A lot of the journeyman exam is really a test of how fast you can find things in the code book. These questions cover how the NEC is organized, working space and clearances, labeling, and basic safety.
Every question here is based on the 2023 NEC. Some states are on a different edition, so check which one your exam uses.
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Question 1 of 15
An ordinary branch-circuit breaker, with no 240.24(A) exception applying, is mounted above a suspended ceiling. A ceiling tile must be pushed aside to reach the handle. This installation is MOST likely:
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Answer: A. Not compliant because the breaker is not readily accessible
240.24(A) requires overcurrent devices to be readily accessible. Article 100 defines readily accessible as reachable quickly without removing obstacles, climbing, or using portable ladders. Moving a ceiling tile is removing an obstacle.
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Question 2 of 15
On an electrical plan, an arrowhead at the end of a circuit line with a number beside it (a 'home run') indicates:
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Answer: C. The circuit returns to the panel; the number is the circuit number
A home run arrow on an electrical plan shows that the circuit continues back to the panelboard. The number(s) beside the arrow identify the panelboard circuit, and hash marks on the line typically show the number of conductors.
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Question 3 of 15
A panelboard is installed with no circuit directory. Which NEC section MOST directly requires a circuit directory for panelboards?
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Answer: A. 408.4(A)
408.4(A) requires every circuit to be legibly identified as to its clear, evident, and specific purpose. For a panelboard, the identification goes in a circuit directory on the face or inside of the panel door; in switchboards and switchgear, it goes at each switch or breaker.
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Question 4 of 15
A worker removes a panel deadfront and leaves the panel open and unattended in a public area. The BEST safety action is to:
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Answer: A. Secure the area and install the cover/deadfront or otherwise guard the opening before leaving
Exposed electrical parts in accessible areas create shock and contact hazards. The area should be secured and equipment covers/deadfronts replaced or the opening guarded before leaving.
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Question 5 of 15
A new panelboard containing branch-circuit breakers is installed in a bathroom. This is MOST likely:
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Answer: A. Not permitted
NEC 2023 240.24(E) prohibits overcurrent devices, other than supplementary overcurrent protection, in bathrooms, showering facilities, and locker rooms with showering facilities. In 2023, the rule isn't limited to dwelling units.
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Question 6 of 15
A question references "Table 310.16". This table is MOST directly used to determine:
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Answer: A. Conductor ampacity
Table 310.16 provides allowable ampacities of insulated conductors (in raceway, cable, or earth) based on conditions and temperature rating columns.
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Question 7 of 15
A common exam trap is mixing up 110.22 and 408.4. Which choice correctly matches the requirement to the section?
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Answer: A. Disconnect purpose marking → 110.22; Panelboard circuit directory → 408.4
NEC 110.22 addresses identification (purpose marking) of disconnecting means. NEC 408.4 addresses panelboard circuit directories and circuit identification.
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Question 8 of 15
An installer wants to support an overhead temporary feeder span by attaching it to a tree. What does the NEC say?
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Answer: D. Not permitted; vegetation can't support temporary spans
NEC 590.4(J) prohibits using vegetation to support overhead spans of temporary branch circuits or feeders. An exception permits holiday lighting branch circuits to be supported by trees when strain relief devices, tension take-up devices, or other approved means are used to avoid damage from the vegetation's movement, but it does not apply to feeders.
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Question 9 of 15
Which NEC subsection addresses illumination for spaces about electrical equipment requiring working space?
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Answer: A. 110.26(D)
NEC 110.26(D) requires illumination for working spaces about electrical equipment.
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Question 10 of 15
Where are the NEC rules for box fill calculations primarily located?
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Answer: A. 314.16
NEC 314.16 contains box fill requirements, including volume allowances for conductors, devices, and fittings.
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Question 11 of 15
Which marking is MOST directly required by NEC 110.22(A)?
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Answer: A. A disconnect marked to indicate its purpose and, outside one- and two-family dwellings, its supplying circuit source and location
110.22(A) requires each disconnecting means to be legibly marked to indicate its purpose, unless that is evident. In the 2023 NEC, outside one- and two-family dwellings, 110.22(A) also requires the marking to include the identification and location of the circuit source that supplies the disconnect, unless that is evident.
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Question 12 of 15
A contractor assigns an unqualified worker to troubleshoot exposed energized parts of a 277-volt lighting circuit. Under OSHA, this is:
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Answer: A. Not permitted because the worker is not qualified for energized electrical work
1910.333(c)(2) permits only qualified persons to work on electric circuit parts or equipment that haven't been de-energized. PPE doesn't make an unqualified person qualified.
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Question 13 of 15
Which NEC section contains the working space requirements for a panelboard likely to require examination, adjustment, servicing, or maintenance while energized?
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Answer: A. 110.26
NEC 110.26 contains the primary rules for working space about electrical equipment, including depth, width, and height requirements.
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Question 14 of 15
Which NEC chapter contains requirements for equipment (switchboards, panelboards, motors, HVAC, appliances)?
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Answer: A. Chapter 4
Chapter 4 covers equipment, including switchgear, panelboards, motors, appliances, and similar utilization equipment.
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Question 15 of 15
A contractor installs a new service and does not provide any warning label related to arc-flash hazards. Which code section would you check FIRST for arc-flash warning marking requirements?
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Answer: A. 110.16
NEC 110.16 addresses arc-flash hazard warning marking requirements on certain equipment.
Want more? Electrician Practice has 1,100+ practice questions with explanations.
If code lookup questions slowed you down, practice using the index. It's usually faster than flipping through articles.
Working clearance numbers are worth memorizing. They come up a lot.
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