Free Journeyman Electrician Practice Test (2026)

Which color or marking may NOT be used to identify an insulated equipment grounding conductor?

1. AGreen insulation
2. BGray insulation
3. CGreen with one or more yellow stripes
4. DBare (no insulation)

Before touching conductors that have been switched off and locked out, what is the correct way to confirm they are de-energized?

1. ARead the panel directory and confirm the breaker label
2. BUse only a non-contact voltage pen on the insulation
3. CAsk the building owner to confirm the circuit is off
4. DTest with an adequately rated meter, checking that the meter works on a known live source before and after the test

A balanced 3-phase load operates at 480 volts, drawing 50 A per phase at a power factor of 0.85. What is the true power?

1. A20.4 kW
2. B24.0 kW
3. C41.6 kW
4. D35.3 kW

If the length of a copper conductor is doubled while its size stays the same, its resistance will:

1. AStay the same
2. BDouble
3. CBe cut in half
4. DIncrease four times

Under a typical lockout/tagout program, who is normally allowed to remove a personal lock from an energy-isolating device?

1. AThe first person to finish their task
2. BAny electrician on the crew
3. CThe worker who applied the lock
4. DThe building maintenance supervisor, at any time

A single-phase 240-volt load draws 40 A over a one-way distance of 150 ft using 8 AWG copper (16,510 circular mils). Using K = 12.9, what is the approximate voltage drop as a percentage of 240 V?

1. A3.9%
2. B1.9%
3. C5.6%
4. D7.8%

In a purely capacitive AC circuit, how is the current related to the voltage?

1. ACurrent is in phase with voltage
2. BCurrent lags voltage by 90°
3. CCurrent leads voltage by 180°
4. DCurrent leads voltage by 90°

A 10 AWG copper THHN conductor has a 90°C ampacity of 40 A. For a general-purpose branch circuit, what is the largest overcurrent device that may protect it?

1. A35 A
2. B40 A
3. C25 A
4. D30 A

A dwelling has one household range rated 14 kW. Using Column C of the range demand table and its note for ranges over 12 kW, what is the demand load?

1. A8.8 kW
2. B8.0 kW
3. C11.2 kW
4. D14.0 kW

A metal box has a volume of 21.0 cu in. It will contain only 14 AWG insulated conductors, with no devices, clamps, fittings or grounding conductors. What is the maximum number of conductors allowed? (14 AWG = 2.00 cu in. per conductor)

1. A9
2. B10
3. C11
4. D12

A conduit will contain exactly two conductors. What is the maximum percentage of the conduit's cross-sectional area those conductors may fill?

1. A53%
2. B31%
3. C40%
4. D60%

A commercial lighting branch circuit supplies a continuous load of 24 A and no noncontinuous load. What is the minimum standard overcurrent device rating?

1. A30 A
2. B25 A
3. C35 A
4. D40 A

A 45-kVA, 3-phase transformer has a 480-volt primary and is protected on the primary side only. Using the basic 125% rule and the next-higher-standard-size allowance, what is the largest standard primary overcurrent device permitted?

1. A60 A
2. B80 A
3. C70 A
4. D100 A

On a 3-phase, 4-wire wye system with only line-to-neutral resistive loads, phases A, B and C carry 50 A, 40 A and 30 A. What is the approximate neutral current?

1. A17.3 A
2. B0 A
3. C20 A
4. D120 A

What is the minimum size copper equipment grounding conductor for a circuit protected by a 60-A overcurrent device?

1. A8 AWG
2. B6 AWG
3. C10 AWG
4. D12 AWG

The same 25-hp, 460-volt, 3-phase motor (34 A table FLC) is protected by an inverse time circuit breaker. Using the basic percentage and the next-higher-standard-size allowance, what is the largest breaker permitted?

1. A90 A
2. B85 A
3. C45 A
4. D100 A

A device box contains two 12/2 NM cables with ground (each cable has two insulated conductors and one bare grounding conductor), one receptacle, and internal cable clamps. What is the minimum box volume required? (12 AWG = 2.25 cu in. per conductor)

1. A18.0 cu in.
2. B15.75 cu in.
3. C13.5 cu in.
4. D20.25 cu in.

Operation of equipment above its normal full-load rating, or of a conductor above its ampacity, which would cause damage if it lasts long enough, is the NEC definition of:

1. AAn overload
2. BA short circuit
3. CA ground fault
4. DOvercurrent

A 4-in. square x 1 1/2-in. deep box (21.0 cu in.) will have three 12/2 NM cables with ground, one single-pole switch, and internal cable clamps. What is the minimum volume required, and does the box work? (12 AWG = 2.25 cu in.)

1. A18.0 cu in.; the box is acceptable
2. B20.25 cu in.; the box is acceptable
3. C22.5 cu in.; the box is too small
4. D24.75 cu in.; the box is too small

An ideal single-phase transformer steps 480 V down to 120 V. If the secondary current is 40 A, what is the primary current?

1. A10 A
2. B4 A
3. C40 A
4. D160 A

A load draws 10 kW of true power and 12.5 kVA of apparent power. What is its power factor?

1. A0.125
2. B0.85
3. C1.25
4. D0.80

What is the full-load secondary current of a 75-kVA, 3-phase transformer with a 208Y/120-volt secondary?

1. A625 A
2. B208 A
3. C360 A
4. D120 A

Using the optional method for a dwelling unit, the general loads total 30 kVA before demand factors. What is the demand load for these general loads?

1. A12 kVA
2. B30 kVA
3. C22.5 kVA
4. D18 kVA

A 6-ohm resistor and a 3-ohm resistor are connected in parallel. What is the total resistance?

1. A9 ohms
2. B4.5 ohms
3. C0.5 ohms
4. D2 ohms

In the NEC, the term Approved means:

1. AListed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory
2. BAcceptable to the authority having jurisdiction
3. CMarked with the manufacturer's label
4. DTested by the installing contractor

On a 120/240-volt, 3-phase, 4-wire delta system (center-tapped on one winding), what is the approximate voltage from the high leg to the neutral?

1. A120 V
2. B208 V
3. C240 V
4. D277 V

What is the minimum number and rating of small-appliance branch circuits required for the kitchen countertop receptacles in a dwelling unit?

1. ATwo or more 20 A circuits
2. BOne 20 A circuit
3. COne 15 A circuit
4. DTwo or more 15 A circuits

What is the minimum vertical clearance for service-drop conductors over a public street or alley subject to truck traffic?

1. A18 ft
2. B12 ft
3. C15 ft
4. D10 ft

In a dwelling load calculation using the standard method, a household clothes dryer nameplate reads 4,500 W. What load must be used for the dryer?

1. A4,500 W
2. B5,625 W
3. C5,000 W
4. D3,375 W

As defined in the NEC, a branch circuit consists of which conductors?

1. AThe conductors between the final overcurrent device protecting the circuit and the outlets
2. BThe conductors from the utility transformer to the service point
3. CThe conductors between the service equipment and the final branch-circuit overcurrent device
4. DThe conductors between the service point and the service disconnecting means

A 25-hp, 460-volt, 3-phase induction motor has a table full-load current of 34 A. What is the minimum ampacity of its branch-circuit conductors?

1. A34.0 A
2. B39.1 A
3. C85.0 A
4. D42.5 A

A switchboard on a 480Y/277-volt system has exposed live parts on both sides of the working space (Condition 3). What is the minimum depth of the working space?

1. A3 ft
2. B3 1/2 ft
3. C4 ft
4. D5 ft

In a residential yard, what is the minimum cover for a 120-volt, 20-ampere branch circuit that has GFCI protection and overcurrent protection of 20 A or less?

1. A12 in.
2. B6 in.
3. C18 in.
4. D24 in.

The portion of a grounding electrode conductor that connects only to a concrete-encased electrode is not required to be larger than:

1. A4 AWG copper
2. B1/0 copper
3. C6 AWG copper
4. D2 AWG copper

Which installation would make a panelboard NOT readily accessible as defined by the NEC?

1. AIt is mounted 5 ft above the floor in a hallway
2. BIt is in a utility room behind an unlocked door
3. CIt can only be reached by using a portable ladder
4. DIt is next to a water heater with clear floor space in front of it

In a dwelling unit, which location is NOT permitted for branch-circuit overcurrent devices (other than supplementary protection)?

1. AGarage
2. BBasement
3. CBathroom
4. DLaundry room

Why will a standard transformer not work properly when its primary is connected to a steady DC source?

1. ADC voltage is always too low
2. BDC causes the core to lose its magnetism permanently
3. CDC reverses polarity too quickly
4. DA steady DC current produces no changing magnetic flux, so no voltage is induced in the secondary

In NFPA 70E, the limited approach boundary and the restricted approach boundary protect workers mainly from which hazard?

1. AArc flash burns
2. BFalling objects
3. CHearing damage from arc blast
4. DElectric shock

What is the minimum conductor required for the equipotential bonding grid of a permanently installed swimming pool when a conductor is used?

1. A8 AWG solid copper
2. B10 AWG solid copper
3. C6 AWG stranded aluminum
4. D12 AWG solid copper

A 120-volt branch circuit carries 16 A over a one-way distance of 100 ft. Voltage drop must be limited to 3% (3.6 V). Using K = 12.9 for copper, what is the smallest conductor that works? (12 AWG = 6,530 cmil; 10 AWG = 10,380 cmil; 8 AWG = 16,510 cmil; 6 AWG = 26,240 cmil)

1. A12 AWG
2. B10 AWG
3. C6 AWG
4. D8 AWG

In a dwelling bathroom, at least one receptacle outlet must be installed within what distance of the outside edge of each basin?

1. A12 in.
2. B6 ft
3. C18 in.
4. D3 ft

Type NM cable run along framing must be secured within 12 in. of each box and supported at intervals not exceeding:

1. A3 ft
2. B10 ft
3. C6 ft
4. D4 1/2 ft

EMT must be securely fastened within what distance of each outlet box, junction box or other termination?

1. A3 ft
2. B18 in.
3. C12 in.
4. D10 ft

In NFPA 70E, the arc flash boundary is the distance from an arc source at which the incident energy equals:

1. A0.5 cal/cm²
2. B4 cal/cm²
3. C1.2 cal/cm²
4. D8 cal/cm²

A 12 AWG THHN copper conductor lands on a 20-A breaker whose terminals are not marked with a temperature rating. Which ampacity column must be used for the conductor's final ampacity at the termination?

1. AWhichever column gives the highest ampacity
2. B75°C
3. C90°C
4. D60°C

Which statement best matches the NEC definition of a qualified person?

1. AAnyone holding a journeyman or master electrician license
2. BA person with skills and knowledge of the construction and operation of electrical equipment who has received safety training to recognize and avoid the hazards involved
3. CAny worker who has read the manufacturer's instructions
4. DA person who has worked in the electrical trade for at least four years

A resistive heater is designed for 240 V. If it is connected to 120 V instead, its power output will be approximately:

1. AThe same
2. BOne-quarter
3. COne-half
4. DTwice as much

In general locations (not under a building, slab or driveway), what is the minimum cover for direct-buried UF cable on a 120/240-volt circuit?

1. A24 in.
2. B12 in.
3. C18 in.
4. D6 in.

A 3-phase, 208-volt load draws 60 A over a one-way distance of 200 ft on 4 AWG copper (41,740 cmil). Using K = 12.9, what is the approximate voltage drop?

1. A7.4 V
2. B6.4 V
3. C3.7 V
4. D12.8 V

A single ground rod is installed as the grounding electrode and is not shown to have a resistance to earth of 25 ohms or less. What does the NEC require?

1. ANothing more; one rod is always sufficient
2. BReplace it with a single 10-ft rod
3. CSupplement it with an additional electrode, and if that is another rod, space it at least 6 ft away
4. DAdd a second rod within 3 ft of the first

A 3/4-in. EMT has a total internal area of 0.533 sq in., and 40% of that is 0.213 sq in. A 12 AWG THHN conductor has an area of 0.0133 sq in. How many 12 AWG THHN conductors may be installed?

1. A16
2. B12
3. C9
4. D40

When a grounding electrode conductor runs only to a ground rod and does not extend to any other type of electrode, it is not required to be larger than:

1. A8 AWG copper
2. B6 AWG copper
3. C4 AWG copper
4. D2 AWG copper

For a dwelling kitchen wall countertop, receptacles must be installed so that no point along the wall line is more than what distance from a receptacle outlet?

1. A48 in.
2. B12 in.
3. C18 in.
4. D24 in.

A metal underground water pipe can serve as a grounding electrode when it is in direct contact with the earth for at least:

1. A5 ft
2. B10 ft
3. C8 ft
4. D20 ft

On a 120/240-volt single-phase 3-wire circuit, line 1 carries 30 A and line 2 carries 20 A (all loads are line-to-neutral). What current flows on the neutral?

1. A0 A
2. B10 A
3. C25 A
4. D50 A

A 120/240-volt multiwire branch circuit shares one neutral between two ungrounded conductors. Which requirement applies at the point where the circuit originates?

1. AThe neutral must have its own fuse
2. BEach ungrounded conductor must be on a single-pole breaker in a different panel
3. CA means must simultaneously disconnect all ungrounded conductors of the circuit
4. DThe neutral must be twice the size of the ungrounded conductors

A dwelling has 2,000 sq ft of living area, two small-appliance branch circuits and one laundry circuit. Using the standard method, what is the demand load for general lighting plus small-appliance and laundry circuits (3 VA per sq ft; 1,500 VA per small-appliance and laundry circuit; first 3,000 VA at 100% and the next portion at 35%)?

1. A10,500 VA
2. B5,625 VA
3. C3,675 VA
4. D7,875 VA

A hazardous (classified) location where combustible dust may be present is designated as:

1. AClass I
2. BClass II
3. CClass III
4. DClass IV

What is the full-load secondary current of a 25-kVA single-phase transformer with a 240-volt secondary?

1. A60 A
2. B120 A
3. C208 A
4. D104 A

A feeder supplies three 460-volt, 3-phase motors with table full-load currents of 34 A, 14 A and 14 A. What is the minimum feeder conductor ampacity?

1. A62.0 A
2. B77.5 A
3. C70.5 A
4. D85.0 A

A straight pull is made through a pull box using 3-in. trade size conduits (the largest raceway entering). What is the minimum length of the box?

1. A18 in.
2. B21 in.
3. C24 in.
4. D36 in.

In a series circuit, which quantity is the same through every component?

1. AVoltage
2. BPower
3. CCurrent
4. DResistance

On a 3-phase, 4-wire wye system, the line-to-neutral voltage is 277 V. What is the line-to-line voltage?

1. A240 V
2. B416 V
3. C554 V
4. D480 V

In a dwelling unit, which of these locations requires GFCI protection for 125-volt, 15- and 20-ampere receptacles?

1. ABedroom
2. BLiving room
3. CHallway
4. DGarage

Between pull points (such as boxes or conduit bodies), a conduit run may not contain more than the equivalent of how many degrees of bends in total?

1. A180°
2. B270°
3. C360°
4. D450°

In a dwelling unit, which area does NOT require AFCI protection for 120-volt, 15- and 20-ampere branch circuits under NEC 2023?

1. ABathroom
2. BBedroom
3. CHallway
4. DLaundry area

Unless specifically permitted elsewhere in the Code (for example, motor circuits), what is the maximum overcurrent protection for 12 AWG copper conductors?

1. A15 A
2. B25 A
3. C20 A
4. D30 A

Under the NEC, a continuous load is one where the maximum current is expected to continue for at least how long?

1. A1 hour
2. B8 hours
3. C3 hours
4. D24 hours

At a dwelling with a permanently installed pool, at least one 125-volt, 15- or 20-ampere general-purpose receptacle must be installed at what distance from the inside wall of the pool?

1. AWithin 6 ft
2. BNot less than 10 ft and not more than 20 ft
3. CNot less than 5 ft and not more than 10 ft
4. DNot less than 6 ft and not more than 20 ft

A motor has a nameplate full-load current of 30 A and a marked service factor of 1.15. What is the maximum rating of a separate overload device under the basic rule?

1. A30.0 A
2. B34.5 A
3. C37.5 A
4. D42.0 A

A 4,500-watt, 240-volt storage water heater (120 gallons or less) is installed in a dwelling. What is the minimum branch-circuit ampacity based on the load?

1. A18.75 A
2. B37.5 A
3. C28.1 A
4. D23.4 A

What is the inductive reactance of a 0.1-henry inductor on a 60-Hz system?

1. A37.7 ohms
2. B6 ohms
3. C377 ohms
4. D0.0265 ohms

An angle pull is made in a pull box. One wall has a row of three raceways entering: one 3-in., and two 2-in. trade size (conductors 4 AWG and larger). What is the minimum distance from that wall to the opposite wall?

1. A18 in.
2. B22 in.
3. C24 in.
4. D42 in.

A sine-wave voltage has a peak value of 170 volts. What is its approximate RMS (effective) value?

1. A85 V
2. B240 V
3. C120 V
4. D340 V

At a feeder-supplied panelboard located in the same building as the service, how must the grounded (neutral) conductor be treated?

1. AIt must be bonded to the enclosure with a main bonding jumper
2. BIt must be isolated from the enclosure and from the equipment grounding bar
3. CIt may be bonded to the enclosure if the feeder is under 10 ft long
4. DIt must be connected to a separate ground rod at the panel

In a dwelling unit, receptacles located within what distance of the top inside edge of a sink bowl require GFCI protection?

1. A3 ft
2. B6 ft
3. C4 ft
4. D10 ft

A resistive load of 15 ohms is connected to 120 volts. What current flows?

1. A1,800 A
2. B8 A
3. C0.125 A
4. D135 A

A dwelling has four fastened-in-place appliances (not cooking equipment, dryers, space heating, A/C or EVSE): dishwasher 1,200 VA, disposal 900 VA, water heater 4,500 VA, and well pump 1,500 VA. What is their demand load using the standard method?

1. A8,100 VA
2. B4,050 VA
3. C6,075 VA
4. D2,835 VA

A 1,500-watt portable heater operates at 120 volts. How much current does it draw?

1. A12.5 A
2. B8 A
3. C15 A
4. D18 A

In a dwelling living room, general-purpose receptacles must be placed so that no point measured horizontally along the floor line of any wall space is more than how far from a receptacle?

1. A12 ft
2. B6 ft
3. C10 ft
4. D4 ft