NASCLA Journeyman Electrician Exam Questions

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141.

How is electrical equipment required to be installed? 

  • In a neat and workmanlike manner

  • Free from defects

  • By methods approved by the authority having jurisdiction

  • Properly supported and secured

Correct answer: In a neat and workmanlike manner

This is about the mechanical execution of work. The other options are phrases commonly used in conjunction with in a neat and workmanlike manner, but are only a part of it. 

The following are examples of installations not considered neat and workmanlike:

  • Raceways or cables that sag between supports or fasteners
  • Installations that are not properly supported
  • Cabinets, enclosures, or cutout boxes that are not plumb and level
  • Cables that are incorrectly sized, kinked, or flattened
  • Wires that are nicked, ringed or otherwise compromised

Acceptable industry practices are found in ANSI/NECA 1–2015, Standards for Good Workmanship in Electrical Construction, and other ANSI-approved installation standards.

In Code questions on electrical exams, you will see indications about where the answers are in the Codebook. Recognize what the question is addressing, such as:

  • A general or a particular method of installation?
  • What type of material or materials?
  • Are conditions involved or referenced?
  • Would the answer involve information found in a table? A calculation?

Answering these questions about the Code question will help you locate the information needed within or through the Code for the correct answer. You may need to follow a reference string of two (or more) articles, sections, tables, permissions, exceptions, etc. to find the correct answer.

142.

As a semiconductor is heated, what happens to its resistance?

  • It decreases

  • It increases

  • It remains constant

  • It changes with light

Correct answer: It decreases

Materials that are neither good nor bad conductors are classified as semiconductors. These contain 4 valence electrons.

The resistance of conductors increases with temperature. Thus, the characteristics of these materials have many but very different applications in electrical designs. More and more, these two materials are found integrated throughout electrical designs.

143.

Type TC-ER cable is required to include an equipment grounding conductor with a drain wire that may be present in what location?

  • Class I, Division 2

  • Class I, Division I

  • Class III

  • Class II, Division 2

Correct answer: Class I, Division 2

Additional grounding and drain of transient voltages are typical safety measures for this hazardous environment. Additionally, all cable types are terminated with listed fittings.

144.

What are the minimum clearance requirements, vertically and horizontally, for all service conductor drops for doors, porches, windows designed to be opened, and platforms or surfaces that may allow personal contact?

  • 900 mm (3 ft) vertically and 900 mm (3 ft) horizontally

  • 1.8 M (6 ft) vertically and 900 mm (3 ft) horizontally

  • 900 mm (3 ft) vertically and 1.8 M (6 ft) horizontally

  • 1.8 M (6 ft) vertically and 1.8 M (6 ft) horizontally

Correct answer: 900 mm (3 ft) vertically and 900 mm (3 ft) horizontally

This applies directly to services. Other considerations for the answer are clearances and the address of clearances in the referenced section. These are the minimum distance requirements. Clearances are addressed in several other sections of the Code, and those sections are based on this answer. Other restrictions in Article 230 and elsewhere are often applied. 

The other options are other common considerations for services and feeders addressed elsewhere.

145.

Unless otherwise permitted elsewhere in the Code, circuit breakers are required to open all ungrounded conductors of the circuit both automatically and?

  • Manually

  • Simultaneously

  • Safely

  • Instantaneously

Correct answer: Manually

Recognize circuit breakers as overcurrent devices. Then see that overcurrent devices are required. Lastly, ungrounded conductors cover the first two issues. Most of us know this is how circuit breakers operate. But what does the Code say about it? This is a simple address in the Code, but learning to find it allows you to learn to find any issue.

The other terms are all related but do not satisfy the question or the Code on this matter.

146.

dc current flows in one direction. What is this known as?

  • Unidirectional

  • Bidirectional

  • Repulsion

  • Attraction

Correct answer: Unidirectional

This is a basic characteristic of dc current required for the understanding, building, and troubleshooting of electrical systems. It is best to understand dc first, then study ac.

  • dc is unidirectional.
  • dc only flows in one direction.

In a dc circuit, electrons are repelled from the negative terminal and attracted to the positive terminal.

The other options are associated terms or characteristics of electrons. 

147.

For dwelling units, in addition to other branch circuit requirements, what is the minimum number of 20-amp laundry receptacles that have no other outlets on them?

  • One

  • Three

  • Four

  • Two

Correct answer: One

Dwelling unit and laundry are your first considerations. One is the minimum number of laundry circuits allowed by the Code. These are dedicated circuits.

This is a basic requirement for all homes. Other requirements from 210.52(F) may and often do apply, which would increase the number of outlets.

148.

Articles 500-504 cover the requirements for electrical and electronic equipment and wiring for all voltages in Class I, Division 1 and 2; Class II, Division 1 and 2; and Class III, Division 1 and 2 locations where fire or explosion hazards may exist due to which of the following conditions?

  • Flammable gases, flammable liquid-produced vapors, combustible liquid-produced vapors, combustible dust, or insignitable fibers/flyings

  • Flammable liquid-produced vapors and flammable gases

  • Combustible liquid-produced vapors, and ignitable or combustible dusts

  • Classified areas where ignition sources from static electricity, including lighting, may exist

Correct answer: Flammable gases, flammable liquid-produced vapors, combustible liquid-produced vapors, combustible dust, or insignitable fibers/flyings

Articles 500-516 cover requirements for electrical installations in locations classified as hazardous due to materials handled, processed, or stored in those locations. Hazardous (classified) locations are not any more dangerous to work in when understood and treated properly. The terms hazardous locations and classified locations are used interchangeably. In many facilities, these locations are often unmarked and do pose hazards if this section is not understood and properly applied.

149.

What is electrical equipment considered if it is capable of being reached quickly for operation, renewal, or inspections without requiring those to whom ready access is requisite to take actions such as to use tools (other than keys), climb over or under, remove obstacles, or resort to portable ladders, and so forth?

  • Readily accessible

  • Accessible

  • Exposed

  • Exterally operable 

Correct answer: Readily accessible

Readily accessible is generally applied to door access to equipment. The use of keys is a common practice to ensure ready access. This is provided for under certain conditions elsewhere in the NEC. 

Accessible, exposed, and externally operable are similar definitions found in Article 100. The definitions do not change, but the conditions of an installation may bring that installation under a different term or definition.

For electrical 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.

150.

The project you are on requires the construction of an electrical vault. This will contain gear operating at over 1000 volts. The walls and roof are of adequate structural strength. You will be penetrating the walls when installing gear.

What is the required fire rating of the walls and roof? 

  • 3 hours

  • 1 hour

  • 2 hours

  • 4 hours

Correct answer: 3 hours

For over 1,000 volts, electrical vault, walls, and roof, a fire rating of 3 hours is a general requirement. These are all indicators of where you will find the specific answer to this question in the Code.

While electricians do not construct these walls and roofs, we do ensure fire protection around any and all electrical penetrations through the structure. These ratings vary by local fire code and project needs. What electricians must ensure is the fill and caulking we perform around our penetrations matches the requirements of the specific project, which should be the minimums listed in the NEC. You must be familiar with them.

151.

What is earthing?

  • The grounding of a system or metal objects

  • A grounding electrode system

  • A grounding electrode

  • A grounding rod

Correct answer: The grounding of a system or metal objects

The grounding of systems or metal objects must be connected to the earth. When an electrical system is dependably connected to a grounding rod or electrode system, this must be done without adding any intentional impedance. 

The current implementation of overcurrent devices depends on the reliability of the grounding system. Only the clean grounding and bonding of electrical systems allows these devices to work properly.

Any intentional impedance is most often overlooked, unintended impedance.

The other options are part of the grounding system, but do not satisfy the question.

152.

The difference between which two related electrical basics need to be thoroughly understood to gain understanding of the grounding or safety circuit?

  • Pure resistance and impedance

  • Resistance and capacitive reactance

  • Capacitive reactance and impedance

  • Overcurrent protection and arc faults

Correct answer: Pure resistance and impedance

This matters less in a dc circuit.

In an ac circuit, the total impedance is comprised of three things: inductive reactance, capacitive reactance, and the resistance added together vectorially. This can effectively minimize the resistance of the grounds (neutrals) and bonds. They serve as silent servants waiting to carry enough current to allow the overcurrent protective devices to effectively clear faults.

Soares is one of the few places where the grounding and bonding is equated with a safety circuit.

The other options are all related, but incorrect. These, too, need to be thoroughly understood.

153.

Type BLR riser cable is required to be listed for use in vertical runs in a shaft or from floor to floor, and listed as having what fire-resistant characteristics?

  • Capable of preventing the carrying of fire from floor to floor

  • Resistant to the spread of fire 

  • Adequate fire-resistant characteristics

  • Low toxicity

Correct answer: Capable of preventing the carrying of fire from floor to floor

Identify riser cables and limited use cables. These are general requirements for communications systems.

There are various fire rated capabilities and characteristics that sound similar. Verify the exact one for your situation.

154.

What are cabinets required to have approved space to accommodate without crowding?

  • All conductors installed in them

  • Free air

  • Heat dissipation

  • A ground bar

Correct answer: All conductors installed in them

This question is about space in enclosures. Cabinet is obvious. This is about a wiring method. With these three things, you can begin to search for the answer in the Codes outlines.

 All other options are true, but are not the correct answer.

155.

What does a fraction represent?

  • A part of a whole

  • A numerator

  • A denominator

  • A reduction

Correct answer: A part of a whole

A fraction represents a part of a whole. For example, 1/8 is 1 part of the 8 possible parts of something.

The numerator is the top number of a fraction. It is how many parts you have. The denominator is the bottom part of a fraction. It is how many equal parts of the whole there are.

156.

Lockout/tagout is about the control of hazardous energy in machines and equipment. When does this apply?

  • During servicing and/or maintenance

  • When electrical hazards exist

  • When release of stored energy is possible

  • When unexpected energization is possible

Correct answer: During servicing and/or maintenance

OSHA is outlined like other codes. In this question, note that the focus is control of hazardous energy, and the application of that control. 

OSHA 1910.147 is about all forms of stored energy, not just electrical. With many types of equipment and machinery, all forms of energy must be controlled by LOTO. This may come from: 

  • air pressure
  • hydraulic pressure
  • springs
  • any other energy source which may be present in the machine or equipment being worked on

Make sure you know what forms of energy could be present and LOTO them.

All other options are things we protect against with LOTO, but are not the focus of the question. 

157.

Service-entrance conductors are allowed to be tapped in certain situations. When these conditions are met, power distribution blocks are used at times.

What does the Code require for their use?

  • Listed and marked "suitable for use on the line side of the service equipment" or the equivalent 

  • Listed and marked "approved by a recognized and qualified electrical testing laboratory" or the equivalent

  • Listed and marked with an effective approval date

  • Listed and marked "approved for all service applications" or the equivalent

Correct answer: Listed and marked "suitable for use on the line side of the service equipment" or the equivalent 

Service is the core issue here. Secondly, splices and taps are key. This situation generally applies to commercial and industrial installations. In these, main distribution panels are often used. In these panels, service-entrance conductors are often distributed within the gear, tapped in blocks (at times banks of them), so marked, to line side service conductors.

The other options are approval statements (or falsehoods of them) within the Code that do not apply. 

158.

All electrical power sources produce a positive terminal and negative terminal. Which way do the electrons flow when a circuit is completed between these two terminals?

  • From negative to positive 

  • From shell to shell

  • From valence ring to valence ring

  • From the orbit of one atom to the orbit of the next atom

Correct answer: From negative to positive

By various methods, excess electrons are produced in one terminal and a deficiency of electrons in the other terminal. When a circuit is completed between these terminals, the negative electrons are repelled away from the negative terminal and attracted to the positive terminal.

The other options are descriptive, but inaccurate.

159.

Why are flex cords not to be grouped together by circuit, wiring method, or the number of conductors in such a way that this is exceeded?

  • The limiting temperature or the conductors

  • The maximum voltage ratings

  • The maximum amperage ratings

  • The maximum operating temperature

Correct answer: The limiting temperature or the conductors

Ultimate insulation temp is the issue to identify in this question. Also, flex cords are equipment for general use.

All cords and cables are constructed to sustain certain temperatures. Flex cables and cords limiting temps must be taken seriously as they may be moved while under load. This can create an even more hazardous condition if limiting temps (working condition temps) are not adhered to.

The other options are all considerations, but not the correct answer here.

160.

What is required to communicate the value of any measurement with accuracy in any meaningful way?

  • A standard

  • An electrical licence

  • Ohm's law

  • A PIE chart

Correct answer: A standard

Without a standard to compare the measurement to, there is no way to determine accuracy or understand what the information is telling you. All measurements reveal something about what is going on in the circuit. All measurements are relational to several other characteristics and actions of electricity. Many meters today display measurements both numerically and graphically.

Remember the basics and do not forget the role grounding plays in today’s circuitry.

The other options are parts or represent standards, but do not satisfy the answer.