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Question 1. Which New Mexico statute outlines the powers of the Construction Industries Division (CID) to issue stop-work orders? A) NMSA 60- 13 - 1 B) NMSA 60- 13 - 5 C) NMSA 60- 13 - 9 D) NMSA 60- 13 - 12 Answer: C Explanation: NMSA Chapter 60, Article 13, Section 9 specifically grants the CID authority to issue stop-work orders when unsafe conditions are observed. Question 2. Under the 2021 IBC, the minimum fire-resistance rating for a separating wall between two dwelling units is: A) 1-hour B) 2-hour C) 30-minute D) No rating required Answer: A Explanation: IBC R302.4 requires a 1-hour fire-resistance rating for walls separating dwelling units to limit fire spread. Question 3. A permit is NOT required for which of the following residential projects in New Mexico? A) Adding a new bathroom B) Installing a 5 kW solar PV array on the roof C) Replacing a single-pane window with a double-pane unit of the same size D) Constructing a detached accessory structure over 150 sq ft Answer: C
Building Inspector Residential
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Explanation: Minor repairs such as window replacement that do not alter the building envelope generally do not require a permit. Question 4. The allowable bearing pressure for a residential foundation on a silty sand soil with a safe bearing capacity of 3000 psf is: A) 1500 psf B) 2500 psf C) 3000 psf D) 3500 psf Answer: B Explanation: The IBC requires a factor of safety of 1.5 for footings; 3000 psf ÷ 1.5 = 2000 psf, but the code limits to 2500 psf for residential footings on silty sands. Question 5. The correct minimum thickness for a concrete slab on grade in a residential garage, assuming a 4 in. minimum, is: A) 3 in. B) 4 in. C) 5 in. D) 6 in. Answer: B Explanation: The 2021 IBC Table 1905.2 requires a minimum 4-in. thick concrete slab for garages when the soil bearing capacity is adequate. Question 6. Which of the following is the primary purpose of a geotechnical report for a new residential development? A) To design interior finishes B) To evaluate soil bearing capacity and settlement potential
Building Inspector Residential
Electrical Inspector Ultimate
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A) 2500 psi B) 3000 psi C) 3500 psi D) 4000 psi Answer: B Explanation: ACI 318 Table 5.1.1 specifies a minimum 3000 psi compressive strength for residential slabs unless otherwise required. Question 10. The correct spacing for #4 rebar in a concrete slab of 6 in. thickness is: A) 4 in. on center B) 6 in. on center C) 8 in. on center D) 12 in. on center Answer: B Explanation: For #4 rebar in a 6-in. slab, the typical spacing is 6 in. on center to meet minimum reinforcement requirements. Question 11. When constructing a masonry bearing wall, the minimum mortar joint thickness is: A) 1/8 in. B) 3/16 in. C) 1/4 in. D) 3/8 in. Answer: C Explanation: IBC §1908.1 requires a minimum 1/4-in. mortar joint for structural masonry walls.
Building Inspector Residential
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Question 12. The required minimum reinforcement for a masonry lintel spanning 4 ft with a 10 lb/ft live load is: A) No reinforcement required B) One #3 bar at the mid-height of the lintel C) Two #4 bars placed at the bottom third of the lintel depth D) Two #5 bars placed at the top third of the lintel depth Answer: C Explanation: For masonry lintels, the code requires bottom reinforcement equal to #4 bars for spans over 3 ft carrying live loads. Question 13. Formwork for a concrete beam must be designed to support at least: A) 1.5 times the dead load only B) 1.5 times the live load only C) 1.5 times the total load (dead + live) plus construction loads D) The nominal load with no factor Answer: C Explanation: IBC §1908.2 requires formwork to support 1.5 times the total design load, including construction loads, to ensure safety during placement. Question 14. The maximum allowable span for a 2 × 10 floor joist (grade # Southern Pine) supporting 40 psf live load over a 12-ft clear span is: A) 10 ft B) 12 ft C) 14 ft D) 16 ft
Building Inspector Residential
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C) 24 in. D) 30 in. Answer: B Explanation: Standard practice and span tables allow 16-in. on-center spacing for 2 ×6 rafters under typical residential loads. Question 18. Pre-engineered wood trusses must be braced during construction with: A) No bracing required if they are on the ground B) Only a single diagonal brace at each end C) Lateral bracing at 2-ft intervals along the length D) Continuous solid blocking between trusses Answer: C Explanation: IBC §2309.3 requires temporary lateral bracing at not more than 2-ft intervals to prevent truss movement before permanent connections. Question 19. The ASTM standard that governs high-strength structural steel bolts is: A) A B) A C) A D) A Answer: B Explanation: ASTM A490 specifies high-strength bolts (grade 8.8) used in structural steel connections. Question 20. The minimum slope for a roof drainage system to prevent water ponding is:
Building Inspector Residential
Electrical Inspector Ultimate
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A) 1:
B) 1:
C) 1:
D) 1:
Answer: C Explanation: IBC §1504.2 requires a minimum slope of 1:100 for roof drainage to ensure water runoff. Question 21. For asphalt shingle roofing, the required minimum underlayment on a roof with a slope of 4:12 is: A) No underlayment required B) 15-lb felt only C) 30-lb felt or equivalent synthetic underlayment D) 3-layer felt system Answer: C Explanation: The manufacturer’s installation instructions, referenced by the IBC, require 30-lb felt or synthetic underlayment for low-slope roofs (≤4:12). Question 22. The required fire-rating for a window located within a fire-rated exterior wall is: A) Same rating as the wall B) One hour less than the wall rating C) No rating required if the window is less than 24 in. wide D) 20 min rating only Answer: A Explanation: IBC §718.2.1 requires glazing in a fire-rated wall to have a fire-rating equal to the wall’s rating.
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Answer: B Explanation: IBC Table 1004.1.2 requires at least two exits for an occupant load greater than 50 but less than 500. Question 26. In the 2020 NEC, the definition of “Accessible” means: A) Capable of being reached without the use of tools B) Reachable without removing obstacles or moving equipment C) Must be reachable by a person with a wheelchair D) Must be located within 6 ft of the floor Answer: B Explanation: NEC Article 100 defines “Accessible” as being reachable without the need to remove obstacles or move equipment. Question 27. The NEC requires GFCI protection for which of the following outdoor locations? A) Outdoor lighting receptacles only B) All outdoor receptacles C) Outdoor receptacles that are more than 6 ft above grade D) Only receptacles serving pool equipment Answer: B Explanation: NEC 210.8(A)(3) mandates GFCI protection for all outdoor receptacles. Question 28. The minimum size of a grounding electrode conductor (GEC) for a 200 - A service using #4 AWG copper is: A) #8 AWG copper B) #6 AWG copper C) #4 AWG copper
Building Inspector Residential
Electrical Inspector Ultimate
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D) #2 AWG copper Answer: B Explanation: NEC Table 250.66 specifies #6 AWG copper for a 200-A service when using a copper GEC. Question 29. Which of the following is considered a “Bonding Jumper” in a residential electrical system? A) The neutral conductor in the service panel B) The equipment grounding conductor in a branch circuit C) A conductor that connects metal water piping to the grounding electrode system D) The main service disconnect strap Answer: C Explanation: NEC defines a bonding jumper as a conductor that connects metal piping or other conductive parts to the grounding electrode system. Question 30. The NEC requires that receptacles in a kitchen be installed so that the countertop space is no more than: A) 12 in. from the receptacle edge B) 18 in. from the receptacle edge C) 24 in. from the receptacle edge D) 30 in. from the receptacle edge Answer: B Explanation: NEC 210.52(C)(1) requires that countertop receptacles be installed so that no point on the countertop is more than 24 in. from a receptacle, which translates to a maximum spacing of 48 in. between receptacles; the 18-in. rule is for the distance from the edge of the countertop. Question 31. The required ampacity for a 12-AWG copper conductor used in a 20 - A branch circuit, when three conductors are in a conduit, is:
Building Inspector Residential
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Question 34. The maximum fill for a single-circuit NM cable (Romex) in a 1-in. conduit is: A) 25 % B) 31 % C) 40 % D) 53 % Answer: B Explanation: NEC Table 1, Chapter 9 gives a 31 % fill limit for a single NM cable in a conduit. Question 35. The required volume for a standard single-gang device box that will contain one switch and one receptacle is: A) 18 cu in. B) 21 cu in. C) 30 cu in. D) 44 cu in. Answer: C Explanation: Box fill calculations (NEC 314.16) require 2 cu in. per conductor, 2 cu in. for the device, and 2 cu in. for the equipment grounding conductor; this totals 30 cu in. for a box with one switch and one receptacle. Question 36. The required minimum clearance in front of an electrical panel is: A) 30 in. B) 36 in. C) 42 in. D) 48 in.
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Answer: B Explanation: NEC 110.26 requires a minimum working space of 30 in. of width and 36 in. of depth in front of the panel. Question 37. A tamper-resistant receptacle (TRR) is required in which residential location? A) Living rooms B) Bedrooms C) Kitchens D) All of the above Answer: D Explanation: NEC 406.12 requires TRRs in all 125-V, 15- and 20-A receptacles in dwelling units, covering living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, etc. Question 38. The required AFCI protection for a bedroom circuit is: A) No AFCI required B) Only a Class A AFCI at the panel C) A combination AFCI (CAFI) at the first breaker D) AFCI required only for the lighting portion Answer: C Explanation: NEC 210.12(A) requires combination-type AFCI protection for all 120-V, 15 - and 20-A branch circuits supplying bedroom outlets. Question 39. The minimum distance between a service drop and a ground-level window opening is: A) 5 ft B) 7 ft
Building Inspector Residential
Electrical Inspector Ultimate
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Question 42. The required spacing for GFCI protection on a three-phase 120/240-V service feeder is: A) No GFCI required for feeders B) At the service disconnect only C) At each panelboard feeding the dwelling D) At each branch circuit derived from the feeder Answer: A Explanation: NEC does not require GFCI protection on service feeders; GFCI is required on branch circuits serving specific areas. Question 43. The NEC permits the use of a metal conduit as an equipment grounding conductor. The conduit must be: A) Rigid metal conduit (RMC) only B) EMT or RMC, installed continuously and without splices C) Any metal conduit, including FMC, if it is bonded at each end D) Only if it is listed as an EGC in the conduit schedule Answer: B Explanation: NEC 250.118 permits EMT, RMC, and IMC to serve as an EGC provided they are installed continuously and bonded at each end. Question 44. For a residential swimming pool pump motor, the NEC requires a dedicated branch circuit with: A) 15-A breaker B) 20-A breaker C) 30-A breaker D) 40-A breaker Answer: C
Building Inspector Residential
Electrical Inspector Ultimate
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Explanation: NEC 680.22(A) requires a dedicated 30-A circuit for pool pump motors up to 1 hp; larger motors may require larger breakers. Question 45. The NEC classification for low-voltage Class 2 circuits (e.g., thermostat wiring) limits the voltage to: A) 30 V DC only B) 30 V AC or DC C) 50 V AC only D) 60 V DC only Answer: B Explanation: NEC 725.2 defines Class 2 circuits as limited to 30 V AC or DC. Question 46. In a residential solar photovoltaic (PV) system, the required labeling on the inverter must include: A) The system’s total wattage only B) The maximum DC voltage and the rated output current C) The name of the installer only D) The date of installation only Answer: B Explanation: NEC 690.41 requires PV inverters to be labeled with maximum DC voltage, rated output current, and other safety information. Question 47. The required minimum fire-resistance rating for a stair enclosure in a two-story residential building is: A) 30 minutes B) 45 minutes C) 1 hour
Building Inspector Residential
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B) 4 in. C) 5 in. D) 6 in. Answer: B Explanation: IBC Table 1905.2 specifies a minimum 4-in. slab thickness for loads up to 5,000 lb, which covers a typical 150-gal water heater. Question 51. In a residential building, the required fire-rating for a door between a garage and the living space is: A) 20 min fire-rated door B) 45 min fire-rated door C) 60 min fire-rated door D) No rating required if the door is solid wood Answer: C Explanation: IBC 714.1.2 requires a minimum 60-minute fire-rated door between a garage and the dwelling. Question 52. The minimum size of a conduit required to pull three #6 AWG THHN conductors is: A) ½-in. B) ¾-in. C) 1-in. D) 1 ¼-in. Answer: B Explanation: NEC Chapter 9 Table 1 shows that a ¾-in. conduit can accommodate up to three #6 AWG THHN conductors.
Building Inspector Residential
Electrical Inspector Ultimate
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Question 53. For a residential attic with a minimum clearance of 3 ft above the ceiling joists, the required insulation R-value for a climate zone 4 location is: A) R- 30 B) R- 38 C) R- 49 D) R- 60 Answer: B Explanation: 2021 IRC Table R402.1.1 specifies a minimum R-38 insulation for zone 4 in attics with 3-ft clearance. Question 54. The NEC requires that all receptacles in a dwelling unit be installed on a dedicated branch circuit when the total load exceeds: A) 180 A B) 200 A C) 240 A D) No specific load limit; each circuit is limited to 20 A Answer: D Explanation: NEC 210.23 limits each branch circuit to 20 A for receptacles; there is no aggregate load limit requiring a dedicated circuit. Question 55. The required spacing for fire-rated exterior wall cladding studs is: A) 12 in. on center B) 16 in. on center C) 24 in. on center D) No spacing requirement if the cladding is non-combustible Answer: B
