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New Hampshire (NH) Journeyman Electrician 2020 Practice Exam
1. According to the NEC, which of the following best describes the purpose of grounding an electrical system? A. To reduce the potential for electric shock by providing a path to earth B. To provide a path for neutral current in a circuit C. To eliminate overcurrent conditions altogether D. To create a circuit path for all grounded conductors Answer: A Explanation: Grounding is intended to connect electrical systems to the earth to minimize voltages during events like lightning or accidental contact with higher-voltage lines. (NEC 250.4) 2. Which color insulation is generally used for the grounded (neutral) conductor in an AC system? A. Green B. White or gray C. Red D. Blue Answer: B Explanation: The NEC requires the neutral (grounded) conductor to be identified by white or gray insulation. (NEC 200.6) 3. A 120/240 V single-phase residential service typically has how many ungrounded (hot) conductors and how many grounded (neutral) conductors? A. One hot, one neutral B. Two hot, one neutral C. Three hot, one neutral D. Four hot, one neutral Answer: B Explanation: Standard single-phase residential services in the U.S. are provided with two ungrounded (hot) conductors at 240 V line-to-line and a grounded neutral. (General electrical service knowledge, NEC 230.2) 4. To work on energized circuits or equipment above ____ volts to ground, OSHA generally requires qualified employees to use protective equipment and appropriate safe work practices. A. 30 B. 50 C. 120 D. 240
Answer: B Explanation: OSHA’s standard for safe working practices typically sets 50 volts as a threshold above which qualified employees must use proper PPE and safety procedures. (OSHA 1910.333)
5. What minimum depth does the NEC generally require for a grounding electrode conductor in a trench (unless otherwise protected)? A. 6 inches B. 12 inches C. 18 inches D. 30 inches Answer: B Explanation: The NEC requires grounding electrode conductors that are buried to be installed at least 12 inches deep unless otherwise protected or installed in a raceway. (NEC 250.64(B)) 6. On a 15 A branch circuit with #14 AWG copper conductors, which type of overcurrent protection device is typically used? A. 10 A fuse B. 15 A circuit breaker C. 20 A circuit breaker D. 30 A fuse Answer: B Explanation: A 15 A branch circuit using #14 AWG copper conductors generally requires a 15 A rated overcurrent device. (NEC 240.4(D)) 7. In general, nonmetallic-sheathed cable (Type NM-B) is permitted to be run in which location? A. Outdoors in wet locations B. In metal conduit only C. Exposed in normally dry locations inside dwellings D. Embedded in concrete slabs Answer: C Explanation: NM-B cable is typically for use in normally dry locations and may be run exposed in dwellings where not subject to physical damage. (NEC 334.10(A)) 8. When installing a junction box, the NEC requires that a sufficient length of free conductor be left at the box for splicing or termination. The minimum free conductor length is: A. 3 inches B. 6 inches
12. For dwelling units, what is the standard voltage for small appliance branch circuits in kitchens according to the NEC? A. 120 V B. 240 V C. 208 V D. 480 V Answer: A Explanation: Kitchen small-appliance branch circuits in dwellings are typically 120 V circuits. (NEC 210.11(C)(1)) 13. Ground-fault circuit-interrupter (GFCI) protection is generally required in which of the following areas of a dwelling? A. Bathrooms, garages, outdoors, crawl spaces, basements, kitchens (countertop receptacles), and laundry areas B. Only kitchens C. Only garages and outdoor areas D. None of the above Answer: A Explanation: The NEC specifies GFCI protection in these areas to reduce the risk of electric shock. (NEC 210.8(A)) 14. Which conductor is typically sized larger to handle the unbalanced current in a multiwire branch circuit? A. Both ungrounded conductors B. Grounding conductor C. Grounded (neutral) conductor D. The equipment bonding jumper Answer: C Explanation: In a multiwire branch circuit, the neutral (grounded conductor) may carry the imbalance current; sizing must account for potential maximum imbalance. (NEC 220.61) 15. The purpose of an AFCI (Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupter) is to: A. Detect and interrupt ground faults only B. Detect and interrupt arcing faults that could lead to fire C. Protect large motors from overload D. Provide surge protection Answer: B Explanation: AFCIs protect against dangerous arcing conditions that could lead to fires. (NEC 210.12)
16. In residential wiring, what is the required minimum number of 20 A small-appliance branch circuits for a typical kitchen? A. One B. Two C. Three D. Four Answer: B Explanation: The NEC requires at least two 20 A small-appliance branch circuits to serve countertop and dining areas in a kitchen. (NEC 210.11(C)(1)) 17. When installing a dedicated branch circuit for a single motor, the motor’s branch-circuit conductor size is usually based on ____ of the motor’s full-load current rating. A. 80% B. 100% C. 125% D. 150% Answer: C Explanation: Conductor sizing for a single motor typically uses 125% of the full-load current. (NEC 430.22(A)) 18. When metal boxes are used with nonmetallic-sheathed cable (NM), the equipment grounding conductor: A. Is not required B. Must be bonded to the metal box C. Must be left disconnected in the box D. Must be taped in parallel with the neutral conductor Answer: B Explanation: The metal box must be connected to the equipment grounding conductor to ensure a low- impedance path to ground. (NEC 250.148) 19. Which of the following wiring methods is NOT allowed in wet locations? A. Rigid metal conduit (RMC) B. Intermediate metal conduit (IMC) C. Electrical metallic tubing (EMT) with rain-tight fittings D. Type NM cable without additional protection
B. Connected to a neutral bus bar C. Secured with no more than two locknuts D. Effectively bonded to the enclosure Answer: D Explanation: All metal raceways must be effectively bonded at points of termination to provide an uninterrupted grounding path. (NEC 250.96)
24. A single receptacle on an individual branch circuit must have a rating: A. At least equal to the branch circuit rating B. 125% of the branch circuit rating C. 75% of the branch circuit rating D. Exactly half of the branch circuit rating Answer: A Explanation: A single receptacle on an individual branch circuit must be rated not less than the rating of the branch circuit. (NEC 210.21(B)(1)) 25. Which of the following is the correct method for sizing an equipment grounding conductor for a branch circuit? A. Based on the rating of the circuit overcurrent device B. Twice the size of the ungrounded conductor C. Always 14 AWG D. Always 12 AWG Answer: A Explanation: The NEC provides a table for sizing the equipment grounding conductor based on the rating of the overcurrent device protecting the circuit. (NEC Table 250.122) 26. Type MC cable typically includes which of the following? A. An overall nonmetallic sheath only B. An interlocked metal armor that also serves as the equipment ground C. Two conductors only in a nonmetallic jacket D. Nonmetallic conduit inside a flexible sheath Answer: B Explanation: Metal-clad (MC) cable has interlocked metal armor and may also contain a separate grounding conductor or rely on a bonding strip. (NEC 330.2) 27. Which of these circuits requires AFCI protection in a dwelling unit? A. Kitchen countertop small-appliance circuits only B. Bathroom circuits only
C. Laundry room circuits only D. Most 120 V, 15 A and 20 A branch circuits supplying outlets or devices in dwelling unit living areas Answer: D Explanation: The NEC requires AFCI protection for all 120 V, 15 A and 20 A branch circuits in dwelling unit living areas (e.g., bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms, etc.). (NEC 210.12(A))
28. A metal water pipe used as a grounding electrode must be in direct contact with the earth for at least: A. 5 ft B. 8 ft C. 10 ft D. 25 ft Answer: B Explanation: Metal underground water pipe electrodes must be in direct contact with earth for at least 10 ft. (NEC 250.52(A)(1)) 29. For a feeder supplying a household electric range, if the range is rated 12 kW, what is the demand load using NEC Table 220.55 for one range? A. 8 kW B. 8.4 kW C. 9 kW D. 12 kW Answer: B Explanation: According to Table 220.55, for one range up to 12 kW, the maximum demand load is 8 kW plus 5% for each kW above 12 kW. In this case, it’s 8 kW for up to 12 kW, plus an additional 0.4 kW (5% of 8 kW) if it exceeds 12 kW. For exactly 12 kW, it is typically 8 kW or 8.4 kW depending on specific table notes. (If the question specifically references the “over 12 kW” note, it’d be 8.4 kW for 12 kW. However, many local interpretations differ. Always check local amendments.) Note: Some local jurisdictions might interpret it strictly as 8 kW for 12 kW or less. This question’s standard reference is 8 kW for 12 kW or below. If the question says “12 kW or over,” it might be 8.4 kW. Clarify local code adoption. 30. Which of these is a conductor that connects the grounding electrode to the equipment grounding conductor or to the grounded conductor of the system? A. Grounding electrode conductor B. Bonding jumper C. Grounded (neutral) conductor D. Ground-fault circuit conductor
C. Be suitable for the location and not subject to physical damage D. Be concealed in walls permanently Answer: C Explanation: Flexible cords must be chosen and installed so they’re protected from physical damage and are used only where permitted. (NEC 400.7 & 400.8)
35. Which location requires tamper-resistant receptacles in dwelling units? A. Only in kitchens B. Only in bathrooms C. In all areas of the dwelling unit D. Not required unless children are present Answer: C Explanation: Tamper-resistant receptacles are required in all areas of dwelling units. (NEC 406.12) 36. The grounded (neutral) conductor in a panelboard must be: A. Bonded to the enclosure in a subpanel B. Isolated from the enclosure in a main service panel C. Connected to all grounding conductors in a subpanel D. Isolated (floating) in a subpanel and bonded in the main service panel Answer: D Explanation: In a main service panel, the grounded and grounding conductors are bonded together. In subpanels, they must be isolated. (NEC 250.24(A)(5)) 37. A receptacle installed for the laundry area in a dwelling must be supplied by a dedicated ____ branch circuit. A. 15 A B. 20 A C. 30 A D. 40 A Answer: B Explanation: The laundry area requires a dedicated 20 A branch circuit. (NEC 210.11(C)(2)) 38. What is the NEC’s requirement regarding use of a box cover or faceplate when conductors are spliced in a box? A. No cover required B. Must have a weatherproof cover only if outdoors C. Must have a cover, faceplate, or fixture canopy installed to close the opening D. Must only have a label specifying the circuit number
Answer: C Explanation: All boxes with live conductors or splices must have a cover, faceplate, or canopy to contain and protect the conductors. (NEC 314.25)
39. When installing cables or raceways parallel to framing members, the NEC requires that you maintain at least ____ from the edge of the framing member or protect the cable with a 1/16-inch steel plate. A. 1 inch B. 1.25 inches C. 1.5 inches D. 2 inches Answer: B Explanation: Cables must be at least 1.25 inches from the framing edge or be protected by a suitable metal plate to prevent nails or screws from damaging conductors. (NEC 300.4(A)) 40. Which of the following best describes a “multiwire branch circuit”? A. A circuit with two or more ungrounded conductors sharing a neutral B. A circuit with one ungrounded conductor and one grounding conductor C. Two separate circuits in different enclosures D. A 240 V single-phase circuit with a neutral Answer: A Explanation: A multiwire branch circuit uses two or more ungrounded conductors with a common neutral, typically on different phases. (NEC Article 100 – Definitions) Questions 41– 50 41. The ampacity of a conductor can be affected by: A. Ambient temperature B. The number of current-carrying conductors in the raceway C. Type of insulation D. All of the above Answer: D Explanation: Ampacity depends on ambient temperature, conductor insulation rating, number of conductors in a raceway or cable, and other factors. (NEC 310.15) 42. For grounding electrode conductors, which metal raceway is required to be bonded at both ends? A. Plastic conduit B. PVC conduit C. Metal conduit D. EMT not containing a grounding electrode conductor
46. When more than two NM cables are installed, stacked, or bundled together without spacing for more than 24 inches, you must apply: A. A special connector fitting only B. A 90°C correction factor C. An ampacity adjustment factor (derating) D. No additional factors are required Answer: C Explanation: When cables are bundled such that heat cannot dissipate, the ampacity of the conductors must be derated. (NEC 310.15(B)(3)(a)) 47. A conductor identified with a continuous green color insulation is used as: A. A neutral conductor B. A grounded (neutral) conductor C. An ungrounded (hot) conductor D. An equipment grounding conductor Answer: D Explanation: Green or green with one or more yellow stripes is used only for the equipment grounding conductor. (NEC 250.119) 48. The maximum length of a flexible metal conduit whip to a luminaire in a suspended ceiling typically is: A. 1 ft B. 4 ft C. 6 ft D. No maximum length exists Answer: C Explanation: Flexible metal conduit for a fixture whip in a suspended ceiling is often limited to 6 ft to minimize voltage drop on the grounding path and physical damage potential. (NEC 348.20(A)(2) – depending on local amendments) 49. When installing a receptacle in a bathroom of a dwelling, it must be located: A. Within 12 inches of the sink B. Adjacent to or on the side or face of the basin cabinet, within 3 feet of the basin edge C. Only on the wall behind the toilet D. No closer than 4 feet from the tub Answer: B Explanation: At least one receptacle is required within 3 ft of each basin. (NEC 210.52(D))
50. For swimming pool pump motors, GFCI protection is: A. Not required B. Required only if cord-and-plug connected C. Required for both cord-and-plug and hardwired pool pump motors D. Optional per local inspector’s discretion Answer: C Explanation: The NEC requires GFCI protection for all pool pump motors whether cord-and-plug connected or hardwired. (NEC 680.21(C)) Questions 51– 60 51. For a 20 A branch circuit supplying a garage workshop, the maximum load without exceeding the circuit rating is: A. 10 A B. 13 A C. 16 A (for continuous loads) D. 20 A (total load) Answer: D Explanation: The total load on a 20 A circuit can be up to 20 A. However, any continuous portion of the load should not exceed 80% of the circuit rating (which is 16 A). (NEC 210.19(A)(1) and 210.20(A)) 52. Service entrance conductors must have a minimum clearance of ____ above the roof if the roof has a slope less than 4 inches in 12 inches. A. 2 ft B. 3 ft C. 8 ft D. 10 ft Answer: C Explanation: Over residential roofs with slopes less than 4:12, service conductors must have at least 8 ft of clearance. (NEC 230.24(A)) 53. Which Article in the NEC covers the installation of electric vehicle charging systems? A. Article 210 B. Article 220 C. Article 625 D. Article 680 Answer: C Explanation: Electric vehicle charging systems are covered in NEC Article 625.
58. Receptacle outlets on 15 A and 20 A branch circuits installed in dwelling unit bedrooms must have: A. GFCI protection only B. AFCI protection only C. AFCI and GFCI protection D. Surge protection Answer: B Explanation: Dwelling bedroom receptacles must have AFCI protection. (NEC 210.12(A)) (GFCI protection in bedrooms may be required under certain conditions, e.g., if near a sink, but not a blanket requirement.) 59. What is the standard voltage rating for most residential lighting circuits in the United States? A. 120 V B. 208 V C. 230 V D. 277 V Answer: A Explanation: Typical dwelling lighting circuits are 120 V. (General knowledge) 60. A Class A GFCI device is designed to trip when the current to ground has reached: A. 30 mA or more B. 15 mA or more C. 6 mA or more D. 4 mA or more Answer: C Explanation: Class A GFCIs are designed to trip at 6 mA or higher to protect against electric shock. (UL Standard 943) Questions 61– 70 61. Conductors crossing over but not attached to a roof with a slope of 4:12 or greater require a minimum vertical clearance of: A. 3 ft B. 8 ft C. 10 ft D. 12 ft Answer: A Explanation: Above a roof with a slope of 4:12 or greater, service conductors require at least 3 ft of clearance. (NEC 230.24(A))
62. A grounding electrode conductor for a 200 A service, with ungrounded conductors sized at 2/0 AWG copper, typically must not be smaller than: A. 6 AWG copper B. 4 AWG copper C. 2 AWG copper D. 1/0 AWG copper Answer: B Explanation: Refer to NEC Table 250.66. For 2/0 AWG service conductors, the GEC need not be larger than 4 AWG copper. 63. For an in-sink waste disposer, the NEC permits the disposer to be cord-and-plug connected if: A. The cord is less than 12 inches B. The cord is listed for the purpose and has a grounding conductor C. It is GFCI protected D. It is on a dedicated 30 A branch circuit Answer: B Explanation: The NEC permits cord-and-plug connections for disposers if the cord is listed, grounded, and of appropriate length. (NEC 422.16(B)(1)) 64. Metal water piping within ____ of the entrance to the building must be bonded to the service grounding electrode system. A. 2 ft B. 3 ft C. 5 ft D. 10 ft Answer: C Explanation: Any interior metal water pipe within 5 ft of where it enters a building must be bonded. (NEC 250.68(C)(1)) 65. Where Type NM cable is run through bored holes in joists, the cable must be secured at intervals not exceeding: A. 4 ft B. 4.5 ft C. 6 ft D. 4.5 m Answer: B Explanation: NM cable must be supported and secured at intervals not exceeding 4.5 ft (54 inches). (NEC 334.30)
70. The grounded conductor of a branch circuit must be: A. Fused at the panel B. Switched rather than the ungrounded conductor C. Connected to the metal enclosure at every junction D. Routed with the ungrounded conductor to maintain the same circuit path Answer: D Explanation: The grounded (neutral) conductor must be routed with the ungrounded conductor(s) to reduce electromagnetic interference and ensure proper circuit operation. (NEC 300.3(B)) Questions 71– 80 71. A luminaire recessed in the ceiling that is not IC-rated must be installed with a clearance of at least: A. 2 inches from insulation B. 3 inches from insulation C. 6 inches from insulation D. 12 inches from insulation Answer: C Explanation: Non-IC (Insulation Contact) rated recessed fixtures typically require at least 3 inches clearance, but many manufacturers or local codes specify 6 inches. Always follow the fixture’s listing instructions. (NEC 410.116) 72. In a commercial space, the required spacing of receptacles along the wall is determined by: A. Same as dwelling units, 6 ft spacing B. 8 ft spacing C. The occupant’s preference D. The layout and use of space; no specific 6 ft rule for commercial except as required by design or local code Answer: D Explanation: The 6 ft rule applies to dwelling units. Commercial spacing is determined by design, function, and building codes, though certain spaces may have specialized requirements. (NEC 210.52 is for dwelling units) 73. Which is true for an emergency lighting system? A. It must be on the same branch circuit as general lighting B. It may share a circuit with the HVAC system C. It must have an independent power source or battery backup D. It is optional in all buildings
Answer: C Explanation: Emergency lighting systems must have a reliable power source, typically battery backup or generator, to operate during power outages. (NEC 700.12)
74. For gas bonding requirements, the NEC states that: A. Gas pipe must always be used as the grounding electrode B. The gas piping is not required to be bonded C. Bonding is required only if CSST (corrugated stainless steel tubing) is used D. Metal gas piping shall be bonded to the electrical system grounding conductor Answer: D Explanation: Metal gas piping must be bonded to the grounding system to ensure no dangerous voltage potential. (NEC 250.104(B)) 75. Which of the following does not affect the derating of conductors? A. Ambient temperature B. Number of current-carrying conductors in a raceway C. Type of overcurrent protective device D. Conductor insulation type Answer: C Explanation: While the OCPD rating must match conductor ampacity, the device type itself doesn’t directly cause conductor ampacity derating. Ambient temperature, number of conductors, and insulation type do. (NEC 310.15(B)) 76. A circuit breaker used as a switch for fluorescent lighting is marked: A. “HID” B. “SWD” or “SW” C. “CB” D. No marking is required Answer: B Explanation: Breakers rated for switching fluorescent lighting are marked “SWD” or “SW.” (NEC 240.83(D)) 77. When using a box for a straight pull of 4 AWG conductors, the box length must be at least: A. 4 times the trade size of the largest raceway B. 6 times the trade size of the largest raceway C. 8 times the trade size of the largest raceway D. 10 times the trade size of the largest raceway
