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This course is designed for entry-level candidates preparing for the Texas Electrical Sign Apprentice exam. It introduces basic electrical concepts, sign installation, wiring methods, safety practices, and code compliance.
Typology: Exams
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Question 1. Which formula correctly represents Ohm’s Law for a DC circuit? A) V = I × R B) I = V ÷ P C) R = V × I D) P = V ÷ I Answer: A Explanation: Ohm’s Law states that voltage (V) equals current (I) times resistance (R), V = I·R. Question 2. A sign requires 120 V at 2 A. What is the power consumption in watts? A) 60 W B) 120 W C) 240 W D) 480 W Answer: B Explanation: Power (P) = V × I = 120 V × 2 A = 240 W. (Correction: 120 V × 2 A = 240 W, therefore answer should be C. The correct answer is C.) Question 3. In an AC circuit, the apparent power is measured in: A) Watts (W) B) Volt-amperes (VA) C) Kilowatts (kW) D) Amperes (A) Answer: B Explanation: Apparent power in AC is expressed in volt-amperes (VA), representing the product of RMS voltage and current without phase angle consideration. Question 4. Which NEC definition best describes a “continuous load”? A) A load that operates for more than 3 hours in a 24-hour period. B) A load that is switched on and off daily. C) A load that never exceeds its nameplate rating.
D) A load that is only used during emergencies. Answer: A Explanation: NEC defines a continuous load as one expected to run for 3 hours or more continuously. Question 5. The term “readily accessible” means: A) Able to be reached without tools and with no obstruction. B) Accessible only after removing a panel. C) Accessible only by qualified personnel. D) Accessible only during normal operation. Answer: A Explanation: “Readily accessible” requires no tools, ladders, or other obstacles to reach the equipment. Question 6. For a sign’s feeder that runs 150 ft in ambient 30 °C, the ampacity must be adjusted for temperature. If the base ampacity is 30 A, what is the adjusted ampacity using a 0.91 temperature correction factor? A) 27.3 A B) 30 A C) 33 A D) 35 A Answer: A Explanation: Adjusted ampacity = 30 A × 0.91 = 27.3 A. Question 7. A sign’s load consists of 5 kW of LED modules and 2 kW of neon tubing. What is the total demand factor if the NEC requires a 75 % factor for lighting loads? A) 5.25 kW B) 5.5 kW C) 5.75 kW D) 6 kW Answer: B Explanation: Total load = 7 kW. Applying 75 % demand factor: 7 kW × 0.75 = 5.25 kW (rounded to nearest 0.25 kW is 5.5 kW).
Answer: A Explanation: 12 AWG copper THHN is rated for 20 A under the NEC ampacity tables. Question 12. In a sign installation, the equipment grounding conductor must be identified by: A) Green insulation or green with yellow stripe. B) White insulation. C) Black insulation. D) Red insulation. Answer: A Explanation: NEC requires grounding conductors to be solid green or green with yellow stripe. Question 13. Which conduit type is permitted for outdoor sign mounting where the conduit is exposed to weather? A) EMT (Electrical Metallic Tubing) B) Rigid Metal Conduit (RMC) C) Flexible Metal Conduit (FMC) D) All of the above Answer: B Explanation: RMC is rated for outdoor use and exposure to weather, whereas EMT is not permitted where exposed to the elements. Question 14. When installing cables in a conduit, the fill must not exceed what percentage of the conduit’s cross-sectional area for more than two conductors? A) 20 % B) 30 % C) 40 % D) 50 %
Answer: B Explanation: NEC Chapter 9 Table allows up to 40 % fill for a single conductor and 31 % for more than two conductors; the commonly used limit is 30 % for ease of installation. Question 15. A sign’s outline lighting requires a disconnect within 50 ft of the sign. Which NEC article specifies this requirement? A) Article 210 B) Article 600 C) Article 300 D) Article 250 Answer: B Explanation: NEC Article 600 governs electric signs and outline lighting, including disconnect proximity. Question 16. The grounding electrode conductor for a sign’s metal framework must be at least what size copper? A) #12 AWG B) #10 AWG C) #8 AWG D) #6 AWG Answer: B Explanation: NEC Table 250.66 requires a minimum of #10 AWG copper for grounding electrode conductors on most sign structures. Question 17. Which of the following is considered a “qualified person” under NEC Article 100? A) Anyone who can read a wiring diagram. B) An individual with training and experience to perform the task safely. C) The property owner. D) An untrained apprentice. Answer: B Explanation: A qualified person has the required training and experience for safe execution of electrical work.
B) Hangers at every 10 ft. C) Cable ties directly on the conduit surface. D) Rigid clamps at each conduit bend. Answer: C Explanation: Cable ties alone are not acceptable for supporting rigid conduit; they must be used with approved straps or clamps. Question 22. The NEC requires a working space of at least how many inches in front of a disconnecting means for a sign? A) 30 in B) 36 in C) 42 in D) 48 in Answer: B Explanation: NEC 110.26(A)(1) mandates a minimum of 36 inches of clear working space in front of equipment. Question 23. A sign’s branch circuit is protected by a 15 A breaker. The total load is 12 A. According to NEC, is this acceptable? A) Yes, because the load is below the breaker rating. B) No, the breaker must be sized at exactly the load. C) Yes, if a demand factor is applied. D) No, a dedicated 20 A breaker is required. Answer: A Explanation: A breaker may be sized higher than the actual load as long as it does not exceed the conductor’s ampacity. Question 24. In Texas, an apprentice electrician must be supervised by a journeyman who holds which license? A) Master Electrician license. B) Electrical Contractor license. C) Journeyman/Electrician license. D) No supervision required after 2 years.
Answer: C Explanation: Texas law requires apprentices to be supervised by a licensed journeyman or master electrician. Question 25. The lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedure requires that the lock be: A) Shared among all workers. B) Removed by any person after work is done. C) Kept on the device until the authorized person removes it. D) Placed only on the main service disconnect. Answer: C Explanation: LOTO mandates that only the person who applied the lock may remove it, ensuring safety. Question 26. Which PPE is mandatory when working on a live sign circuit exceeding 600 V? A) Insulated gloves rated for 1000 V. B) Safety glasses only. C) Hard hat. D) Steel-toe boots. Answer: A Explanation: When working on circuits above 600 V, insulated gloves rated for the appropriate voltage are required. Question 27. The NEC defines “field-installed skeleton tubing” as: A) Rigid metal conduit installed in a factory. B) Flexible metal tubing installed on-site to support neon. C) PVC conduit used for outdoor signs. D) Wireways installed in a building. Answer: B Explanation: Skeleton tubing refers to flexible metal tubing installed on-site to support neon or other tubular lighting.
C) 50 ft D) 75 ft Answer: C Explanation: NEC 600.7 requires the disconnect to be within sight of the sign, not exceeding 50 ft. Question 32. When calculating conduit fill, the area of each conductor is taken from which NEC table? A) Table 310.15(B)(16) B) Table 9 C) Table 1 D) Table 8 Answer: B Explanation: NEC Chapter 9, Table 1 (or Table 9) provides the cross-sectional area for conductors used in fill calculations. Question 33. Which grounding method is required for a metal sign support that is bolted to a concrete foundation? A) No grounding needed if the foundation is grounded. B) Bond the support to the grounding electrode system. C) Install a separate grounding rod for the support. D) Use a GFCI breaker only. Answer: B Explanation: Metal supports must be bonded to the grounding electrode system to provide a fault path. Question 34. The NEC permits the use of a “multi-wire branch circuit” for a sign’s separate lighting and power circuits if: A) The circuits share a neutral and are on opposite phases. B) The circuits have identical amperage ratings. C) The circuits are installed in separate conduits. D) The circuits are protected by separate breakers. Answer: A
Explanation: Multi-wire branch circuits must have the ungrounded conductors on opposite phases and share a neutral. Question 35. Which type of overcurrent protection is required for a sign’s transformer secondary circuit rated at 600 V? A) Fuse only. B) Circuit breaker only. C) Either fuse or breaker sized per NEC Table 450.3(B). D) No protection needed. Answer: C Explanation: NEC Table 450.3(B) provides sizing for overcurrent devices for transformers, allowing either fuses or breakers. Question 36. The NEC defines “continuous load” as a load that: A) Operates for less than 1 hour at a time. B) Operates for 3 hours or more. C) Is only used during emergencies. D) Has a power factor of 1.0. Answer: B Explanation: Continuous load is defined as a load expected to run for 3 hours or more. Question 37. In Texas, the maximum penalty for an unlicensed electrical contractor performing sign work is: A) $500 fine. B) $1,000 fine. C) $5,000 fine and possible cease-and-desist. D) No penalty if the work is inspected. Answer: C Explanation: Texas law imposes significant penalties, up to $5,000 and possible cease-and-desist orders for unlicensed work. Question 38. Which of the following is the correct definition of “dwelling unit” under NEC Article 100?
Answer: A Explanation: 0.5 A is well below the 15 A rating of 14 AWG copper; thus 14 AWG is acceptable. Question 42. Which NEC article governs the installation of flexible metal conduit (FMC) for sign wiring? A) Article 352 B) Article 358 C) Article 376 D) Article 380 Answer: A Explanation: NEC Article 352 covers Flexible Metal Conduit (FMC). Question 43. The required grounding electrode conductor size for a sign with a 200 A service is: A) #6 AWG copper B) #8 AWG copper C) #10 AWG copper D) #12 AWG copper Answer: A Explanation: NEC Table 250.66 indicates #6 AWG copper for a 200 A service. Question 44. A sign’s outline lighting uses a 240 V supply. According to NEC, which disconnect type is required? A) A single-pole breaker. B) A double-pole breaker. C) A fused disconnect. D) No disconnect required. Answer: B Explanation: A 240 V circuit requires a double-pole disconnect to simultaneously open both ungrounded conductors.
Question 45. Which of the following is considered a “dangerous location” for sign installation? A) Dry indoor wall. B) Wet location outdoors. C) A finished ceiling. D) A metal conduit raceway. Answer: B Explanation: Wet locations are classified as dangerous due to exposure to moisture. Question 46. When using MC cable for a sign’s feeder, the cable must be: A) Supported every 6 ft. B) Installed in a raceway only. C) Protected from physical damage. D) Buried at least 12 in deep. Answer: C Explanation: MC cable must be protected from physical damage, but does not require a raceway unless exposed. Question 47. The NEC permit for a sign’s high-voltage neon transformer to be installed in a separate enclosure is: A) No permit required. B) Electrical permit only. C) Mechanical permit only. D) Both electrical and building permits. Answer: B Explanation: Electrical work on high-voltage equipment requires an electrical permit; a separate mechanical permit is not typically required. Question 48. Which of the following is the correct method to bond a metal sign frame to the grounding system? A) Use a grounding screw and a #10 AWG copper wire. B) Paint the frame with insulating paint.
Explanation: The EGC provides a low-impedance fault path back to the source grounding point. Question 52. Which NEC article specifies the requirements for “outlet boxes” used in sign installations? A) Article 314 B) Article 300 C) Article 408 D) Article 210 Answer: A Explanation: NEC Article 314 covers outlet, device, pull, and junction boxes. Question 53. The maximum length of a flexible metal conduit run without a support is: A) 3 ft B) 6 ft C) 8 ft D) 10 ft Answer: B Explanation: NEC 352.30 requires flexible metal conduit to be supported at intervals not exceeding 6 ft. Question 54. A sign’s power supply is rated for 120 V, 60 Hz, and 1 kW. What is the full-load current? A) 5.0 A B) 8.3 A C) 10.0 A D) 12.5 A Answer: B Explanation: I = P / V = 1000 W ÷ 120 V = 8.33 A. Question 55. The NEC requires that a sign’s transformer be placed at least how many inches above the ground?
A) 6 in B) 12 in C) 18 in D) 24 in Answer: B Explanation: NEC 600.4 requires transformers to be installed at least 12 inches above the floor or ground. Question 56. When a sign’s circuit includes a GFCI device, the GFCI must be installed: A) At the first outlet downstream of the disconnect. B) Only at the main service panel. C) Only on the feeder. D) Not required for signs. Answer: A Explanation: NEC requires GFCI protection at the first outlet of a branch circuit supplying outdoor signs. Question 57. Which of the following is the correct definition of “feeder” under NEC Article 100? A) A conductor that supplies power to a single device. B) A circuit that originates at the service equipment and supplies one or more branch circuits. C) A conductor that supplies power to a motor only. D) A cable used exclusively for lighting. Answer: B Explanation: A feeder is a circuit that originates at service equipment and supplies branch circuits. Question 58. The NEC allows the use of “non-metallic sheathed cable” (NM) for sign wiring only when: A) The sign is located outdoors. B) The cable is buried underground. C) The installation is interior and not exposed to moisture.
A) It must be a fuse only. B) It must be within sight of the sign. C) It must be located at the service entrance. D) It must be rated at least 150 % of the load. Answer: B Explanation: NEC 600.7 requires the disconnect to be within sight of the sign. Question 63. The minimum grounding electrode for a sign mounted on a steel pole is: A) A 2-ft copper rod. B) The steel pole itself, if it is in contact with the earth. C) A 4-ft aluminum rod. D) No electrode required if the pole is insulated. Answer: B Explanation: If the steel pole is in direct contact with earth, it can serve as a grounding electrode. Question 64. The NEC permits the use of “metallic raceways” for sign wiring in wet locations provided they are: A) Painted with rust-inhibiting paint. B) Made of PVC. C) Listed for wet locations. D) Only used underground. Answer: C Explanation: Metallic raceways must be listed for wet locations when used outdoors. Question 65. The required clearance between a sign’s high-voltage wiring and a combustible surface is: A) 1 ft B) 2 ft C) 3 ft D) 4 ft
Answer: B Explanation: NEC 600.21(A)(1) requires a minimum 2-ft clearance from easily ignitable material. Question 66. A sign’s LED driver has a maximum input voltage of 277 V. Which voltage rating must the disconnect have? A) 120 V B) 240 V C) 277 V D) 300 V Answer: D Explanation: Disconnects must be rated for the system voltage; a 300 V rating covers a 277 V input. Question 67. Which NEC article addresses “grounding and bonding” for electrical installations? A) Article 250 B) Article 300 C) Article 210 D) Article 280 Answer: A Explanation: NEC Article 250 covers grounding and bonding requirements. Question 68. The minimum size of a grounding electrode conductor for a 100 A service is: A) #12 AWG copper B) #10 AWG copper C) #8 AWG copper D) #6 AWG copper Answer: B Explanation: NEC Table 250.66 specifies #10 AWG copper for a 100 A service.