NASCLA Journeyman Electrician Exam Questions

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101.

Many power tools are designed to accommodate guards. When are tools required to be equipped with these guards?

  • When in use

  • When needed 

  • When injury might occur without them

  • When OSHA is on sight

Correct answer: When in use

This is a general OSHA requirement for both hand and power tools. 

The term guarding is also used for the barrier within electrical equipment to protect a person from incidental contact. There are many terms that may be synonymous, but are used by an entirely different definition throughout the various codes. Know what is being spoken about or addressed in each question and real-life situation.

The other options are simply incorrect. Guards must be in place.

102.

If subject to physical damage, which of the following are conductors, raceways, and cables required to be?

  • Protected

  • Secured

  • Safeguarded

  • Shielded

Correct answer: Protected

Whatever means are used in electrical installations, they must protect the electricity from causing a hazard. We often think of this as protecting people, materials, objects, etc. from electricity. Here we see the perspective that is embedded throughout the Code. Even knob-and-tube wiring was in the walls.

Protection from physical damage is the core concept here. This is a general requirement for all wiring methods and materials.

The other options are synonyms but do satisfy a Code question.

103.

The purpose of the Code is the practical safeguarding of persons and property from which of the following?

  • Hazards arising from the use of electricity

  • Improper design specifications in the use of electricity

  • Untrained persons in the use of electricity

  • Technical issues that arise with the use of electricity

Correct answer: Hazards arising from the use of electricity

The NEC Code Committee is responsible for documents minimizing the risk of electricity as a source of electric shock and as a potential ignition source of fires and explosions. It is also responsible for text to minimize the propagation of fire and explosions due to electrical installations. The Code is not intended as a design specification or instruction manual for untrained persons.

104.

What is a fully enclosed, partially enclosed, or unenclosed area where dangerous amounts of combustible residue are present due to the operation of a spray process indicative of?

  • Spray area

  • Membrane enclosure

  • Spray booth

  • Non-hazardous locations

Correct answer: Spray area      

There are several components of a spray area. The question includes key components of spray areas, distinguishing them from other similar and potentially hazardous locations defined in the NEC.

A spray booth, spray room, and other similar areas are defined directly and differentiated by NEC definitions.

There are distinct mentions in each question that indicate the full NEC definition. Exam test questions require these to be recognized to answer them correctly.

All other options are related to hazardous locations. Questions omit key elements of wrong answers. Definitions of wrong options may be very close, so if you are not familiar with differences in similar definitions, review them in the NEC definitions or associated articles.

105.

Exposed energized conductors, circuit parts and other electrical hazards within enclosures are required to be maintained for what purpose?

  • To guard against unintentional contact

  • For identification of circuits

  • For general maintenance

  • To identify components

Correct answer: To guard against unintentional contact

Guarding of energized conductors and circuit parts is the focus point to recognize here. This is a general maintenance requirement of NFPA 70E.

These guards are most often provided by manufacturers. Even if installed afterward, they are to be maintained.

The other options are all general maintenance requirements, but are separately addressed issues.

106.

The submitted RFI has been approved. What must you receive before you can begin work?

  • Change orders

  • Revision

  • As-builts

  • Addenda

Correct answer: Change orders

Just because the RFI was approved, it does not mean that a change order has been issued. This means they want to do what you requested, not that they will pay for it. RFIs go back and forth, often with the needed information approved. Without this change order in hand, any material and labor costs could be incurred by your company.

Change orders often require several signatures before one is actually issued. These change orders may result or come back as revisions.

107.

Rigid metal conduit with listed threadless fittings is permitted in which location?      

  • Class I, Division 2

  • Class II, Division I

  • Class III

  • Class II, Division 2

 Correct answer: Class I, Division 2

Rigid is used in most hazardous classes. It is the addition of listed threadless fittings here that provides additional safety in Class I, Division 2.

Here is a good example of one difference between some of the classes and divisions.

108.

Which electrons are responsible for the flow of electrical current?

  • Valence electrons

  • Inner shell electrons

  • Electrons in the first orbit

  • Second orbit electrons

Correct answer: Valence electrons

So called due to their position in the outer ring, orbit, or shell of an atom, known as the valence shell. Electrons are in orbit, yet move in a spherical fashion; thus, shell is the useful term.

It is these valence electrons moving one at a time, from one atom's valence shell to the next, that result in electrical current.

Thus, electricians deal with the actions of valence electrons that surround atoms in conductive materials: primarily gold, silver, copper, and aluminum.

109.

The performance of a function without the necessity of human intervention is referred to as what?

  • Automatic

  • Interrupting rating

  • Class 1 circuit

  • Control circuit

Correct answer: Automatic

The term automatic is most often associated with devices and/or switches. It is the primary characteristic of the devices' function. All devices are wired by circuits. The other options are names or characteristics defined in the NEC associated with the circuits which may be wired to an automatic device, switch, or equipment.

For electrical licensing exams, first understand NEC definitions found in Article 100. Electricians must then apply the definitions to the specific conditions and applications of the electrical installations and functions at hand. While definitions do not change, conditions, applications, installations, and functions are variables that change quite often. Electricians must determine these variables to properly apply definitions. At times there are more variables than mentioned here. See Section 2 (xxx.2) of other articles for possible additional definitions.

110.

What is a main function of the grounding conductor?

  • To provide a low-resistance path to ground

  • To fulfill NEC requirements

  • To provide a path for transient voltage

  •  To complete an AC circuit

Correct answer: To provide a low-resistance path to ground

The grounding conductor is used to help prevent a shock hazard in the event the hot or neutral comes in contact with the enclosures, raceways, or equipment. It is the safety valve of an electrical system. Without this, anyone touching any part of the enclosures, raceways, or equipment would complete the circuit to ground. The resulting shock could be fatal. Bond, bond, bond. Never cut off or bypass the grounding prong of a plug.

The other options may be true, but do not satisfy the question.

111.

The point of entrance is the point within a building at which the wire or cable emerges from an external wall or which of the following?

  • A concrete floor slab

  • Floor

  • Ceiling

  • Raceway

Correct answer: A concrete floor slab

This is the NEC definition for point of entrance. Definitions show which perspective rules are coming from and/or being directed at in various conditions.

112.

How is a voltmeter designed to test for the presence of electricity?

  • To be connected directly across the source of power

  • To test phase to phase

  • To be connected directly phase to ground

  • To be connected directly phase to neutral

Correct answer: To be connected directly across the source of power

A voltmeter leads are connected directly across the source of voltage. On an outlet, this means one lead directly to the hot and the other to the neutral or ground. 

All other options are good test practices in a panel, but not the correct answer.

113.

Motor-circuit switches are allowed to be what type of switch?

  • Knife-switch

  • Isolating-switch

  • Transfer-switch

  • General-use switch

Correct answer: Knife-switch

There are four items to identify in this question. 

  • Equipment for general use
  • Switches
  • General-use snap switches, dimmers, and control switches
  • Knife-switches

This is the order in the Code. But any items identified can then be ordered to find the answer.

Motor-circuit switches are rated in horsepower, capable of interrupting the maximum operating overload current of a motor of the same horsepower rating as the switch at the rated voltage.

114.

What is a flammable liquid that has a flash point below 100°F?

  • A volatile flammable liquid

  • A volatile combustible

  • A Class II liquid

  • An ignitable liquid

Correct answer: A volatile flammable liquid

A volatile flammable liquid can be any of the following:

  • A flammable liquid that has a flash point below 100°F
  • A flammable liquid whose temperature is above its flashpoint
  • A Class II combustible liquid that has a vapor pressure not exceeding 276 kPa (40 psia) at 38°C and whose temperature is above its flashpoint

As with many items regarding hazardous materials or locations, only ONE PART or requirement of the definition needs to be present for the definition to apply.

The other options are related, but incorrect.

115.

What is the minimum length of conductors required from the point in the box where the cable emerges from its raceway or cable sheath?

  • 150 mm (6 in)

  • 100 mm (4 in)

  • 75 mm (3 in)

  • 200 mm (8 in)

Correct answer: 150 mm (6 in)

The length of free conductors is how the Code addresses this. It is a general requirement for wiring methods. 

This is a minimum requirement. For EMT raceways, it is from the edge of the fitting or bushing inside the box. For NM, it is from the edge of the sheath which was pulled back and cut off. This 6" should always be a common practice. Often, this leaves 4-5" outside the box to work with. 

This is the first consideration of 300.14. There is a second consideration listed. The consideration applied often depends on the field conditions. There should be a common first practice the AHJ has approved.

Maximum cable is governed by box fill calculations and must be distributed to each cable in the box or enclosure. Putting the nose of sidecutting pliers at the point the cable emerges, pulling the cable down the length of the pliers to 8", then cutting at that point, often satisfies the maximum cable allowed for box fill calculations, but results do vary.

8" is a common realistic goal for wire lengths.

116.

Where required by applicable state, federal, or local codes and standards, when using power tools or cords, what are employers required to provide employees with?

  • GFCI protection

  • Safety training

  • PPE

  • Adequate ventilation

Correct answer: GFCI protection

GFCI protection is essential to establishing an electrically safe work condition. There are virtually no circumstances where this is no longer a requirement.

The other options are also employer requirements, but do not satisfy the question.

117.

Where can you find established and formal interpretation procedures which promote uniformity of interpretation and application of the Code?

  • NFPA Regulations Governing Committee Projects

  • With the Authority Having Jursistiction

  • At the Office of the local Fire Marshall

  • Code-Making Panel No. 1 Authority

Answer: NFPA Regulations Governing Committee Projects

Two general forms of formal interpretations are recognized.  

  • Those that are interpretations of the literal text
  • Those that are interpretations of the intent of the committee at the time the particular text was issued

The procedures for formal interpretation of the Code are in Section 6 of the NFPA Regulations Governing the Development of NFPA Standards.

118.

Your foreman tells you to redline what you and your apprentice did the last few days. What is he asking you to do?

  • As-builts

  • Revisions

  • Change orders

  • Addenda

Correct answer: As-builts

As-builts are the field corrections to the plans/drawings showing the actual work done according to the change orders for which a revision was not issued. Foreman most often draw these as-builts. They are often done in red ink.

However, many foremen allow competent journeymen to redline their own work. As a journeyman, you know exactly what measurements you went by and where you mounted what.

119.

Unless permitted elsewhere in the Code, what is the minimum conductor size for a copper conductor, for voltage ratings up to and including 2000 volts?

  • 14 AWG

  • 16 AWG

  • 18 AWG

  • 20 AWG

Correct answer: 14 AWG

The focus of this question is on the minimum size of conductors, which is about, or falls under, conductors for general wiring. 

Either of these may be considered first. Learning to recognize key points in a question or scenario is the first step to finding them in the Code. After identifying the key points, begin to order these issues or items, finding where or how and in what order the Code addresses them. This should bring you to the answer in the Code. 

There are similar issues addressed in several places, therefore questions often require research to find the Code's direct address of the issue at hand.

This is an excellent example of a Code question and illustrates why electricians do not memorize the Code. It is the Code that specifically allows other common uses. Electricians need to learn how to use the Code to find answers.

The other options may seem logical, but they are incorrect.

120.

If more than one ampacity applies for a given circuit length, which value is required to be used?

  • The lowest

  • The highest

  • The calculated load

  • The average calculated load

Correct answer: The lowest

Selection of ampacity is in focus here. This is a rule of conductors for general wiring for ampacities rated 0-2000 volts.

There is an exception if different ampacities apply to the circuit. If the lower ampacity portion of a circuit doesn't exceed 10 ft or 10% of the circuit, the higher ampacity may be used.

The other options are legitimate value phrasings, but are not correct.