Question 1

In the 2026 NEC, branch-circuit, feeder, and service load calculations are found in which article?

Accepted Answer

The 2026 NEC relocated all branch-circuit, feeder, and service load-calculation rules from Article 220 into a new standalone Article 120. The methods are largely the same, but the section numbers changed.

Question 2

Under the 2026 NEC, the general lighting and general-use receptacle load for a dwelling unit is calculated at how many volt-amperes per square foot for feeder and service calculations?

Accepted Answer

The 2026 NEC reduced the dwelling general lighting and general-use receptacle load from 3 VA/ft² to 2 VA/ft² for feeder and service calculations, reflecting widespread LED lighting adoption.

Question 3

Using the 2026 NEC, what is the general lighting load for a 2,000 sq ft dwelling before applying demand factors?

Accepted Answer

2,000 sq ft × 2 VA/ft² = 4,000 VA under the 2026 NEC. Under the old 3 VA/ft² rule it would have been 6,000 VA.

Question 4

Compared with the 2023 NEC, the 2026 dwelling general lighting load (3 VA → 2 VA per sq ft) represents approximately what change?

Accepted Answer

Dropping from 3 VA/ft² to 2 VA/ft² is a reduction of 1 of 3, or about 33%.

Question 5

Under the 2026 NEC, are continuous loads multiplied by 125% during the load-calculation step itself?

Accepted Answer

The 2026 NEC clarifies that continuous loads are not multiplied by 125% when totaling the calculated load. The 125% factor still applies separately when sizing conductors and overcurrent devices.

Question 6

Under the 2026 NEC, the 125% factor for continuous loads still applies to which of the following?

Accepted Answer

The 125% continuous-load multiplier still governs conductor and overcurrent-device sizing. What changed is that it is not also applied during the load-calculation total.

Question 7

What primarily justified reducing the dwelling general lighting load in the 2026 NEC?

Accepted Answer

A Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory study of 896 occupied U.S. homes found a median lighting and receptacle density of about 2.3 W/ft², supporting the reduction from the old incandescent-era 3 VA assumption.

Question 8

Under the 2026 NEC, what is the general lighting load for a 2,500 sq ft dwelling before demand factors?

Accepted Answer

2,500 sq ft × 2 VA/ft² = 5,000 VA under the 2026 NEC.

Question 9

Does Article 220 still contain the dwelling load-calculation rules in the 2026 NEC?

Accepted Answer

In the 2026 NEC, the load-calculation content that lived in Article 220 was moved into the new Article 120. If your state exam is on the 2026 code, your tabs and citations must reflect this.

Question 10

You are taking a journeyman exam in a state that has adopted the 2023 NEC. Which dwelling general lighting load value should you use?

Accepted Answer

Always study and answer for the NEC edition your state's exam uses. A 2023-edition exam still uses 3 VA/ft²; only switch to 2 VA/ft² if your exam is written against the 2026 NEC.

NEC 2026 Code Changes Practice Questions

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