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Quiz Session - Attempts With Random Questions

NASCLA Journeyman Electrician Exam Questions

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1.

Unless allowed otherwise by the Code, how are underground cables and conductors required to be installed under a building?

  • In a raceway

  • Encased in concrete

  • In a raceway encased in concrete

  • In Schedule 40 PVC

Correct answer: In a raceway

Underground cable and conductors under a building is what you are looking to identify here. This is a specific underground installation that concerns wiring methods.

The other options are materials or methods and considerations of this scenario, but do not satisfy the question.

2.

You are upgrading an older home from a 100-amp panel to a 200-amp panel. You are upgrading the service-entrance conductors as well. The utility company has confirmed that their service drop to the meter is sufficient for this upgrade. Opening the meter, you see a single additional red 8 AWG wire under one of the same lug taps as an existing service-entrance conductor on a two-lug assembly. There is an additional white 8 AWG wire tapped under the separate ground lug of the two-lug ground assembly. These come into the back of the meter though a 1-inch EMT fitting. You trace these 8 AWG to a small subpanel with 4 Edison-Type 20-amp fuses. This subpanel appears to be up to Code.

What is the fastest legitimate solution? 

  • Ensure load calculations, run another raceway with the required 6 AWG wires to the panel you are installing, and seal the old 1-inch EMT fitting

  • These taps are allowed, continue with the installation

  • Replace the two lug taps with three lug taps and continue the installation

  • Ensure load calculations and add a ground, re-running the required 8 AWG wires from the Edison panel through the meter to the panel you are installing

Correct answer: Ensure load calculations, run another raceway with the required 6 AWG wires to the panel you are installing, and seal the old 1-inch EMT fitting

This is a real life situation. The correct answer fulfills all minimum Code requirements. The question implies breaker considerations were covered under load calculations. 

50 years ago, 8 AWG was probably sufficient. Even today, many people may do this for a light load on the four fuses, but it does not meet Code. 

The other tap options are designed into larger equipment. A meter base is not designed for this purpose.

3.

If drywall surfaces around a cutout box with a flush-type cover are broken or incomplete, they are required to be repaired so that no gaps or open spaces are greater than?

  • 3mm (1/8 in)

  • 9mm (3/8 in)

  • 4 mm (3/16 in)

  • 6 mm (1/4 in)

Correct answer: 3mm (1/8 in)

In this question, identify wiring methods and materials. This is primarily a method. Then identify cabinet.

Finally, under repairing noncombustible surfaces, you will find your answer.

4.

Who is responsible for the application of safety-related work practices and procedures?

  • Employers

  • Employees

  • OSHA

  • NFPA

Correct answer: Employers

Each employer is responsible for coming up with these practices and procedures and must ensure each employee is then trained in them. Employees are then required to comply with them.

Employees are involved in the application of these practices and procedures, and OSHA and NFPA have guidance and oversight over them.

5.

You are installing breakers in a 120/208 Y system panel. There are several circuits that are 208 volts.

What is a basic requirement for all breakers serving this type of circuit?

  • All ungrounded conductors must simultaneously disconnect

  • All breakers must match the assigned circuit identification

  • All grounded conductors with breakers must disconnect

  • A rating equal to the amperage of grounded conductors

Correct answer: All ungrounded conductors must simultaneously disconnect

This is about two-pole breakers or the requirement for yolking. The main issue is a disconnecting means. Additionally, this is a multi-wire circuit. The point where the circuits originate is disclosed in the question. All multi-wire circuits are required to have the capacity to disconnect all ungrounded conductors. Other places in the Code address yolking in other conditions.

The other options are false or part of considerations for multi-wire circuits or circuits in general.

6.

The only overcurrent device that is allowed to be inserted in a grounded conductor is one that simultaneously opens all conductors of the circuit. What is this device?

  • Circuit breaker

  • GFCI

  • ACFGI breaker

  • Service disconnecting means

Correct answer: Circuit breaker

Not in grounded conductor is at issue here. That means a circuit breaker shall not be used on a neutral service conductor alone. The second issue is services with an emphasis on service equipment and overcurrent protection. 

This circuit breaker may be used only if designed to open all circuit conductors. The circuit breaker in question is designed to open the grounded service conductor and any and all ungrounded conductors simultaneously. 

The other options are similar terms but do not satisfy the question.

7.

Equipment grounding conductors are required to be identified in accordance with which Article and Section?

(Hint: The phrase in accordance with is not explicitly stated)

  • 250.119

  • 250 Part VI

  • 250

  • 250.190

Correct answer: 250.119

This is a conductor for general wiring issue. The question is about conductor identification, specifically dealing with equipment grounding conductors.

While the identification of conductors is gone over in Article 200, and grounding in Article 250, in 310.6(B) we see the Code articulating the issue. This may seem redundant, but it is not. Regarding conductor identification, 310.6(B) specifically states in accordance with 250.119. In 310.6(A-C) we see several references both forward and backward in the Code addressing conductor identification. Issues addressed in more than one article and section carry a very high priority. Conductor identification is one example of these issues.

Issues may also migrate within and through the Code over time. The Code updates every 2-5 years.

All other options have to do with grounding in general or equipment grounding, but do not specify what 310.6(B) says.

8.

What is the ability to store magnetic energy?

  • Inductance

  • Impedance

  • Eddy currents

  • Capacitive reactance

Correct answer: Inductance

Inductance is caused by the magnetic field of an alternating-current circuit changing direction. This causes the magnetic lines of force to rise and fall. This is measured as inductive reactance. See the Soares definition.

The other options are related to inductance, but incorrect answers.

9.

How is a receptacle marked that is designed for the direct connection of aluminum conductors and rated 20 amperes or less?

  • CO/ALR

  • Alum

  • No copper conductors

  • With a green triangle

Correct answer: CO/ALR

A receptacle for aluminum conductors is found under receptacles under equipment for general use.

CO/ALR means aluminum, or a certain aluminum copper mix was used to construct the conductors.

10.

What force is not to be transmitted to joints or terminals when flex cord is connected to devices or fittings?

  • Tension

  • Stress

  • Gravity

  • Electromagnetic

Correct answer: Tension

Think about pull at joints and terminals. This is a general requirement of flex cords and cables, which are equipment and not conductors for general use.

Tension can cause undue stress on already expanding and contracting equipment due to heat. Connected cables and cords will wear out by design. Inspect them regularly for normal wear and tear.

The other options play a role, but are not the correct answer.

11.

The switchgear/transformer rack/station you just installed at an oil refinery needs hazard markings. You check the labels. They are accurate to the hazards with verbiage and characters. They are quality stick-on and not handwritten.

What other consideration does the Code require you to ensure?

  • Durability for the environment

  • Proper OSHA citations

  • Not required because some equipment is reconditioned

  • Correct manufacturer

Correct answer: Durability to the environment

This question refers to field-applied hazard markings and, overall, is about a general requirement. The other considerations do not apply to the environment. Here, it is an oil refinery, which is often a toxic environment.

The other options are covered in the question as having been done [110.21(B)(1&2)] or are possible considerations for equipment markings in general [110.21(A)(2)]. 

Learn to recognize the setting, conditions, tasks, etc. at hand in the questions. This will allow you to locate answers you are unfamiliar with the specifics of.

12.

The area around electrical equipment is required to allow the doors to open at least how many degrees?

  • 90 degrees

  • 45 degrees

  • 180 degrees

  • 145 degrees

Correct answer: 90 degrees

This concerns the working space around electrical equipment. Width, height, depth, and even lighting requirements are provided for in the Code. Larger job sites generally ensure these requirements. But electricians need to ensure these on all construction sites. Electricians have a dangerous job. The need to work on equipment in which there is not adequate safe space makes the job even more dangerous. Sadly, at times, electricians are the only ones out there looking to ensure this space.

13.

How far from the edge of 2x6 wood framing members in a commercial installation is MC cable required to be when run parallel to the framing? 

  • 32 mm (1 and 1/4 in)

  • 16 mm (3/4 in)

  • 64 mm (2 1/2 in)

  • 48mm (2 in)

Correct answer: 32 mm (1 and 1/4 in)

Parallel to framing is the first thing to note here. The requirement the question implies is protection. And this is about a wiring method. Armed with these points, you can then go to the Code and find your answer. 

Commercial installations of this variety are essentially the same in the Code, though practices vary widely.

14.

In accordance with Art. 200.6, 10 AWG, 12 AWG, and 14 AWG, THHN insulated grounded conductors shall be identified by what means? 

  • A continuous white or gray outer finish or white or gray stripes along the conductors entire length on other than green insulation

  • White or gray tape

  • Grouped with the corresponding ungrounded circuit

  • Wire markers, cable ties, or similar identifiable means

Correct answer: A continuous white or gray outer finish or white or gray stripes along the conductors entire length on other than green insulation

While exceptions exist for certain other cables, the wire most commonly used for neutrals is is now required to be white, gray, or the appropriate listed striping.

Grouping or marking with white or gray tape is not allowed on this size wire.

15.

Article 100 contains only those definitions that are what?

  • Essential to the application of the Code

  • Unique to electrical installations

  • Pertaining to life safety

  • Found only in the NEC

Correct answer: Essential to the application of the Code

Article 100 only contains definitions that are essential to the application of the Code. It does not include terms or technical terms from related codes and standards. Generally, only terms used in two or more articles are defined in Section 100.

16.

Where the point a conductor emerges from its raceway or cable sheath to the opening of the outlet box is less than 200 mm (8 in) in any dimension, how far is each conductor required to extend beyond the edge of the opening?

  • 75 mm (3 in)

  • 100 mm (4 in)

  • 200 mm (8 in)

  • 150 mm (6 in)

Correct answer: 75 mm (3 in)

The length of free conductors is how the Code addresses this. It is a general requirement for wiring methods.

This is the second consideration of 300.14. The first does say 6". The Code does not state this as an exception. This section is a prime example of the considerations electricians are required to evaluate to apply the correct Code requirement. 

Both 6" and 3" are correct answers for the length of free conductors, but in entirely different situations. What is being evaluated? How does the Code state various conditions for its application? These are the real-world questions you will be able to answer once you know how to find them in the Code.

8" is a common realistic overall length where box fill allows.

17.

Flexible cords and cables are required to be maintained to preserve what?

  • Insulation integrity

  • Electrical integrity

  • Manufacturer specifications

  • OSHA standards

Correct answer: Insulation integrity

Identify that flexible cords and cables are a general maintenance requirement. Cords and cables are to be inspected for worn, frayed, or damaged areas. If constructed strain reliefs are used, inspect these as well. Cords, cables, and strain reliefs are all required to be repaired or replaced as needed.

The other options are objectives and considerations of cable and cord inspections.

18.

What units of measure, in accordance with the system known as the International System of Units (SI), are used for the purpose of the Code?

  • Metric units of measurement

  • Standard units of measurement

  • Trade units of measurement

  • Adopted units of measurement

Correct answer: Metric units of measurement

Many U.S. industries still use the standard units of measurement. Metric units are the prevailing measurements in use around the world. Staying competitive in a global environment means more U.S. companies are conforming with SI, and thus the metric system. Trade size identification is based on standard units of measure but are not necessarily equivalent. Tables in the code are listed in both metric and trade size (standard) measurements.

19.

You are installing cables in a 4"x4" grove in a concrete floor that will be covered by carpet. What is the minimum thickness of the steel plate (or equivalent protection) required by the Code for protection?  

  • 1.6 mm (1/16 in)

  • 3.2 mm (1/8 in)

  • 4.8 mm (3/16 in)

  • 32 mm (1 1/4 in)

Correct answer: 1.6 mm (1/16 in)

The Code considers this a raceway installed in a shallow grove. How would you provide protection against physical damage in this situation on the jobsite? Seeing these considerations and answering questions like this will help you to understand that this is about general wiring methods. Often, the protection in this situation may be greater. Electricians must know what the minimum protection requirements are.

The other options apply to other similar requirements or variants of them. The 32 mm free space addressed in 300.4(F) would not apply to the floor in this question.

20.

AFCI protection is generally required for many circuits in new homes, especially in residential settings where enhanced fire protection is crucial. When installed, these circuits must also be properly marked according to the guidelines. Where is this marking required?

  • The first outlet box in the circuit shall be marked to indicate that it is the initial point of connection.

  • At each outlet box location.

  • The first outlet cover shall be marked to indicate that it is the first outlet in the circuit.

  • At the point at which the circuit originates.

Correct answer: The first outlet box in the circuit shall be marked to indicate that it is the initial point of connection.

AFCI (Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupter) is crucial in modern residential electrical safety, aimed at preventing electrical fires by detecting unintended electrical arcs. The National Electrical Code (NEC) Article 210.12(A) specifies that many areas within a dwelling require AFCI protection. This includes requirements for marking the circuit's initial connection point, typically at the first outlet box, which should be clearly labeled as such. This practice is relatively new in residential settings, contrasting with the broader marking practices used in commercial and industrial settings. The other provided options reflect common marking practices in non-residential environments, which differ from those specified for AFCI circuits in residential settings.

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