill calculation requires a volume allowance of:

Question 19: A dwelling has an outdoor 125-volt receptacle intended to power a portable pool-cleaning appliance, located near an in-ground swimming pool. Per the 2026 NEC, this outdoor dwelling receptacle must be GFCI protected if located within how many feet of the outside edge of the pool?

Question 20: Per the 2026 NEC 422.5(A), which of the following dwelling unit appliances is NOT among those requiring GFCI protection on its branch circuit?

Question 21: A 240-volt, cord-and-plug-connected heat-pump water heater is installed in a dwelling utility room. Per the 2026 NEC 422.5(A)(7), the branch circuit for this water heater requires:

Question 22: An indoor commercial wet location has a 30A, 277-volt single-phase receptacle. Per the 2026 NEC 210.8(B), is this receptacle required to have GFCI protection under the other-than-dwelling rule?

Question 23: Per the 2026 NEC 240.67(B), which of the following would NOT qualify as a permitted arc-energy reduction method for fuses rated 1200A or more?

Question 24: Per the 2026 NEC 240.87(B)(4), an "energy-reducing active arc flash mitigation system" reduces arc energy by operating:

Question 25: Per the 2026 NEC 240.87(C), acceptable documentation to support a chosen arc-energy reduction method may include:

Key NEC References for This Test

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