TheoryFree Journeyman Electrician 26 Practice Test
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Journeyman Electrician 26 Questions
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Q1According to the NEC, what is the definition of a branch circuit?
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✓ Correct answer: The circuit conductors between the final overcurrent device and the outlets
A branch circuit is defined as the circuit conductors between the final overcurrent device protecting the circuit and the outlet(s). Everything upstream of that last OCPD is considered a feeder or service.
Q2Which of the following is a standard branch circuit rating recognized by the NEC?
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✓ Correct answer: 30 amperes
The NEC recognizes standard branch circuit ratings of 15, 20, 30, 40, and 50 amperes. 25, 35, and 45 amperes are not standard branch circuit ratings.
Q3What is the maximum rating for a residential general-purpose branch circuit supplying receptacle outlets?
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✓ Correct answer: 20 amperes
Residential general-purpose branch circuits for receptacle outlets are limited to a maximum of 20 amperes. Higher ratings are reserved for specific appliance and large-load circuits.
Q4How many small-appliance branch circuits are required by the NEC for kitchen receptacle outlets in a dwelling unit?
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✓ Correct answer: At least two 20-ampere circuits
NEC 210.11(C)(1) requires at least two 20-ampere small-appliance branch circuits for receptacles in kitchens, pantries, breakfast rooms, dining rooms, and similar areas of dwelling units.
Q5The NEC requires at least one 20-ampere branch circuit for laundry receptacles in a dwelling unit. This circuit shall supply:
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✓ Correct answer: No other outlets besides laundry area receptacles
NEC 210.11(C)(2) requires at least one 20-ampere branch circuit for the laundry area. This circuit shall have no other outlets — it is dedicated to laundry receptacles only.
Q6What is the minimum conductor size (copper) required for a 20-ampere branch circuit?
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✓ Correct answer: 12 AWG
A 20-ampere branch circuit requires a minimum of 12 AWG copper conductors. 14 AWG is rated for only 15 amperes, which would be undersized for a 20-ampere circuit.
Q7Which minimum copper conductor size is required for a 15-ampere branch circuit?
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✓ Correct answer: 14 AWG
14 AWG copper conductors are the minimum size for 15-ampere branch circuits. Smaller gauges such as 16 AWG are not permitted for general wiring branch circuits.
Q8A multiwire branch circuit must have a means to disconnect all ungrounded conductors simultaneously at the panelboard. This requirement is satisfied by:
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✓ Correct answer: A two-pole breaker or a handle tie on adjacent single-pole breakers
NEC 210.4(B) requires that multiwire branch circuits have a means to simultaneously disconnect all ungrounded conductors. This can be accomplished with a 2-pole breaker or single-pole breakers equipped with an identified handle tie.
Q9In a multiwire branch circuit, the ungrounded conductors must be connected to:
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✓ Correct answer: Different phases or legs in the panelboard
The ungrounded conductors of a multiwire branch circuit must be connected to different phases (legs) so the neutral carries only the unbalanced current, which prevents overloading the neutral conductor.
Q10What is the general lighting load per square foot used for dwelling units in NEC load calculations?
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✓ Correct answer: 3 VA per square foot
NEC Table 220.12 specifies a general lighting load of 3 VA per square foot for dwelling units. This value is used as the basis for calculating required branch circuits and service sizing.
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