TheoryFree Home Inspector Practice Test
Take a free Home Inspector practice test for 2026 with questions, answers, explanations, PDF download and timed mock exam links.
Home Inspector Questions
Open each answer, read the explanation, then continue into the full practice flow.
Q1What is the minimum clearance required between the service drop conductors and the roof surface over which they pass (where the roof pitch is less than 4 in 12)?
Show answer
✓ Correct answer: 8 feet
NEC 230.24 requires at least 8 feet of clearance above a roof surface for service conductors where the pitch is less than 4/12. Steeper pitches allow a reduced 3-foot clearance.
Q2The weatherhead (service entrance head) for overhead service conductors must be located at or above which point relative to the service equipment?
Show answer
✓ Correct answer: Above the service-entrance cable connection to the service drop
The weatherhead must be positioned at the top of the service entrance so that the drip loop directs water away and the conductors enter from above, preventing water infiltration.
Q3A residential service entrance conductor must maintain a minimum clearance above a public sidewalk or walkway of:
Show answer
✓ Correct answer: 10 feet
NEC 230.24(B) requires service conductors to maintain at least 10 feet of clearance above walkways accessible only to pedestrians, ensuring pedestrian safety beneath the wires.
Q4When inspecting a service entrance, a home inspector finds that the service entrance cable is stapled directly to the wood framing inside the wall cavity without protection. This is a concern because:
Show answer
✓ Correct answer: Physical damage to the cable could cause a fire or shock hazard
Service entrance cable in accessible locations must be protected from physical damage. Unprotected cable is subject to nail punctures and abrasion, which can compromise the insulation and create hazards.
Q5A 200-amp residential service requires copper service entrance conductors of at least which AWG size?
Show answer
✓ Correct answer: 2/0 AWG
NEC Table 310.12 permits 2/0 AWG copper conductors for a 200-amp residential service. Aluminum would require 4/0 AWG for the same rating, reflecting aluminum's lower conductivity.
Q6What is the primary purpose of a grounding electrode system at a residence?
Show answer
✓ Correct answer: To limit voltage imposed on the system from lightning and utility line surges
The grounding electrode system connects the electrical system to earth to stabilize system voltage and provide a path to dissipate lightning and utility surge energy, protecting equipment and occupants.
Q7Which of the following is a recognized grounding electrode under the NEC?
Show answer
✓ Correct answer: A concrete-encased electrode (Ufer ground)
A concrete-encased electrode (Ufer ground) — 20 feet or more of rebar in a concrete foundation — is a recognized NEC grounding electrode. Aluminum rods are not permitted, and plastic pipe is not conductive.
Q8Bonding of metal gas piping to the electrical system is required because:
Show answer
✓ Correct answer: It prevents dangerous voltage differences that could ignite gas
Metal gas piping that is not bonded to the electrical system can accumulate a voltage potential. Bonding equalizes potential and prevents arcing near gas piping, which could ignite leaking gas.
Q9A ground rod used as a grounding electrode must be driven to a minimum depth of:
Show answer
✓ Correct answer: 8 feet
NEC 250.52(A)(5) requires driven ground rods to be installed to a minimum depth of 8 feet to ensure adequate soil contact and effective grounding.
Q10At a service panel, the neutral bar and the equipment grounding bar must be bonded together. In a subpanel fed from the main panel, this bonding strap should be:
Show answer
✓ Correct answer: Removed so that neutrals and grounds remain separate
In a subpanel (remote distribution panel), the neutral must be kept isolated from the equipment grounding conductors. The main panel is the only place where the neutral-to-ground bond is made, preventing parallel neutral current paths through the grounding system.
Full Home Inspector bank + unlimited mocks
Try 30 questions free. Unlock the complete Home Inspector question bank, every explanation, and unlimited timed mock exams. Practice on any device.
Unlock Home Inspector →