Journeyman Electrician Exam
Code Updates Practice Questions
25 practice questions with detailed explanations — aligned to the Journeyman Electrician Exam.
Master Code Updates to boost your score on the Journeyman Electrician Exam. Each question below mirrors the style and difficulty of real exam questions, complete with detailed explanations so you understand the why behind every answer. Work through all 25 questions, review any that trip you up, and use the related topics below to round out your preparation.
Q1.NEC 2026 introduces a new Article 120. What is the primary purpose of this article?
A.To provide General Requirements for Load CalculationsB.To cover Class 4 Power SystemsC.To regulate Cybersecurity in electrical equipmentD.To consolidate Medium Voltage requirements✓A. To provide General Requirements for Load CalculationsExplanation: 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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Q2.Under NEC 2026, Section 110.3(A)(8) now requires evaluating equipment for:
A.CybersecurityB.Wireless interferenceC.RecyclabilityD.Carbon footprint✓A. CybersecurityExplanation: 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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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 270B.Articles 800 through 805C.Articles 120 through 130D.Articles 900 through 910✓A. Articles 265 through 270Explanation: 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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Q4.With the creation of Article 120, Article 220 now focuses specifically on:
A.Branch-Circuit and Feeder CalculationsB.Service Calculations onlyC.Grounding CalculationsD.Conduit Fill Calculations✓A. Branch-Circuit and Feeder CalculationsExplanation: 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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Q5.NEC 2026 Article 726 covers which type of system?
A.Class 4 Fault-Managed Power SystemsB.Class 1 Remote Control CircuitsC.Fiber Optic CablesD.Fire Alarm Systems✓A. Class 4 Fault-Managed Power SystemsExplanation: 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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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 substrateB.Require a concrete surface onlyC.Eliminate the need for bonding gridsD.Apply only to swimming pools✓A. Include bonded metal mesh in the substrateExplanation: 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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Q7.NEC 2026 Article 110.16(B) regarding Arc-Flash Hazard Warning was expanded to require labels on:
A.All service disconnectsB.Branch circuit panels in dwelling unitsC.Disconnects for HVAC equipmentD.Battery enclosures✓A. All service disconnectsExplanation: 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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Q8.New cables for power-limited circuits (replacing some uses of Class 2/3 cables) are now found in NEC 2026 Article:
A.Article 722B.Article 725C.Article 300D.Article 800✓A. Article 722Explanation: 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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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.MicrowavesC.DishwashersD.Trash compactors✓A. Electric 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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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 serviceB.The feeder is over 100 feet longC.The feeder supplies a swimming poolD.The feeder is rated over 1000A✓A. The feeder supplies a dwelling unit and an SPD is not installed at the serviceExplanation: 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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Q11.Under NEC 2026, Limited Energy Systems (Class 2 and Class 3) are now primarily covered in:
A.Article 725 (Revised)B.Article 724C.Article 722D.Article 726✓B. Article 724Explanation: In the 2023 NEC restructuring, Limited Energy Systems were reorganized across several articles. Article 724 now covers Class 1 power-limited circuits, Article 725 covers Class 2 and Class 3 power-limited circuits, and Article 722 addresses the associated cable types. Class 2 and Class 3 circuits, which are the limited energy systems most commonly referenced in exam questions, are now primarily governed by the revised Article 725.
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Q12.The requirement for 10-foot clearances for service conductors above pedestrian sidewalks (230.24) was:
A.Retained without changeB.Increased to 12 feetC.Clarified to apply to 'spaces accessible to pedestrians only'D.Removed✓C. Clarified 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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Q13.NEC 2026 110.14(D) 'Terminal Connection Torque' was revised to allow the use of:
A.Alternative torque methods approved by the AHJB.Color-coded torque indicatorsC.Torque screws that shear offD.Finger-tightening for control wires✓A. Alternative torque methods approved by the AHJExplanation: 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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Q14.NEC 2026 210.52(C) for kitchen islands no longer requires:
A.Receptacles to be installed if there is no provision for themB.GFCI protectionC.Tamper-resistant receptaclesD.20-amp circuits✓A. Receptacles to be installed if there is no provision for themExplanation: 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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Q15.NEC 2026 625.40 requires that each outlet for EV charging greater than 16 amperes must be:
A.Supplied by an individual branch circuitB.Shared with laundry circuitsC.Controlled by an EMSD.Located outdoors✓A. Supplied by an individual branch circuitExplanation: The code mandates an individual branch circuit for EV loads > 16A to prevent overloading general purpose circuits.
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Q16.The definition of 'Reconditioned' in Article 100 was updated to explicitly exclude:
A.Normal servicing and maintenanceB.Replacing a circuit breaker handleC.Painting a panelboardD.Cleaning a contactor✓A. Normal servicing and maintenanceExplanation: 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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Q17.NEC 2026 240.24(G) prohibits installing overcurrent devices in:
A.Enclosures for Limited Energy Systems unless listedB.GaragesC.BasementsD.Attics✓A. Enclosures for Limited Energy Systems unless listedExplanation: 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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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 feetB.6 feetC.10 feetD.12 feet✓A. 8 feetExplanation: 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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Q19.NEC 2026 230.29 requires that supports for overhead service conductors over a roof must be:
A.Identified for use with the roof systemB.Made of galvanized steelC.Independent of the roofD.Painted yellow✓A. Identified for use with the roof systemExplanation: 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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Q20.Article 120.5 (Load Calcs) clarifies that for voltage drop calculations, the voltage used should be:
A.The nominal system voltageB.The measured voltageC.The minimum utility voltageD.115V or 230V✓A. The nominal system voltageExplanation: Calculations must use the nominal system voltage (e.g., 120V, 240V, 480V) rather than estimated operating voltages.
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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 usedB.Are Class I Division 1C.Must have isolated power systemsD.Require explosionproof lighting✓A. Are not considered hazardous locations if proper scavenging is usedExplanation: 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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Q22.NEC 2026 210.8(D) requires GFCI protection for specific appliances. Which item was added to this list?
A.Electric RangesB.AquariumsC.Wall-mounted ovensD.Ceiling fans✓C. Wall-mounted ovensExplanation: 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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Q23.NEC 2026 406.12 Tamper-Resistant Receptacles requirements were expanded to include:
A.Airport terminals and waiting areasB.WarehousesC.Data centersD.Private offices✓A. Airport terminals and waiting areasExplanation: 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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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.ListedB.Field evaluated onlyC.Manually controlledD.Wireless✓A. ListedExplanation: 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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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 headroomB.The height must be 8 feetC.Sprinkler heads are exemptD.Fans are permitted✓A. Equipment associated with the electrical installation (like ducts/pipes) cannot infringe on the 6.5 ft headroomExplanation: 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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