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Question 1. Which NEC article defines the terms “electric sign,” “outline lighting,” and “skeleton tubing”? A) Article 100 B) Article 200 C) Article 600 D) Article 800 Answer: C Explanation: Article 600 of the NEC is dedicated to electric signs and outline lighting, providing definitions for those specific terms. Question 2. In New Mexico, the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) is primarily responsible for: A) Writing the NEC code B) Issuing permits and conducting inspections C) Manufacturing electrical equipment D) Setting utility rates Answer: B Explanation: The AHJ enforces code compliance by issuing permits, performing inspections, and approving installations. Question 3. Which of the following is considered a mandatory rule in the NEC? A) “Where practicable, conductors shall be protected from physical damage.”
B) “Disconnecting means shall be readily accessible.” C) “The use of LED luminaires is recommended.” D) “All signs should be illuminated at night.” Answer: B Explanation: Mandatory rules are required for safety; “disconnecting means shall be readily accessible” is a mandatory requirement. Question 4. The term “readily accessible” means: A) Accessible only after removing a panel B) Accessible without using tools or removing obstacles C) Accessible only to qualified personnel D) Accessible only during daylight hours Answer: B Explanation: “Readily accessible” means the equipment can be reached without tools, ladders, or removing obstacles. Question 5. Which voltage level is defined as “low voltage” for sign circuits under NEC Article 600? A) 0‑ 30 V B) 0‑ 50 V C) 0‑ 120 V D) 0‑ 600 V
Question 8. The standard ampere rating for a 15‑amp branch circuit breaker used for a sign is: A) 10 A B) 15 A C) 20 A D) 30 A Answer: B Explanation: A 15‑amp breaker provides the standard protection for circuits rated up to 15 A. Question 9. When calculating the load of an illuminated sign, which factor must be considered? A) The color of the sign B) The voltage drop across the feeder C) The total wattage of all luminaires D) The distance to the nearest transformer Answer: C Explanation: The load calculation is based on the sum of wattage of all lighting components. Question 10. A dedicated circuit for a sign is required when the sign’s load exceeds: A) 100 W
B) 300 W
C) 500 W
D) 1200 W
Answer: D Explanation: NEC requires a dedicated circuit for sign loads over 1,200 W to prevent overload of shared circuits. Question 11. Which conductor size is the minimum for a 20‑ampere branch circuit feeding a sign? A) 14 AWG copper B) 12 AWG copper C) 10 AWG copper D) 8 AWG copper Answer: B Explanation: 12 AWG copper is the minimum size for a 20 A circuit per NEC Table 310.15(B)(16). Question 12. The primary purpose of grounding a sign’s metal frame is to: A) Reduce power consumption B) Provide a return path for normal operation current C) Prevent electric shock in case of insulation failure D) Improve illumination uniformity
Question 15. Which of the following is considered a “bonding jumper” for a sign? A) The power cord from the plug to the sign B) A copper strap connecting the sign frame to the grounding electrode system C) The LED driver inside the sign D) The decorative metal lettering on the sign Answer: B Explanation: A bonding jumper is a conductor that connects metal parts to the grounding system. Question 16. For a sign installed on a building façade, the conduit entering the building must be: A) Listed for exterior use only B) Protected against moisture and physical damage C) Larger than 4 in. in diameter D) Made of flexible metal only Answer: B Explanation: NEC requires that conduit exposed to the exterior be protected from moisture and damage. Question 17. The required distance between a sign’s disconnecting means and the sign itself is:
A) No more than 6 in. B) No more than 1 ft. C) No more than 3 ft. D) No more than 5 ft. Answer: C Explanation: NEC 600.7 requires the disconnect to be within 3 ft of the sign. Question 18. Which type of disconnecting means is NOT permitted for a sign? A) A standard circuit breaker B) A lockable disconnect switch C) A non‑lockable switch located inside the sign enclosure D) A remote‑controlled solid‑state switch Answer: C Explanation: NEC requires the disconnect to be readily accessible; a switch inside the enclosure is not considered accessible. Question 19. High‑voltage neon sign transformers must be located: A) Inside the sign enclosure only B) Within 12 in. of the sign’s top edge C) In a location that is readily accessible and protected from weather D) Mounted on the sign frame itself
Question 22. A fluorescent ballast installed in a sign must be: A) Mounted within 6 in. of any water source B) Listed for use in sign applications and mounted with proper clearances C) Powered directly from a 240‑V line without a transformer D) Enclosed in a non‑metallic housing only Answer: B Explanation: NEC requires ballasts to be listed for the intended use and installed with adequate clearance from combustible materials. Question 23. Which NEC article addresses the installation of luminaires (fixtures) within signs? A) Article 210 B) Article 300 C) Article 410 D) Article 500 Answer: C Explanation: Article 410 covers luminaires, including those integrated into signs. Question 24. When calculating conduit fill for a sign’s wiring, the maximum fill for a conduit containing more than two conductors is: A) 10 % of the conduit’s internal cross‑sectional area
B) 20 % of the conduit’s internal cross‑sectional area C) 30 % of the conduit’s internal cross‑sectional area D) 40 % of the conduit’s internal cross‑sectional area Answer: B Explanation: NEC Table 1, Chapter 9 allows a maximum of 20 % fill for more than two conductors in a conduit. Question 25. In a hazardous (Class I) location, a sign must be: A) Powered from a 480‑V source only B) Constructed of non‑conductive materials only C) Listed for use in that classification and have proper explosion‑proof fittings D) Installed within 3 ft of any flammable liquid tank Answer: C Explanation: NEC requires equipment in hazardous locations to be listed for the specific class and have appropriate protection. Question 26. Under NMAC, a permit for a sign installation must be obtained: A) Only if the sign exceeds 10 ft in height B) Before any electrical work begins C) After the sign is fully installed D) Only for signs that use neon tubing Answer: B
Question 29. Which of the following statements about “outline lighting” is correct? A) It is always powered at 120 V. B Question 30. When a sign uses a cord‑and‑plug connection, the flexible cord must be: A) At least 14 AWG copper for 15 A circuits B) Listed for outdoor use if exposed to weather C) Only 18 AWG regardless of load D) Unshielded and ungrounded Answer: B Explanation: Outdoor flexible cords must be listed for wet locations (e.g., UF‑type) per NEC 400.7. Question 31. The minimum clearance between a sign’s high‑voltage transformer and combustible material is: A) 1 in. B) 2 in. C) 3 in. D) 6 in. Answer: C
Explanation: NEC 600.11 requires at least a 3‑in. clearance from combustible surfaces for high‑voltage equipment. Question 32. Which of the following is considered an “explanatory note” in the NEC? A) Mandatory rule B) Permissive rule C) Informational note D) Enforcement clause Answer: C Explanation: Informational (explanatory) notes provide guidance but are not enforceable. Question 33. According to NEC 110.26, the working space required around electrical equipment must have a minimum width equal to: A) The width of the equipment B) 30 in. C) 36 in. D) 48 in. Answer: C Explanation: NEC 110.26 requires a minimum width of 30 in. or the width of the equipment, whichever is greater; the minimum depth is 36 in.
D) Made of non‑metallic material only Answer: B Explanation: Metal canopies must be bonded to prevent shock hazards per NEC 250.104. Question 37. The maximum length of a flexible cord used as a power supply for a sign without a listed cord‑set is: A) 10 ft. B) 25 ft. C) 50 ft. D) 100 ft. Answer: B Explanation: NEC 400.8 limits the length of flexible cord used as a permanent wiring method to 25 ft unless listed for longer runs. Question 38. In a sign installation, the term “skeleton tubing” refers to: A) The structural steel frame of the sign B) The metal tubing that supports neon or other discharge tubes C) The conduit used for power wiring D) The decorative lighting elements Answer: B
Explanation: Skeleton tubing is the metal framework that holds neon or other discharge tubes in place. Question 39. Which of the following is a permissible grounding electrode for a sign? A) A metal water pipe not connected to the grounding system B) A ground rod driven at least 8 ft into the earth C) Any metal conduit used for the sign wiring D) The sign’s decorative metal lettering Answer: B Explanation: A ground rod meeting depth requirements serves as a grounding electrode per NEC 250.52. Question 40. For a sign that uses a Class 2 power supply, the maximum voltage allowed on the output circuit is: A) 30 V B) 50 V C) 100 V D) 150 V Answer: B Explanation: Class 2 circuits are limited to 30 V nominal or 50 V for certain applications per NEC 725.2.
C) The conduit is less than 1 in. in diameter D) The conduit is used only inside the sign enclosure Answer: B Explanation: FMC must be listed for the intended use, including voltage and environmental conditions. Question 44. For a sign installed on a roof, the conduit entering the roof must be sealed to prevent: A) Heat loss B) Water infiltration C) Light leakage D) Air drafts Answer: B Explanation: Proper sealing prevents water intrusion which could damage wiring (NEC 300.11). Question 45. The minimum size of an equipment grounding conductor for a 30 ‑amp circuit using copper conductors is: A) 14 AWG B) 12 AWG C) 10 AWG D) 8 AWG
Answer: B Explanation: Table 250.122 specifies 12 AWG copper for a 30‑A circuit. Question 46. Which of the following is a permissible disconnecting means for a sign in a public walkway? A) A recessed breaker behind a locked panel B) A weather‑proof surface‑mount switch within 3 ft of the sign C) A hidden pull‑cord inside the sign enclosure D) A remote‑controlled wireless switch located 50 ft away Answer: B Explanation: NEC requires a readily accessible, weather‑proof disconnect near the sign. Question 47. In a sign system that uses high‑intensity discharge (HID) lamps, the ballast must be installed: A) Directly inside the sign enclosure without any clearance B) In a location that provides at least 6 in. clearance from combustible material C) Only outdoors, regardless of sign location D) Within 12 in. of any water source Answer: B Explanation: HID ballasts generate heat and must be installed with proper clearance from combustible items.
