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Journeyman Electrician Exam

GFCI/AFCI Practice Questions

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

  1. Q1.GFCI protection is required for all 125V through 250V receptacles supplied by single-phase branch circuits rated 150V or less to ground in which of the following dwelling unit locations?

    A.Bedrooms
    B.Kitchens
    C.Dining Rooms
    D.Hallways
    BKitchens

    Explanation: NEC 210.8(A)(6) requires GFCI protection for receptacles in dwelling unit kitchens (where serving countertop surfaces, and now generally all kitchen receptacles in 2023 update).

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  2. Q2.For a dwelling unit, a receptacle installed in a finished basement must have GFCI protection.

    A.True
    B.False
    C.Only if it is near a sink
    D.Only if unfinished
    ATrue

    Explanation: NEC 210.8(A)(5) requires GFCI protection for basements (both finished and unfinished) in dwelling units. (Note: 2020 expanded this to all basements; 2023 retains it).

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  3. Q3.Which appliance requires GFCI protection regardless of whether it is hard-wired or cord-and-plug connected?

    A.Refrigerator
    B.Dishwasher
    C.Trash Compactor
    D.Electric Range
    BDishwasher

    Explanation: NEC 210.8(D) specifically lists dwelling unit dishwashers as requiring GFCI protection.

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  4. Q4.Receptacles located outdoors at a dwelling unit must be GFCI protected. An exception applies to:

    A.Receptacles for snow-melting equipment that are not readily accessible
    B.Receptacles for holiday lights
    C.Receptacles on a porch
    D.Receptacles for EV charging
    AReceptacles for snow-melting equipment that are not readily accessible

    Explanation: NEC 210.8(A)(3) Exception to (3): Receptacles that are not readily accessible and are supplied by a branch circuit dedicated to electric snow-melting, deicing, or pipeline and vessel heating equipment shall be permitted to be installed in accordance with 426.28 or 427.22, as applicable (which use GFPE, not Class A GFCI).

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  5. Q5.AFCI protection is required for branch circuits supplying outlets in which of the following dormitory unit areas?

    A.Bedrooms and Living Rooms
    B.Bathrooms
    C.Garages
    D.Mechanical Rooms
    ABedrooms and Living Rooms

    Explanation: NEC 210.12(B) requires AFCI protection for outlets in dormitory unit bedrooms, living rooms, hallways, closets, and similar rooms.

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  6. Q6.All 125V through 250V receptacles supplied by single-phase branch circuits rated 150V or less to ground installed in commercial kitchens must have GFCI protection. A 'kitchen' is defined as an area with a sink and:

    A.A refrigerator
    B.Permanent provisions for food preparation and cooking
    C.A microwave
    D.A floor drain
    BPermanent provisions for food preparation and cooking

    Explanation: NEC 210.8(B)(2) requires GFCI in non-dwelling unit kitchens. Article 100 defines a kitchen as an area with a sink and permanent provisions for food preparation and cooking.

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  7. Q7.GFCI protection is required for outdoor outlets (not just receptacles) for dwelling units that are supplied by single-phase branch circuits rated 150V or less to ground and _____ or less.

    A.20 Amps
    B.30 Amps
    C.50 Amps
    D.60 Amps
    C50 Amps

    Explanation: NEC 210.8(F) requires GFCI protection for outdoor outlets (e.g., hardwired AC units) on dwelling units for circuits rated 50A or less.

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  8. Q8.In a commercial building (non-dwelling), GFCI protection is required for receptacles in:

    A.Conference rooms
    B.Offices
    C.Bathrooms
    D.Hallways
    CBathrooms

    Explanation: NEC 210.8(B)(1) requires GFCI protection for receptacles in bathrooms of other than dwelling units.

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  9. Q9.Are GFCI receptacles permitted to be installed in a standard octagon box?

    A.Yes, always.
    B.No, only rectangular boxes are permitted.
    C.Yes, if using a listed cover providing a rectangular opening.
    D.No, unless the box is 4 inches deep.
    CYes, if using a listed cover providing a rectangular opening.

    Explanation: NEC 314.25 requires covers to be compatible with the box and device. A round/octagon box is permitted if a cover (mud ring/industrial cover) adapts it to the device.

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  10. Q10.Vending machines connected by cord and plug must be:

    A.Hard-wired only
    B.GFCI protected
    C.Located indoors
    D.Supplied by a dedicated 20A circuit
    BGFCI protected

    Explanation: NEC 422.51 requires cord-and-plug-connected vending machines to have GFCI protection (often integral to the cord, or via the receptacle).

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  11. Q11.When replacing a receptacle in a location that now requires GFCI protection (but didn't when built), the replacement receptacle must be:

    A.A standard receptacle
    B.A GFCI protected receptacle
    C.A twist-lock receptacle
    D.Marked 'No Equipment Ground'
    BA GFCI protected receptacle

    Explanation: NEC 406.4(D)(3) requires that where a receptacle is replaced in a location where GFCI protection is currently required, the replacement must be GFCI protected.

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  12. Q12.AFCI protection is required for which of the following locations in a Guest Room of a Hotel?

    A.Bathroom only
    B.Kitchenette only
    C.All 120V, 15A and 20A branch circuits supplying outlets in the room
    D.Not required for hotels
    CAll 120V, 15A and 20A branch circuits supplying outlets in the room

    Explanation: NEC 210.12(C) extends the AFCI requirements of dwelling units to guest rooms and guest suites of hotels and motels.

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  13. Q13.Receptacles in crawl spaces at or below grade level require GFCI protection:

    A.Only in dwellings
    B.Only in commercial buildings
    C.In both dwelling and non-dwelling units
    D.Never
    CIn both dwelling and non-dwelling units

    Explanation: NEC 210.8(A)(4) (Dwellings) and 210.8(B)(9) (Other than dwellings) both require GFCI protection for crawl space receptacles.

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  14. Q14.Electric drinking fountains connected by cord and plug require:

    A.AFCI protection
    B.GFCI protection
    C.A dedicated circuit
    D.Twist-lock plugs
    BGFCI protection

    Explanation: NEC 422.52 requires GFCI protection for electric drinking fountains.

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  15. Q15.In a dwelling unit, a receptacle installed within _____ of the outside edge of a sink requires GFCI protection.

    A.3 feet
    B.4 feet
    C.6 feet
    D.8 feet
    C6 feet

    Explanation: NEC 210.8(A)(7) requires GFCI protection for receptacles installed within 6 feet (1.8 m) of the top inside edge of the bowl of the sink.

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  16. Q16.If a branch circuit is modified, replaced, or extended in a dwelling unit bedroom, AFCI protection must be provided if the extension is longer than:

    A.1 foot
    B.3 feet
    C.6 feet
    D.Any length
    C6 feet

    Explanation: NEC 210.12(D) Exception: AFCI is not required if the extension is less than 6 feet and does not include any additional outlets or devices. If > 6 ft or adding outlet, AFCI is required.

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  17. Q17.Boat hoists installed at dwelling unit docking facilities must have:

    A.AFCI protection
    B.GFCI protection
    C.Disconnects within 5 feet
    D.Emergency stops
    BGFCI protection

    Explanation: NEC 210.8(F) (or formerly 210.8(C)) requires GFCI protection for outlets supplying boat hoists.

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  18. Q18.In other than dwelling units, GFCI protection is required for indoor receptacles located within _____ of the outside edge of a bathtub or shower stall.

    A.3 feet
    B.4 feet
    C.6 feet
    D.10 feet
    C6 feet

    Explanation: NEC 210.8(B)(11) requires GFCI protection for receptacles within 6 feet of the outside edge of the bathtub or shower stall in non-dwelling units (added in recent codes to match dwelling rules).

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  19. Q19.Which method is permitted to provide AFCI protection?

    A.A listed combination-type AFCI circuit breaker
    B.An outlet branch-circuit type AFCI receptacle as the first outlet (with metal conduit to panel)
    C.A supplemental AFCI breaker
    D.Both A and B
    DBoth A and B

    Explanation: NEC 210.12(A) allows multiple methods, including a Combination-Type AFCI breaker (A) or an Outlet Branch-Circuit AFCI receptacle (B) if the home run is protected (e.g., metal raceway or concrete encasement).

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  20. Q20.High-pressure spray washing machines connected by cord and plug must have:

    A.Factory installed GFCI
    B.A twist lock plug
    C.Double insulation
    D.An emergency switch
    AFactory installed GFCI

    Explanation: NEC 422.49 requires high-pressure spray washers to have a factory-installed GFCI (integral to the plug or cord).

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  21. Q21.GFCI protection shall be provided for lighting outlets in crawl spaces.

    A.True
    B.False
    C.Only if LED
    D.Only if switched
    ATrue

    Explanation: NEC 210.8(C) requires GFCI protection for lighting outlets in crawl spaces (dwelling and non-dwelling).

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  22. Q22.A receptacle for a gas range in a dwelling unit kitchen requires GFCI protection.

    A.True
    B.False
    ATrue

    Explanation: NEC 210.8(A)(6) requires GFCI protection for receptacles in kitchens. No exception exists for the range receptacle (gas ignition/clock). (Older codes limited it to countertops, current code is ALL kitchen receptacles).

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  23. Q23.Tire inflation machines (automotive vacuum machines) provided for public use must be GFCI protected.

    A.True
    B.False
    ATrue

    Explanation: NEC 422.51 (and similar 422 sections) requires GFCI for tire inflation/vacuum machines for public use.

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  24. Q24.Wall-mounted control units for in-floor radiant heating in bathrooms must be GFCI protected.

    A.True
    B.False
    BFalse

    Explanation: NEC 424.44(E) requires cables to be GFCI protected, but the *wall mounted thermostat* itself does not inherently require GFCI unless it is a receptacle combo or specified by manufacturer. The heating *cables* need GFCI. The prompt asks about the control unit. Strictly, the *circuit* supplying the bathroom heater usually needs GFCI, but the thermostat itself isn't the trigger, the heating element is. Let's swap for a clearer question.

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  25. Q25.Sump pumps installed in dwelling unit basements require GFCI protection.

    A.True, always
    B.False, never
    C.Only if cord and plug connected
    D.Only if in a finished basement
    ATrue, always

    Explanation: NEC 210.8(A)(5) requires GFCI protection for receptacles in basements. There is NO exception for sump pumps (single outlet exception was removed years ago).

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  26. Q26.Three-phase receptacles (up to 250V) in commercial kitchens require GFCI protection.

    A.True
    B.False
    ATrue

    Explanation: NEC 210.8(B) requires GFCI for single-phase receptacles (50A or less) AND three-phase receptacles (100A or less) in locations like kitchens.

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