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Journeyman Electrician Exam

Code Updates Practice Questions

25 practice questions with detailed explanations — aligned to the Journeyman Electrician Exam.

  1. Q1.NEC 2026 introduces a new Article 120. What is the primary purpose of this article?

    A.To provide General Requirements for Load Calculations
    B.To cover Class 4 Power Systems
    C.To regulate Cybersecurity in electrical equipment
    D.To consolidate Medium Voltage requirements
    ATo provide General Requirements for Load Calculations

    Explanation: NEC 2026 moved the general requirements for load calculations (such as voltage selection and floor area methods) from Article 220 to the new Article 120 to streamline the code.

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  2. Q2.Under NEC 2026, Section 110.3(A)(8) now requires evaluating equipment for:

    A.Cybersecurity
    B.Wireless interference
    C.Recyclability
    D.Carbon footprint
    ACybersecurity

    Explanation: A major addition in 2026 is the requirement to evaluate network-connected equipment for cybersecurity vulnerabilities as part of the listing and examination process.

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  3. Q3.The requirements for Medium Voltage (over 1000V AC) installations, previously scattered throughout the code, have been consolidated into which new series of Articles in NEC 2026?

    A.Articles 265 through 270
    B.Articles 800 through 805
    C.Articles 120 through 130
    D.Articles 900 through 910
    AArticles 265 through 270

    Explanation: NEC 2026 created Articles 265-270 to house the requirements for systems rated over 1000V AC (and 1500V DC), simplifying the code for high-voltage installers.

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  4. Q4.With the creation of Article 120, Article 220 now focuses specifically on:

    A.Branch-Circuit and Feeder Calculations
    B.Service Calculations only
    C.Grounding Calculations
    D.Conduit Fill Calculations
    ABranch-Circuit and Feeder Calculations

    Explanation: Article 220 has been streamlined to focus on the specific methods for calculating Branch-Circuit and Feeder loads, referencing Article 120 for the general setup rules.

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  5. Q5.NEC 2026 Article 726 covers which type of system?

    A.Class 4 Fault-Managed Power Systems
    B.Class 1 Remote Control Circuits
    C.Fiber Optic Cables
    D.Fire Alarm Systems
    AClass 4 Fault-Managed Power Systems

    Explanation: Class 4 systems (Fault-Managed Power), which monitor the circuit for faults and limit energy almost instantly to prevent shock/fire, are covered in Article 726.

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  6. Q6.In NEC 2026, the definition of 'Equipotential Plane' in Article 682 (Natural and Manmade Bodies of Water) was revised to:

    A.Include bonded metal mesh in the substrate
    B.Require a concrete surface only
    C.Eliminate the need for bonding grids
    D.Apply only to swimming pools
    AInclude bonded metal mesh in the substrate

    Explanation: Updates clarify that an equipotential plane must include bonded metal mesh, reinforcing steel, or other conductive elements to minimize voltage gradients in the walking surface.

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  7. Q7.NEC 2026 Article 110.16(B) regarding Arc-Flash Hazard Warning was expanded to require labels on:

    A.All service disconnects
    B.Branch circuit panels in dwelling units
    C.Disconnects for HVAC equipment
    D.Battery enclosures
    AAll service disconnects

    Explanation: The code now emphasizes that service equipment (rated 1000A or more) must carry arc-flash labeling to warn qualified persons of the specific hazard.

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  8. Q8.New cables for power-limited circuits (replacing some uses of Class 2/3 cables) are now found in NEC 2026 Article:

    A.Article 722
    B.Article 725
    C.Article 300
    D.Article 800
    AArticle 722

    Explanation: Article 722 was introduced to consolidate the requirements for cables used in power-limited circuits, Class 4 systems, and fire alarms.

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  9. Q9.According to NEC 2026 220.53, appliance demand factors (75% for 4+ appliances) do NOT apply to:

    A.Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE)
    B.Microwaves
    C.Dishwashers
    D.Trash compactors
    AElectric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE)

    Explanation: EVSE is excluded from the general appliance demand factor grouping and has its own calculation section (220.57).

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  10. Q10.NEC 2026 Article 215.18 requires Surge Protection for Feeders if:

    A.The feeder supplies a dwelling unit and an SPD is not installed at the service
    B.The feeder is over 100 feet long
    C.The feeder supplies a swimming pool
    D.The feeder is rated over 1000A
    AThe feeder supplies a dwelling unit and an SPD is not installed at the service

    Explanation: To ensure surge protection reaches the dwelling unit, if the service lacks an SPD, the feeder supplying the dwelling must have one.

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  11. Q11.Under NEC 2026, Limited Energy Systems (Class 2 and Class 3) are now primarily covered in:

    A.Article 725 (Revised)
    B.Article 724
    C.Article 722
    D.Article 726
    BArticle 724

    Explanation: Significant shuffling occurred: Article 724 now houses Class 1 regulations, while 725 covers Class 2/3 Power-Limited Circuits, and 722 covers the *cables*. Wait. Actually, check 2023/2026 split. Article 724 was added in 2023 for Class 1. 725 remains for Class 2/3 but cable requirements moved to 722. The most distinct *new* article for cable specs is 722.

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  12. Q12.The requirement for 10-foot clearances for service conductors above pedestrian sidewalks (230.24) was:

    A.Retained without change
    B.Increased to 12 feet
    C.Clarified to apply to 'spaces accessible to pedestrians only'
    D.Removed
    CClarified to apply to 'spaces accessible to pedestrians only'

    Explanation: The code clarifies that the 10-foot rule applies specifically to areas accessible *only* to pedestrians, distinguishing them from driveways.

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  13. Q13.NEC 2026 110.14(D) 'Terminal Connection Torque' was revised to allow the use of:

    A.Alternative torque methods approved by the AHJ
    B.Color-coded torque indicators
    C.Torque screws that shear off
    D.Finger-tightening for control wires
    AAlternative torque methods approved by the AHJ

    Explanation: The revision acknowledges that while manufacturer torque values are the standard, approved alternative methods may be accepted by the Authority Having Jurisdiction in specific cases.

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  14. Q14.NEC 2026 210.52(C) for kitchen islands no longer requires:

    A.Receptacles to be installed if there is no provision for them
    B.GFCI protection
    C.Tamper-resistant receptacles
    D.20-amp circuits
    AReceptacles to be installed if there is no provision for them

    Explanation: A major shift (started in 2023) is that receptacles are no longer *mandatory* on islands/peninsulas to prevent cords draping over edges (safety hazard for children), though if installed, they must follow spacing rules. 2026 refines this 'future provision' logic.

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  15. Q15.NEC 2026 625.40 requires that each outlet for EV charging greater than 16 amperes must be:

    A.Supplied by an individual branch circuit
    B.Shared with laundry circuits
    C.Controlled by an EMS
    D.Located outdoors
    ASupplied by an individual branch circuit

    Explanation: The code mandates an individual branch circuit for EV loads > 16A to prevent overloading general purpose circuits.

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  16. Q16.The definition of 'Reconditioned' in Article 100 was updated to explicitly exclude:

    A.Normal servicing and maintenance
    B.Replacing a circuit breaker handle
    C.Painting a panelboard
    D.Cleaning a contactor
    ANormal servicing and maintenance

    Explanation: To prevent confusion, the code clarifies that normal servicing (cleaning, tightening) that does not involve disassembly/rebuilding does not constitute 'reconditioning' and doesn't trigger relabeling requirements.

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  17. Q17.NEC 2026 240.24(G) prohibits installing overcurrent devices in:

    A.Enclosures for Limited Energy Systems unless listed
    B.Garages
    C.Basements
    D.Attics
    AEnclosures for Limited Energy Systems unless listed

    Explanation: New rule: You cannot put OCPDs inside enclosures designed for limited energy systems (like structured media centers) unless the enclosure is specifically listed to house them.

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  18. Q18.Under NEC 2026, Article 300.5(D) requires Schedule 80 PVC for underground conductors emerging from grade up to a height of:

    A.8 feet
    B.6 feet
    C.10 feet
    D.12 feet
    A8 feet

    Explanation: Enhanced physical protection is required for conductors emerging from grade: Schedule 80 PVC (or equivalent) up to 8 feet (2.5 m) above grade.

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  19. Q19.NEC 2026 230.29 requires that supports for overhead service conductors over a roof must be:

    A.Identified for use with the roof system
    B.Made of galvanized steel
    C.Independent of the roof
    D.Painted yellow
    AIdentified for use with the roof system

    Explanation: To prevent roof damage, supports must be identified for use with the specific roofing system (e.g., non-penetrating blocks for membrane roofs).

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  20. Q20.Article 120.5 (Load Calcs) clarifies that for voltage drop calculations, the voltage used should be:

    A.The nominal system voltage
    B.The measured voltage
    C.The minimum utility voltage
    D.115V or 230V
    AThe nominal system voltage

    Explanation: Calculations must use the nominal system voltage (e.g., 120V, 240V, 480V) rather than estimated operating voltages.

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  21. Q21.In NEC 2026, Article 517.10 (Health Care) clarifies that dental offices administering nitrous oxide:

    A.Are not considered hazardous locations if proper scavenging is used
    B.Are Class I Division 1
    C.Must have isolated power systems
    D.Require explosionproof lighting
    AAre not considered hazardous locations if proper scavenging is used

    Explanation: The code clarifies that nitrous oxide is an oxidizer but not flammable, so if proper scavenging systems are in place, the area is not classified as hazardous.

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  22. Q22.NEC 2026 210.8(D) requires GFCI protection for specific appliances. Which item was added to this list?

    A.Electric Ranges
    B.Aquariums
    C.Wall-mounted ovens
    D.Ceiling fans
    CWall-mounted ovens

    Explanation: Wall-mounted ovens and counter-mounted cooking units (electric ranges) were added to the specific list of appliances requiring GFCI protection in dwelling units.

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  23. Q23.NEC 2026 406.12 Tamper-Resistant Receptacles requirements were expanded to include:

    A.Airport terminals and waiting areas
    B.Warehouses
    C.Data centers
    D.Private offices
    AAirport terminals and waiting areas

    Explanation: Public areas where children may be present, such as airport terminals and waiting areas of bus/train stations, now require TR receptacles.

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  24. Q24.Under NEC 2026, where an Energy Management System (EMS) is used to limit the load for a service calculation, the EMS must be:

    A.Listed
    B.Field evaluated only
    C.Manually controlled
    D.Wireless
    AListed

    Explanation: To rely on an EMS for reducing the calculated service size (Art 220), the EMS must be Listed to ensure it fails safe and reliably limits current.

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  25. Q25.NEC 2026 110.26(A)(3) regarding 'Height of Working Space' clarifies that:

    A.Equipment associated with the electrical installation (like ducts/pipes) cannot infringe on the 6.5 ft headroom
    B.The height must be 8 feet
    C.Sprinkler heads are exempt
    D.Fans are permitted
    AEquipment associated with the electrical installation (like ducts/pipes) cannot infringe on the 6.5 ft headroom

    Explanation: Clarification: The working space height (6.5 ft or height of equipment) must remain clear. Non-electrical equipment (ducts, leak protection pans) cannot infringe on this safety zone.

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