NEC ELECTRIC TEST 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: The voltage waveform will lag behind the current waveform in a circuit supplying electricity to capacitive loads:
- True (Correct answer)
- False
Correct answer: True
In Capacitor Circuit Voltage waveform lags current waveform and has leading power factor. Inductive circuit will be exactly opposite
Question 2: Which of the following machines is the most efficient?
- DC Motor
- Synchronous machine
- Induction motor
- Electrical Transformer (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Electrical Transformer
Electrical Transformer will have higher efficiency as there is no rotating parts and airgap in the flux path involved in it. Generally efficiency of the Transformer is of the order of 95% to 99% during full load operation
Question 3: During no-load operation, an induction motor's power factor will be in the range:
- 0.9
- 0.2 (Correct answer)
- 0.7
- 0.5
Correct answer: 0.2
Induction motor during no load condition will draw high magnetizing current. This magnetizing current will not do any useful work (rotating the load). Therefore power factor will be low during no load in Induction Motor
Question 4: Conductors with _____ marked on the insulation are not allowed to be used in wet locations.
- THHN (Correct answer)
- THW
- THWN
- THHW
Correct answer: THHN
As shown in Table 310.104(A), conductors with THHN insulation are approved for use in dry and damp locations only and conductors with THWN, THHW, and THW insulation are recognized for use in dry and wet locations.
Question 5: Given: The local utility company provides a 120/240 volt, single-phase electrical system to a one-family dwelling unit with a demand load of 200 amperes. What is the MINIMUM size of aluminum THW conductors required for this residence's service-entrance conductors?
- 3/0 AWG
- 2/0 AWG
- 4/0 AWG (Correct answer)
- 1/0 AWG
Correct answer: 4/0 AWG
Section 310.15(B)(7)(1) permits one-family dwelling 120/240 volt, single-phase, service-entrance conductors to be sized at an ampacity of not less than 83% of the service rating. Therefore, 200 amperes x 83% = 166 amperes Table 310.15(B)(16) indicates size 4/0 AWG THW aluminum conductors with an allowable ampacity of 180 amperes should be selected for this dwelling.
Question 6: The full-load current rating, in amperes, of a 150 kVA single-phase transformer with a secondary voltage of 120/240 installed in a multi-family dwelling is _____.
- 526 amperes
- 625 amperes (Correct answer)
- 1250 amperes
- 265 amperes
Correct answer: 625 amperes
To find the full-load current rating of the single-phase transformer apply the single-phase current formula as shown: I = (150 kVA x 1000) / 240 volts = 15,000/240 = 625 amperes
Question 7: Which of the circuit breakers listed below does not have a standard ampere rating?
- 225 amperes
- 110 amperes
- 75 amperes (Correct answer)
- 90 amperes
Correct answer: 75 amperes
Table 240.6(A) illustrates the standard ampere ratings for fuses and circuit breakers. A circuit breaker with an ampere rating of 75 amperes is not a standard ampere rating.
Question 8: The MINIMUM length of the free conductor must be left at each junction box for splicing conductors or connecting to luminaires or devices is.
- 6 inches (Correct answer)
- 8 inches
- 4 inches
- 10 inches
Correct answer: 6 inches
As per Section 300.14 at least 6 in. of free conductor is to be left at each junction box for splices or the connection of luminaires or devices. The intent of this rule is to ensure enough conductor slack for the terminal connections or splices to be made easily.
Question 9: Overhead service-drop conductors must not be smaller than _____ in general.
- 6 AWG copper
- 8 AWG copper (Correct answer)
- 4 AWG copper
- 2 AWG copper
Correct answer: 8 AWG copper
Section 230.23(B) requires overhead service-drop conductors to be not smaller than 8 AWG copper or 6 AWG aluminum or copper-clad aluminum. Do not get service-drop conductors, the overhead conductors between the utility electric supply system and the service point, confused with the service-entrance conductors, the conductors from the service point from the utility company to the service disconnecting means
Question 10: The NEC specifies that a galvanized eye-bolt be installed NOT less than _____ above finished grade when used as a point of attachment for electrical service.
- 15 ft.
- 12 ft.
- 8 ft.
- 10 ft. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: 10 ft.
The intent of Section 230.26 is to provide adequate vertical clearance of the conductors and prevent physical damage to the conductors and prevent persons from making accidental contact with the conductors which may create a shock hazard or electrocution. In no case shall the point of attachment of the service-drop conductors to be less than 10 ft. above finished grade.
Question 11: Why is it required for the metallic conduits to have electrical continuity?
- To reduce electrolysis
- To reduce voltage drop
- To limit galvanic corrosion
- To establish an effective ground-fault path and facilitate the operation of the overcurrent protective device. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: To establish an effective ground-fault path and facilitate the operation of the overcurrent protective device.
Electrical continuity is required for metallic conduit to establish an effective ground-fault path and facilitate the operation of the overcurrent protective device. Reference Section 250.4(A)(4) and (5).
Question 12: Receptacle outlets for countertop surfaces must be located above, but not more than _____ above, the countertop or work surface in dwelling units.
- 24 inches
- 12 inches
- 18 inches
- 20 inches (Correct answer)
Correct answer: 20 inches
In compliance with Section 210.52(C)(5), receptacle outlets installed for countertop or work surfaces in dwelling units may be located on or above, but not more than 20 in. above the countertop or work surface. The intent of this rule is to eliminate the use of unsightly extension cords (which reduces the amount of usable countertop space) on the countertop or work surface to supply cord-and-plug connected appliances. Also, receptacles located more than 20 inches above countertops or work surfaces may interfere with the cabinetry to be installed.
Question 13: The ampacity adjustment factors for more than three (3) current-carrying conductors in the raceway are not required to be applied when conductors are installed in a conduit or tubing nipple of _____ or less in length.
- 36 inches
- 24 inches (Correct answer)
- 48 inches
- 30 inches
Correct answer: 24 inches
Section 310.15(B)(3)(a)(2) clarifies that adjustment factors for more than three (3) current-carrying conductors in raceways shall not apply where the raceway is not more than 24 inches in length. Where more than 3 current-carrying conductors are installed in short lengths of conduit or tubing, the heating effect caused from the additional conductors is insignificant therefore, the allowable ampacity of the conductors is not greatly reduced.
Question 14: When lighting units, general-use receptacles, or other appliances are supplied via a branch circuit, the total marked rating of a 120-volt, cord-and-plug-connected room air conditioner shall not exceed _____ of the branch circuit's rating, according to the NEC.
- 80%
- 70%
- 40%
- 50% (Correct answer)
Correct answer: 50%
According to the National Electrical Code (NEC) Article 440.62(B), when a branch circuit supplies other loads like lighting or general-use receptacles, the total marked rating of a cord-and-plug-connected room air conditioner cannot exceed 50% of the branch circuit's ampere rating. This rule ensures that there is sufficient capacity remaining on the circuit for other connected appliances and lighting, preventing overloading and potential safety hazards.
Question 15: Which of the following should not be placed over a stairway step?
- switches controlling luminaires
- junction boxes
- general-use receptacles
- overcurrent devices (Correct answer)
Correct answer: overcurrent devices
The National Electrical Code (NEC) Article 240.24(D) specifically prohibits locating overcurrent devices, such as circuit breaker panels or fuse boxes, over the steps of a stairway. This safety regulation is in place to prevent individuals from falling and sustaining injuries while attempting to access or work on these electrical components. Working on electrical panels requires stable footing, which a stairway step does not provide.
Question 16: At least one (1) single-phase, 125-volt, 15- or 20-ampere receptacle must be located not less than _____ from and not more than _____ from the inside wall of a permanently installed outdoor swimming pool on residential or commercial properties.
- 10 feet - 20 feet
- 5 feet - 20 feet
- 6 feet - 20 feet (Correct answer)
- 6 feet, 6 inches - 10 feet
Correct answer: 6 feet - 20 feet
The National Electrical Code (NEC) Article 680.22(A)(1) mandates the placement of at least one single-phase, 125-volt, 15- or 20-ampere receptacle near permanently installed outdoor swimming pools. This receptacle must be located not less than 6 feet and not more than 20 feet from the inside wall of the pool. This requirement ensures convenient access for pool equipment while maintaining a safe distance to minimize the risk of electrical shock.
The voltage waveform will lag behind the current waveform in a circuit supplying electricity to capacitive loads: