PC Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield PC facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. OSHA defines an 'authorized employee' under the lockout/tagout standard as someone who: → Locks out or tags out machines to perform servicing or maintenance
2. What is the maximum length of flexible conduit (FMC) allowed between a junction box and a recessed luminaire per NEC 410.117(C)? → 6 feet
3. If an electrical contractor's license is suspended for non-payment of a judgment, the contractor may: → Apply for reinstatement once the judgment is satisfied and fees are paid
4. Per NEC Table 220.54, what is the demand factor for household electric dryers when 5 dryers are supplied from the same feeder? → 80%
5. Which labor burden component is a mandatory payroll tax paid by employers on the first $160,200 of each employee's wages? → Social Security (FICA) tax
6. When an electrical contractor receives a Notice of Violation (NOV) from an inspector, the contractor must generally: → Correct the cited deficiencies within the timeframe specified and request re-inspection
7. What minimum diameter is required for a driven ground rod made of steel or iron per NEC 250.52(A)(5)? → 5/8 inch
8. A squirrel cage induction motor is classified as what type of motor? → AC induction motor
9. For a 400A service, NEC Table 250.122 requires a minimum equipment grounding conductor size of what if using copper? → #3 AWG
10. What is the purpose of a ground wire in electrical installations? → To provide a safe path for electrical faults to the ground.
11. What is the apparent power (in kVA) of a three-phase motor with a line voltage of 480V, drawing a line current of 60A? → 50.0 kVA
12. Per NEC 230.24(B), what is the minimum clearance required for service drop conductors above public streets subject to truck traffic? → 18 feet
13. What does the abbreviation 'AHJ' stand for in the context of electrical codes and inspections? → Authority Having Jurisdiction
14. NEC Article 553 covers floating buildings. What is the minimum size service conductor permitted for a floating building service? → Size per calculated load; no separate minimum
15. What is the minimum ampacity required for branch circuit conductors supplying a single continuous-duty motor? → 125% of motor FLA
16. What does UL listing of electrical equipment primarily indicate? → The equipment has been tested and found to meet specific safety standards
17. Per NEC 110.3(B), listed or labeled equipment shall be installed and used in accordance with: → Any instructions included in the listing or labeling
18. What is the primary purpose of a 'bid leveling' sheet when comparing subcontractor proposals? → To adjust bids to a common scope baseline for fair comparison
19. An electrical service carries 200A at 240V single-phase. What is the maximum kVA demand? → 48 kVA
20. In a Class II, Division 1 hazardous location involving combustible dust, which wiring method is specifically permitted by NEC Article 502? → Rigid metal conduit (RMC) with dusttight fittings
21. A state electrical contractor license is typically renewed every: → 1 year or 2 years depending on the state
22. At what minimum voltage does the NEC require conductors to be separated from fire alarm circuit conductors that run in the same enclosure? → 150V
23. Which NEC article covers motors, motor circuits, and controllers? → Article 430
24. What does the term 'addendum' refer to during the bidding process? → A written modification issued to all bidders before bid opening
25. Kirchhoff's Current Law (KCL) states that: → The sum of currents entering a node equals the sum leaving it
26. Which agency oversees and enforces electrical code compliance in the U.S.? → The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
27. Power factor in an AC circuit is defined as the ratio of: → True power to apparent power
28. What is the minimum horsepower rating required for a motor disconnecting means per NEC 430.110? → Equal to the motor's HP rating
29. Liquidtight flexible metallic conduit (LFMC) is permitted for outdoor use in which scenario? → Only when listed for outdoor use and protected from sunlight
30. Why must electrical codes be followed during installation? → To ensure safety, compliance, and system reliability.