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Quiz Session - Attempts With Random Questions

NASCLA Journeyman Electrician Exam Questions

Page 9 of 15

161.

What is used to protect flex cables if they pass through holes in covers or outlet boxes?

  • Bushings or fittings

  • Chinese fingers or airplane cable

  • Tension or strain relief

  • Strain insulators or tension relief devices

Correct answer: Bushings or fittings

Protection from damage is the focus of the question. This is a general requirement of flex cords and cables, which are equipment and not conductors for general use.

The thin character of the structure of these holes means they can cut through cables. Remember, everything vibrates. This is a constant consideration for electricians. Vibrations plus cuts, nicks, or sharp edges will create a hazardous situation.

The other options are other types of support not used here.

162.

The 4-wire delta connected system you are installing does have one phase winding grounded at the mid-point. The conductor with the highest voltage is required to be marked by an effective means, or what color wire?

  • Orange

  • Blue

  • Red

  • Brown

Correct answer: Orange

This question does not explicitly say, but describes marking a high-leg. These are in a heading in the general requirements. Delta-connected is another way to begin finding the answer to this in the Code.

This color is specific in the Code. The colors of current-carrying conductors throughout the country have changed over the years and vary greatly from one location to another. The Code now has stronger language concerning this. It is important to know what you are dealing with. Not having this marked, in some approved manner, has shocked many an electrician and/or maintenance person.

163.

What is a device intended to provide protection from the effects of arc faults by recognizing characteristics unique to arcing and by functioning to de-energize the circuit when an arc fault is detected?

  • Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupter

  • Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter

  • Overcurrent Protective Device, Supplementary

  • Power Protection Equipment

Correct answer: Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupter

This is a simple definition of an Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupter.

Overprotection devices are often the first indication that there is an issue with the circuit. Further troubleshooting measures help us to prevent hazardous conditions. Overprotection devices that have been subject to nuisance trips should be replaced. Each nuisance trip has created heat-stress in the device it was not designed to endure. While they may seem to function correctly after the cause of the trip has been corrected, it is best to replace these devices.

For electrical exams, first understand NEC definitions found in Article 100. Electricians must then apply the definitions to the specific conditions and applications of the electrical installations and functions at hand. While definitions do not change, conditions, applications, installations, and functions are variables that change quite often. Electricians must determine these variables to properly apply definitions. At times, there are more variables than mentioned here. See Section 2 (xxx.2) of other articles for possible additional definitions.

The other options are defined in Article 100.

164.

What is the maximum distance from the intended location of an appliance to the installed receptacle allowed to be in a home?

  • 1.8 m (6 ft)

  • 600 mm (2 ft)

  • 300 mm (3 ft)

  • 3.0 m (10 ft)

Correct answer: 1.8 m (6 ft)

Branch circuits, required outlet, and appliance outlet are the clues found in the question. Following these through the Code will bring you to your answer. This is also a common distance to learn and remember for housing construction and many commercial applications.

The other options are commonly listed in the Code for other measurements, placements, or considerations, in calculating outlet placement in homes.

165.

What is the maximum current, in amperes, that a conductor can carry continuously under the conditions of use without exceeding its temperature rating?

  • Ampacity

  • Voltage

  • Intrinsically safe

  • AFCI

Correct answer: Ampacity

"Conditions of use include" several factors, including ambient temperature and the number of conductors in a cable or raceway. Other answers are defined in Article 100.

For electrical exams, first understand NEC definitions found in Article 100. Electricians must then apply the definitions to the specific conditions and applications of the electrical installations and functions at hand. While definitions do not change, conditions, applications, installations, and functions are variables that change quite often. Electricians must determine these variables to properly apply definitions. At times, there are more variables than mentioned here. See Section 2 (xxx.2) of other articles for possible additional definitions.

166.

Which of the following conductors and cable types are required to be marked with a printed tag attached to the coil, reel, or carton?

  • MI and AC

  • Service-entrance and tray 

  • MC and NM

  • Power limited tray and instrumentation tray

Correct answer: MI and AC

Marking, conductors for general wiring and tag marking are all things that should come to mind in this question. Identifying these will help lead you to the section and list in the Code where these cable types are found. 

Switchboard wires and metal-covered, single-conductor cables are also included in this form of tag marking. This type of marking is primarily due to the materials and manufacturing methods used in the construction of them. 

The other options are cables that require durable markings but do not require these tag markings.

167.

Edison-base fuses are allowed in which of the following situations?

  • For replacement in existing installations with no evidence of tampering or overfusing

  • For installations up to 125 volts and 50 amps

  • Only where Type S fuseholders have been previously installed

  • Where approved by the AHJ

Correct answer: For replacement in existing installations with no evidence of tampering or overfusing

We are talking about overcurrent protection. Edison-base fuses are the second consideration. Replacement is the final location where you will find your answer. There are still plenty of these fuses around. Knowing what you need to do, or where to find the information concerning them is in the articles referenced. 

The other options are partially true (or false) considerations by 240.51 & .52 and general Code parameters.

168.

Which of the following is power conversion equipment that provides a means of adjusting the speed of an electric motor?

  • Adjustable speed drive

  • Variable frequency drive

  • Charge controller

  • Nonincentive field wiring

Correct answer: Adjustable speed drive

One example of an adjustable speed drive (ASD) is a variable frequency drive (VSD). This electronically adjusts the speed of the drive that controls the rotational speed of an ac motor by controlling the frequency and voltage of the power supplied to the motor. 

Electricians must first understand the definitions of the NEC found in Article 100. They must then apply the definitions to the specific conditions and applications of the electrical installations and functions at hand. While definitions do not change, conditions, applications, installations, and functions are continual variables that do. Electricians must determine to properly apply those definitions. And at times there are additional variables to those mentioned here. See Section 2 of other articles for possible additional definitions. 

169.

You have a multi-outlet assembly that measures 22 inches across the front. This device has 2 GFCI outlets on each end and 4 USB charging ports in between.

How many receptacles does the Code require? 

  • 2

  • 6

  • 5

  • 8

Correct answer: 2

Consider multi-outlet assembly, countertops, and dwelling unit receptacles. This device is unusual, but the Code does address it directly. There are many multi-outlet assemblies on the market, especially for kitchens. How the Code came to this, it does not fully explain. It only says they consider each 12 inches of a multi-outlet assembly that has two or more receptacles as one receptacle.

The other options are reasonable guesses, but are not correct.

170.

A flexible cable on a 4-wire, 3-phase, wye circuit has more than 50 percent of the load consisting of nonlinear loads. Why is this neutral considered a current-carrying conductor?

  • Harmonic currents

  • Eddy currents

  • Unbalanced currents

  • Phase currents

Correct answer: Harmonic currents

This is addressed under ampacity tables concerning the ampacities for flex cable which is equipment for general use.

Here, we have ampacities for current-carrying conditions considered beyond the ampacity considerations under conductors for general wiring. Previously, much is covered for straight ampacity calculations, which this section refers back to. 

Specifically addressed here are wye- (star) connected systems. Many applications of this wye system will be non-liner load applications. Wye (star) is the more stable and versatile system and so is becoming or is the standard in many situations. 

Due to their harmonics, the neutral potential actually has twice the current-carrying capacity. This does happen, especially on 480v systems, so it is important to be careful.

171.

Individual conductors of flex cord and cable are required to be made of what?

  • Copper flexible stranding

  • Copper and aluminum

  • Solid conductors

  • Stranded wire

Correct answer: Copper flexible stranding

Conductors should be recognized here. These are construction specs for flex, which are equipment for general use, not conductors for general use.

Here, the conductor of cable is seen in contrast to the conductor for general wiring, even though we generally use flex cord and cable. Identify distinctions like these to determine where to look in the Code for the issue at hand.

These conductors also have size requirements in Table 400.4. There are many construction requirements for flex in this section that electricians should be familiar with. We check these at installation.

The other options are inaccurate. Stranded is different than flex strands.

172.

While installing a nonmetallic enclosure, you have lost a threaded plug that came with the enclosure. You cannot find it. The small opening could allow a mouse to crawl into the enclosure. You do find a metallic plug that will fit.

How recessed from the outer surface of the enclosure is the metallic plug required to be?

  • 6 mm (1/4 in)

  • A minimum of five threads

  • 8mm (3/16 in)

  • A depth equal to 1/3 the total thread depth

Correct answer: 6mm (1/4 in)

This question is about unused openings, which is about the mechanical execution of work, not about the materials. In the questions on electrical exams, be able to identify things as the Code would address them. Issues often fall under a chapter and/or section heading. Generally, you are looking for the issue or item the Code views as the highest priority in the scenario.

Thousands of materials in the electrical industry are used in connection with one another. Check the Code carefully for the terms shall and shall not. The Code addresses most issues directly.

The other options are common considerations that are incorrect here.

173.

How do conductors permit electrons to flow through them?

  • Easily

  • With low resistance

  • Bump theory

  • From shell to shell

Correct answer: Easily

Atoms that have only one or two valence electrons are loosely held electrons and given up easily for current flow. Silver, copper, and gold have only one valence electron and are the choice conductors for electricity in that order.

Aluminum has three valence electrons, yet is a good natural conductor and is used because it is relatively inexpensive.

The other options are deeper characteristics or descriptions, but are incorrect.

174.

How many types of alarm boxes are recognized by the NFPA 72?

  • 5

  • 3

  • 4

  • 6

Correct answer: 5

The 5 types of fire alarm boxes are: 

  1. Auxiliary Alarm Box
  2. Combination Fire Alarm and Guard’s Tour Box
  3. Main Fire Alarm Box
  4. Master Alarm Box
  5. Publicly Accessible Alarm Box

175.

What is the measure for the amount of power being used in a circuit?

  • Watt

  • Coulomb

  • Volt

  • Ohm

Correct answer: Watt

Wattage is the measure of power used in a circuit. It is denoted as P in most electrical applications. P = E x I.

You may occasionally see W, for watts. Engineers may use this in their equations. Wattage is proportional to the amount of voltage and current flow. The watt is also the SI equivalent of the joule.

176.

What is an electrical apparatus that may not be intrinsically safe but affects the energy in the intrinsically safe circuits and is relied on to maintain intrinsic safety that is not so protected that shall not be used within a hazardous (classified) location?

  • Associated apparatus

  • Associated nonincendive field wiring apparatus

  • Combustible gas detection system

  • Different intrinsically safe circuits

Correct Answer: Associated apparatus

The question is one of two possible requirements for associated apparatus.

This is an apparatus in which the circuits are not necessarily intrinsically safe themselves, but that affects the energy in the intrinsically safe circuits and is relied on to maintain intrinsic safety.

Associated nonincendive field wiring apparatus has the same two requirements.

There are informational notes in the NEC definitions that are worth reading. The other options are defined separately. If you do not know them, review them.

177.

What is the first priority in the implementation of safety-related work practices?

  • Hazard elimination

  • Infeasibility

  • Reduction of hazardous conductors and circuits

  • Temporarily eliminating electrical hazards

Correct answer: Hazard elimination

Recognize priority as a general requirement for safety-related work practices here. This is a general requirement for safety-related work practices.

Electricians often know best which energized sources anyone could come in contact with. To accomplish this priority, appropriately eliminate these.

All other options are considerations or language from Article 110, but are not the first priority.

178.

You are installing a standard 125v/20-amp outlet in a small handy box. What amount of space is required between the side screws of the outlet and the nearest wall of the handy box?

  • 12.7 mm (1/2 in)

  • 9mm (3/8 in)

  • 4 mm (3/16 in)

  • 6 mm (1/4 in)

Correct answer: 12.7 mm (1/2 in)

The focus here is on live parts and spacing. The Code outline says this is a construction specification. Cutout box is also seen in the question. This is about wiring method and materials.

With these five things, you can begin to look through Code outlines to find your answer.

179.

What is the potential difference between two points of a conductor carrying a constant current of 1 amp when the power dissipated between these points is 1 watt?

  • Voltage

  • Ohm

  • Newton

  • Calorie

Correct answer: Voltage

Voltage is potential difference or EMF, electromotive force. It is denoted as E, from EMF. E = I x R (resistance).

This is the force that pushes electrons through a wire. It can be thought of as electrical pressure. A volt is the amount of potential necessary to cause 1 coulomb to produce 1 joule of work. It is the electrical potential to do something; it pushes current through a conductor.

180.

There is missing or inaccurate information on the plans. What do you submit?

  • RFI

  • Change order

  • Revision

  • Addenda

Correct answer: RFI

A request for information (RFI) is often done by the foreman or GF, but this information starts with each journeyman. Journeymen must be the ones to understand what is correct and incorrect about any and every ongoing installation they are a part of. When the plans aren’t right, and they are frequently wrong, it is important to get the right information.

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