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Journeyman Electrician Exam

Definitions & General Requirements Practice Questions

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

Master Definitions & General Requirements 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 10 questions, review any that trip you up, and use the related topics below to round out your preparation.

  1. Q1.Per NEC Article 100, which term describes equipment that is capable of being reached quickly for operation, renewal, or inspection without requiring those to whom ready access is requisite to climb over or remove obstacles or use portable ladders?

    A.Accessible (as applied to equipment)
    B.Readily Accessible
    C.Concealed
    D.Exposed
    BReadily Accessible

    Explanation: NEC Article 100 defines 'Readily Accessible' as capable of being reached quickly without having to climb over or remove obstacles or resort to portable ladders. Plain 'Accessible' is a less strict term — it only means the equipment is not permanently closed in.

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  2. Q2.How does NEC Article 100 define 'ampacity'?

    A.The maximum voltage a conductor can withstand without breaking down
    B.The maximum current, in amperes, a conductor can carry continuously under the conditions of use without exceeding its temperature rating
    C.The DC resistance of a conductor per 1,000 feet
    D.The rated current of the overcurrent device protecting the conductor
    BThe maximum current, in amperes, a conductor can carry continuously under the conditions of use without exceeding its temperature rating

    Explanation: Per Article 100, ampacity is the maximum current, in amperes, that a conductor can carry continuously under the conditions of use without exceeding its temperature rating. It depends on insulation rating, ambient temperature, and conductor bundling.

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  3. Q3.What is the minimum depth of clear working space required in front of electrical equipment operating at 0–150 volts to ground under Condition 1 per NEC Table 110.26(A)(1)?

    A.2 ft (600 mm)
    B.3 ft (900 mm)
    C.3.5 ft (1.07 m)
    D.4 ft (1.2 m)
    B3 ft (900 mm)

    Explanation: NEC Table 110.26(A)(1) requires a minimum 3 ft (900 mm) of clear working-space depth for equipment 0–150V to ground under Condition 1 (exposed live parts on one side and no live or grounded parts on the other side of the working space).

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  4. Q4.Per NEC 110.26(A)(2), the width of the working space in front of electrical equipment shall be the width of the equipment or a minimum of which value, whichever is greater?

    A.24 in (600 mm)
    B.30 in (750 mm)
    C.36 in (900 mm)
    D.42 in (1.07 m)
    B30 in (750 mm)

    Explanation: NEC 110.26(A)(2) requires the working-space width to be the width of the equipment or 30 in (750 mm), whichever is greater. The space must also permit at least a 90-degree opening of all equipment doors or hinged panels.

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  5. Q5.What is the minimum headroom of the working space about service equipment, switchboards, panelboards, or motor control centers per NEC 110.26(A)(3)?

    A.6 ft (1.83 m)
    B.6.5 ft (1.98 m)
    C.7 ft (2.13 m)
    D.8 ft (2.44 m)
    B6.5 ft (1.98 m)

    Explanation: NEC 110.26(A)(3) requires minimum headroom of 6½ ft (1.98 m). Where the equipment itself is taller than 6½ ft, the headroom must be not less than the height of the equipment.

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  6. Q6.Per NEC 110.26(E), the dedicated electrical space above a panelboard or switchboard extends from the floor to a height of how far above the equipment (or to the structural ceiling, whichever is lower) and must be kept clear of foreign systems such as piping and ducts?

    A.3 ft (900 mm)
    B.4 ft (1.2 m)
    C.6 ft (1.8 m)
    D.To the structural ceiling in all cases
    C6 ft (1.8 m)

    Explanation: NEC 110.26(E)(1)(a) establishes a dedicated electrical space extending from the floor to 6 ft (1.8 m) above the equipment or to the structural ceiling, whichever is lower. Foreign systems such as piping and ducts are not permitted in this dedicated zone.

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  7. Q7.Per NEC Article 100, the term 'bonded (bonding)' is defined as:

    A.Connected to the earth or to a conducting body that extends the earth connection
    B.Connected to establish electrical continuity and conductivity
    C.Provided with overcurrent protection sized to the conductor
    D.Insulated from all grounded surfaces
    BConnected to establish electrical continuity and conductivity

    Explanation: Article 100 defines 'Bonded (Bonding)' as connected to establish electrical continuity and conductivity. 'Grounded' (the first option) is a separate, distinct definition — a connection to earth. Bonding ties metal parts together; grounding ties the system or equipment to earth.

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  8. Q8.For equipment rated 1200 A or more and over 6 ft (1.8 m) wide, NEC 110.26(C)(2) requires an entrance to and egress from the working space at each end that is at least:

    A.24 in (610 mm) wide and 6.5 ft (2.0 m) high
    B.30 in (750 mm) wide and 6.5 ft (2.0 m) high
    C.24 in (610 mm) wide and 7 ft (2.13 m) high
    D.36 in (900 mm) wide and 6.5 ft (2.0 m) high
    A24 in (610 mm) wide and 6.5 ft (2.0 m) high

    Explanation: NEC 110.26(C)(2) requires one entrance not less than 24 in (610 mm) wide and 6½ ft (2.0 m) high at each end of the working space for equipment rated 1200A or more and over 6 ft wide, so personnel can escape an arc-flash event.

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  9. Q9.NEC Article 100 defines a 'qualified person' as one who has skills and knowledge related to the construction and operation of the electrical equipment and installations and has, in addition, received which of the following?

    A.A completed four-year apprenticeship
    B.Safety training to recognize and avoid the hazards involved
    C.A master electrician license
    D.An OSHA 30-hour construction card
    BSafety training to recognize and avoid the hazards involved

    Explanation: Per Article 100, a qualified person has the skills and knowledge related to the construction and operation of the electrical equipment and installations AND has received safety training to recognize and avoid the hazards involved. Experience alone does not make someone 'qualified' under the NEC.

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  10. Q10.In the NEC, when equipment is described as 'identified' for a use, it means the equipment is:

    A.Labeled with the manufacturer's name and address
    B.Recognizable as suitable for the specific purpose, function, use, environment, or application
    C.Listed by one specific named testing laboratory
    D.Marked with a unique catalog or serial number
    BRecognizable as suitable for the specific purpose, function, use, environment, or application

    Explanation: Article 100 defines 'Identified (as applied to equipment)' as recognizable as suitable for the specific purpose, function, use, environment, or application where described in a particular Code requirement. It is related to, but broader than, 'listed' or 'labeled'.

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