API SIEE SOURCE INSPECTOR ELECTRICAL
EQUIPMENT EXAM 2026 COMPREHENSIVE
STUDY GUIDE
◉ Aluminum wire must have something that acts as an insulator
rather than conductor of electricity. Answer: An antioxidant. It also
decreases the likelihood of arcing.
◉ An inspector inspects a house built in 1955. He finds a wire that
has a silver coating on it. What type of wire is it? Answer: Zinc
coated wire/ nickel coated wire. Aluminum wire was not used in
homes until around 1960.
◉ What is the minimum size wire that can be used as a grounding
electrode? Answer: #6 Copper AWG
◉ What is the maximum height a breaker can be according to the
NEC? Answer: 6 ft 7 inches
◉ How many amps are required to trip a GFCI? Answer: 5 to 8
milliamps
,◉ How do you test a GFCI receptacle? Answer: A separate GFCI
testing device
◉ Define the purpose of a circuit breaker. Answer: It is designed to
interrupt the flow of electricity.
◉ What is the longest length of plug and cord you would expect to
find on an appliance with proper receptacle locations/spacing?
Answer: 6 ft
◉ In a bathroom, how close to the sink must a receptacle on the wall
be? Answer: Within 3 feet of the sink.
◉ If you saw an uncovered incandescent light in a closet what would
you write on your report? Answer: 'in need of repair'. Uncovered
incandescent light fixtures in a closet are not allowed. Covered
incandescednt light fixtures must have 12'' of clearance from any
shelving capable of being used for storage.
◉ How deep must a ground rod be driven into the ground? Answer:
8 ft
◉ A wet bar counter receptacle must be GFCI protected within ___
feet of the sink? Answer: 6 ft
, ◉ Ground rods are also referred to as ___. Answer: Electrodes
◉ What is the working space or clearances in front of an electrical
panel? Answer: 30 inches wide by 3 feet deep (to the front).
◉ What is the purpose of a GFCI? Answer: A GFCI will reduce the
shock hazard.
◉ An inspector finds a 3-pronged outlet in a basement with 2-wire
service. He should advise the customer that: Answer: it is 'in need of
repair' and should be replaced with a GFCI outlet.
◉ Three wires coming into a home is ____ volts. Answer: 240
◉ The maximum number of throws to disconnect all electrical
power on a service panel to a dwelling is _____ throws. Answer: 6
◉ What is the minimum service size recommended by the NEC?
Answer: 100 amps for a single-family dwelling
◉ What is the minimum voltage that must be protected? Answer: 50
volts
EQUIPMENT EXAM 2026 COMPREHENSIVE
STUDY GUIDE
◉ Aluminum wire must have something that acts as an insulator
rather than conductor of electricity. Answer: An antioxidant. It also
decreases the likelihood of arcing.
◉ An inspector inspects a house built in 1955. He finds a wire that
has a silver coating on it. What type of wire is it? Answer: Zinc
coated wire/ nickel coated wire. Aluminum wire was not used in
homes until around 1960.
◉ What is the minimum size wire that can be used as a grounding
electrode? Answer: #6 Copper AWG
◉ What is the maximum height a breaker can be according to the
NEC? Answer: 6 ft 7 inches
◉ How many amps are required to trip a GFCI? Answer: 5 to 8
milliamps
,◉ How do you test a GFCI receptacle? Answer: A separate GFCI
testing device
◉ Define the purpose of a circuit breaker. Answer: It is designed to
interrupt the flow of electricity.
◉ What is the longest length of plug and cord you would expect to
find on an appliance with proper receptacle locations/spacing?
Answer: 6 ft
◉ In a bathroom, how close to the sink must a receptacle on the wall
be? Answer: Within 3 feet of the sink.
◉ If you saw an uncovered incandescent light in a closet what would
you write on your report? Answer: 'in need of repair'. Uncovered
incandescent light fixtures in a closet are not allowed. Covered
incandescednt light fixtures must have 12'' of clearance from any
shelving capable of being used for storage.
◉ How deep must a ground rod be driven into the ground? Answer:
8 ft
◉ A wet bar counter receptacle must be GFCI protected within ___
feet of the sink? Answer: 6 ft
, ◉ Ground rods are also referred to as ___. Answer: Electrodes
◉ What is the working space or clearances in front of an electrical
panel? Answer: 30 inches wide by 3 feet deep (to the front).
◉ What is the purpose of a GFCI? Answer: A GFCI will reduce the
shock hazard.
◉ An inspector finds a 3-pronged outlet in a basement with 2-wire
service. He should advise the customer that: Answer: it is 'in need of
repair' and should be replaced with a GFCI outlet.
◉ Three wires coming into a home is ____ volts. Answer: 240
◉ The maximum number of throws to disconnect all electrical
power on a service panel to a dwelling is _____ throws. Answer: 6
◉ What is the minimum service size recommended by the NEC?
Answer: 100 amps for a single-family dwelling
◉ What is the minimum voltage that must be protected? Answer: 50
volts
