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Alabama Electrical Contractor Licensing
Examination Journeyman Electrician
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- A 20-amp, 120-volt circuit supplying general lighting in a dwelling is required to have what minimum conductor size? A. 14 AWG B. 12 AWG C. 10 AWG D. 8 AWG Rationale: 12 AWG copper conductors are the minimum permitted size for a 20-amp branch circuit under standard electrical code rules. Using a smaller conductor such as 14 AWG would create overheating risk due to insufficient ampacity.
- What is the primary purpose of a circuit breaker? A. Increase voltage B. Protect against overcurrent C. Store electrical energy D. Convert AC to DC Rationale: A circuit breaker is designed to automatically open a circuit when excessive current flows, protecting conductors and equipment from overheating and fire hazards.
- Which color is typically used to identify a grounded (neutral) conductor? A. Green B. White C. Black D. Red Rationale: White or gray insulation is commonly used to identify grounded neutral conductors, helping electricians distinguish return paths from hot conductors.
- The function of a GFCI is to protect against: A. Overvoltage B. Ground faults and shock hazards C. Short circuits only D. Power surges Rationale: A Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter detects imbalance between hot and neutral conductors and quickly disconnects power to prevent electric shock.
- What does Ohm’s Law state? A. Power equals voltage times resistance B. Voltage equals current times resistance C. Current equals power divided by resistance D. Resistance equals voltage times power Rationale: Ohm’s Law defines the relationship V = I × R, which is fundamental for calculating electrical values in circuits.
- What is the standard voltage for most residential receptacles in the United States? A. 240V B. 120V C. 208V D. 277V Rationale: Most household outlets supply 120 volts for general-purpose receptacles and lighting loads.
C. Three-phase four-wire D. DC supply Rationale: Residential 240V circuits are derived from a center-tapped transformer providing two hot legs and a neutral. 12.What is the purpose of a transformer? A. Store current B. Change voltage levels C. Convert AC to DC D. Increase resistance Rationale: Transformers use electromagnetic induction to step voltage up or down depending on system requirements. 13.Which material is commonly used for electrical conductor insulation? A. Steel B. PVC C. Aluminum foil D. Glass Rationale: PVC insulation is widely used because it provides durability, flexibility, and electrical resistance. 14.What happens when resistance increases in a circuit (voltage constant)? A. Current increases B. Current decreases C. Voltage increases D. Power increases Rationale: According to Ohm’s Law, current is inversely proportional to resistance when voltage is constant. 15.A receptacle outlet in a bathroom must be protected by: A. AFCI B. GFCI C. Fuse only D. Transformer
Rationale: Bathrooms require GFCI protection due to the presence of moisture and increased shock risk. 16.The function of a fuse is to: A. Reset automatically B. Melt and open circuit during overload C. Increase voltage D. Store energy Rationale: A fuse contains a metal element that melts when excessive current flows, interrupting the circuit permanently. 17.What is the unit of electrical power? A. Volt B. Watt C. Ampere D. Ohm Rationale: Watts measure electrical power, representing the rate of energy consumption or transfer. 18.A conductor rated for higher temperature insulation will generally: A. Carry less current B. Carry more current safely C. Reduce voltage D. Increase resistance Rationale: Higher temperature-rated insulation allows conductors to operate safely at higher ampacity levels. 19.The main service panel distributes power to: A. Only lighting circuits B. Branch circuits throughout the building C. Only motors D. Only HVAC systems Rationale: The service panel is the central distribution point for all branch circuits in a building.
C. No resistance D. Infinite current Rationale: In a series circuit, current flows through a single continuous path through all components. 25.What is the purpose of a conduit? A. Store electricity B. Protect and route electrical conductors C. Increase voltage D. Reduce resistance Rationale: Conduit provides mechanical protection and organized routing for electrical wiring. 26.A ground rod is typically installed to: A. Increase voltage B. Provide earth grounding connection C. Store energy D. Reduce current Rationale: Ground rods establish a physical connection to earth for fault current dissipation. 27.The NEC stands for: A. National Energy Code B. National Electrical Code C. National Equipment Code D. North Electrical Commission Rationale: The NEC is the standard governing safe electrical installation practices. 28.What is inductance associated with? A. Resistance B. Magnetic field opposition to current change C. Voltage storage D. Heat loss
Rationale: Inductance resists changes in current due to magnetic field effects in coils. 29.A circuit with 0 resistance theoretically allows: A. No current B. Infinite current C. Reduced voltage D. AC only Rationale: Zero resistance would allow unrestricted current flow, which is physically unsafe and theoretical. 30.What is the purpose of a capacitor? A. Increase resistance B. Store electrical energy in an electric field C. Convert AC to DC D. Measure current Rationale: Capacitors store and release electrical energy quickly, often used in filtering and motor starting. 31.The safest way to verify a circuit is de-energized is: A. Visual inspection B. Use a properly rated voltage tester C. Touch wires D. Check breaker position only Rationale: Only a tested instrument confirms absence of voltage; assumptions based on breaker position are unsafe. 32.What is the function of a neutral wire? A. Carries fault current only B. Returns current to the source C. Grounds the system D. Increases voltage Rationale: Neutral provides a return path for current back to the electrical source.
D. Measure resistance Rationale: A relay uses a small control current to operate a larger load circuit. 38.What type of current flows in residential homes? A. DC B. AC (Alternating Current) C. Pulsed DC D. None Rationale: Alternating current is used because it is efficient for transmission and transformation. 39.What is the purpose of insulation on conductors? A. Increase current B. Prevent accidental contact and short circuits C. Decrease voltage D. Conduct electricity Rationale: Insulation prevents unintended contact between conductors and surrounding materials. 40.What is amperage? A. Voltage measurement B. Current flow measurement C. Resistance level D. Power output Rationale: Amperage measures the flow of electric charge in a circuit. 41.The purpose of a breaker panel ground bus is: A. Carry load current B. Provide grounding connection points C. Increase voltage D. Store energy Rationale: The ground bus connects grounding conductors to the grounding system.
42.What causes electric shock severity to increase? A. Lower voltage B. Higher current through body C. Lower resistance only D. Higher insulation Rationale: The amount of current passing through the human body determines shock severity. 43.A megohmmeter is used to test: A. Current B. Insulation resistance C. Voltage drop D. Frequency Rationale: Megohmmeters test high resistance values in insulation systems. 44.What is a branch circuit? A. Main service line B. Circuit supplying outlets or loads from panel C. Transformer line D. Grounding path Rationale: Branch circuits distribute power from the panel to end-use devices. 45.What does a disconnect switch do? A. Increases voltage B. Manually disconnects power supply C. Measures current D. Converts AC to DC Rationale: A disconnect provides a safe means to isolate equipment for servicing. 46.The purpose of color coding wires is: A. Increase resistance B. Identify conductor function
Rationale: Overloaded circuits exceed design capacity, causing overheating and potential hazards. Questions 51–100 (Continuation) 51.What device protects against overcurrent in residential panels? A. Switch B. Circuit breaker C. Capacitor D. Transformer Rationale: Circuit breakers automatically trip under overload or short circuit conditions to protect wiring systems. 52.What is the primary purpose of a junction box? A. Store electricity B. Enclose and protect wire connections C. Increase voltage D. Reduce current Rationale: Junction boxes provide a safe enclosure for spliced conductors and prevent accidental contact. 53.What does impedance include? A. Only resistance B. Resistance and reactance C. Only voltage D. Only current Rationale: Impedance is the total opposition to AC current, including both resistance and reactance. 54.What is the purpose of a neutral bond? A. Increase voltage B. Establish grounded reference point at service C. Increase resistance D. Reduce current
Rationale: Bonding neutral to ground at the service ensures system stability and fault clearing. 55.What is the function of a contactor? A. Measure voltage B. Switch high power loads using control circuit C. Store current D. Reduce resistance Rationale: Contactors allow remote control of large electrical loads using low-power signals. 56.What is the purpose of conduit bending? A. Increase resistance B. Route wiring safely around obstacles C. Store energy D. Convert voltage Rationale: Conduit bending allows safe and organized routing of conductors in installations. 57.What is the effect of low voltage on motors? A. Higher speed B. Overheating and reduced performance C. No change D. Increased torque Rationale: Low voltage causes motors to draw higher current, leading to overheating. 58.What is a grounding conductor color? A. White B. Red C. Green or bare copper D. Blue Rationale: Green or bare copper identifies grounding conductors for safety purposes.
C. Increase voltage D. Reduce resistance Rationale: It identifies breakdown in insulation that could cause faults or shock hazards. 64.What is a photovoltaic system? A. Generator system B. Solar power conversion system C. Fuel system D. Hydraulic system Rationale: Photovoltaic systems convert sunlight directly into electrical energy. 65.What is a typical purpose of a disconnect fuse? A. Increase current B. Protect and isolate equipment C. Store voltage D. Convert AC to DC Rationale: Fuse disconnects provide both protection and isolation for equipment maintenance. 66.What is phase in AC systems? A. Ground reference B. Timing relationship of AC waveforms C. Resistance level D. Voltage drop Rationale: Phase describes the position of an AC waveform relative to time or other waveforms. 67.What does a capacitor do in AC motors? A. Increase resistance B. Improve starting torque and efficiency C. Reduce voltage permanently D. Stop current flow
Rationale: Capacitors shift phase and improve motor starting performance. 68.What is the purpose of a feeder circuit? A. Supply lighting only B. Supply power to distribution panels C. Ground system D. Store electricity Rationale: Feeders carry power from service equipment to downstream panels. 69.What is a thermal overload protection based on? A. Voltage B. Heat generated by current flow C. Resistance only D. Frequency Rationale: Thermal protection responds to heat buildup caused by excessive current. 70.What is the purpose of a surge protector? A. Increase voltage B. Protect equipment from voltage spikes C. Reduce current permanently D. Store energy Rationale: Surge protectors divert transient voltage spikes away from equipment. 71.What is a grounded system advantage? A. Higher resistance B. Improved safety and fault detection C. Increased voltage loss D. Reduced current flow Rationale: Grounded systems allow faults to clear quickly and safely.
D. Power rating Rationale: Ampacity defines how much current a conductor can safely carry without overheating. 77.What is the main hazard of loose connections? A. Lower voltage B. Heat buildup and fire risk C. Increased resistance only D. Reduced current Rationale: Loose connections increase resistance, causing dangerous heat buildup. 78.What is the purpose of a grounding electrode conductor? A. Carry load current B. Connect system to grounding electrode C. Increase voltage D. Store energy Rationale: It provides a direct connection between electrical system and grounding electrode. 79.What is the role of insulation breakdown? A. Improves conductivity B. Causes faults and leakage currents C. Increases voltage stability D. Reduces resistance safely Rationale: Insulation failure allows unintended current paths leading to hazards. 80.What is a step-up transformer used for? A. Reduce voltage B. Increase voltage level C. Convert AC to DC D. Store energy Rationale: Step-up transformers raise voltage for transmission efficiency.
81.What is a step-down transformer used for? A. Increase voltage B. Reduce voltage level C. Store current D. Increase resistance Rationale: Step-down transformers lower voltage for safe usage in homes and devices. 82.What is a neutral current imbalance? A. Equal load distribution B. Unequal current returning on neutral C. No current flow D. Ground fault only Rationale: Imbalanced loads cause neutral conductor to carry excess current. 83.What is the function of a panel schedule? A. Increase voltage B. Document circuit assignments C. Reduce resistance D. Store energy Rationale: Panel schedules identify circuit loads and breaker assignments. 84.What is the main purpose of arc suppression? A. Increase current B. Prevent electrical arcing damage C. Store voltage D. Reduce load Rationale: Arc suppression minimizes damage caused by electrical arcs during switching. 85.What is a wiring diagram used for? A. Measure resistance B. Show electrical connections and layout C. Increase voltage
