Journeyman Electrician Practice Test

Journeyman Electrician General Requirements & Definitions Practice Questions

General Requirements & Definitions makes up 5 of every 50 questions on a Tigertest Journeyman Electrician practice test. Here are 10 of the 20 questions on it, each with the answer and the reason.

Updated 2026-11-10 by the Tigertest team. Based on the 2023 National Electrical Code (NFPA 70) and standard electrical theory. Original questions; 50 per test, 70% to pass. State licensing law not included.

1. 1. What is the stated purpose of the National Electrical Code?

   • A.Planning for future electrical expansion
   • B.Practical safeguarding of people and property
   • C.An efficient design for electrical systems
   • D.A training manual for apprentices

   Answer: B. The Code's purpose is the practical safeguarding of persons and property from hazards arising from the use of electricity. It says plainly that it is not a design specification or an instruction manual for untrained persons.

2. 2. Who interprets the Code and approves equipment and installations?

   • A.The licensed master electrician
   • B.The nationally recognized lab
   • C.The equipment manufacturer
   • D.The authority having jurisdiction

   Answer: D. The authority having jurisdiction (AHJ), usually the electrical inspector, interprets the rules and approves equipment and installations. Testing labs list equipment, but approval rests with the AHJ.

3. 3. A 480Y/277 V switchboard has exposed live parts on one side and a grounded concrete wall on the other (Condition 2). Minimum working depth?

   • A.3 1/2 ft
   • B.5 ft
   • C.3 ft
   • D.4 ft

   Answer: A. At 151 V to ground and above (up to 1000 V), Condition 1 is 3 ft, Condition 2 is 3 1/2 ft and Condition 3 is 4 ft. Concrete counts as grounded, which makes this Condition 2.

4. 4. A branch circuit is made up of the conductors between the final overcurrent device and:

   • A.The main disconnect
   • B.The feeder panelboard
   • C.The outlets
   • D.The service point

   Answer: C. A branch circuit runs from the final overcurrent device protecting the circuit to the outlets. Conductors upstream of that device are feeders or service conductors.

5. 5. Unless equipment is marked otherwise, a 40 A circuit with 8 AWG conductors is limited to which ampacity column?

   • A.The 90°C column
   • B.The 105°C column
   • C.The 60°C column
   • D.The 75°C column

   Answer: C. Terminations on circuits rated 100 A or less, or for 14 through 1 AWG conductors, are limited to 60°C ratings unless the equipment is listed and marked for 75°C. Higher insulation ratings can be used only for adjustment and correction.

6. 6. A load that runs at its maximum current for this long or longer is a continuous load:

   • A.3 hours
   • B.2 hours
   • C.8 hours
   • D.1 hour

   Answer: A. Article 100 defines a continuous load as one where the maximum current is expected to continue for 3 hours or more. Continuous loads are sized at 125 percent.

7. 7. Unless equipment is marked otherwise, terminations on a 150 A feeder are based on which temperature rating?

   • A.105°C
   • B.60°C
   • C.90°C
   • D.75°C

   Answer: D. For circuits rated over 100 A or conductors larger than 1 AWG, terminations are rated 75°C unless the equipment is listed for higher. The 90°C rating is for adjustment and correction only.

8. 8. "Within sight" means visible and not more than this distance away:

   • A.100 ft
   • B.50 ft
   • C.25 ft
   • D.75 ft

   Answer: B. Article 100 defines within sight as visible and not more than 50 ft from the other equipment. The rule appears in motor, appliance and air-conditioning disconnect requirements.

9. 9. What is the minimum working-space depth in front of a 120/240 V panelboard?

   • A.4 ft
   • B.3 ft
   • C.2 1/2 ft
   • D.3 1/2 ft

   Answer: B. For 0 to 150 V to ground, the working-space depth is 3 ft under all three conditions. Greater depths, such as 3 1/2 or 4 ft, apply from 151 V to ground upward.

10. 10. Which of these is a damp location?

    • A.A slab in contact with earth
    • B.An office on an upper floor
    • C.A raceway buried underground
    • D.An open porch under a roof

    Answer: D. Damp locations are partially protected areas such as roofed open porches and canopies, and interiors with moderate moisture like some basements. Underground raceways and slabs on earth are wet locations; an office is dry.