Residential Electrical Inspector Exam
Questions and Correct Answers (Verified
Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant
Download Pdf
1. Which of the following is the minimum wire size allowed for a 20-
ampere branch circuit?
A) 12 AWG
B) 14 AWG
C) 10 AWG
D) 8 AWG
A) 12 AWG
12 AWG copper wire is the minimum required for a 20-ampere
branch circuit according to standard residential codes.
2. What is the maximum spacing allowed for receptacles in a general
living area?
A) 8 feet
B) 10 feet
C) 12 feet
D) 6 feet
D) 6 feet
Receptacles must be spaced so that no point along the wall is
more than 6 feet from an outlet.
3. Ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) are required in which
locations?
A) Kitchens
B) Bathrooms
, C) Outdoors
D) All of the above
D) All of the above
GFCIs protect against electrical shock and are required in wet or
potentially wet locations.
4. What is the maximum height for a wall-mounted switch from the
finished floor?
A) 36 inches
B) 48 inches
C) 52 inches
D) 60 inches
B) 48 inches
Switches should be installed between 44 and 48 inches above the
floor for accessibility.
5. In residential wiring, which type of cable is most commonly used?
A) NM (non-metallic)
B) MC (metal-clad)
C) UF (underground feeder)
D) SE (service entrance)
A) NM (non-metallic)
NM cable is widely used in residential applications for interior
wiring.
6. What is the minimum clearance above a residential stove?
A) 12 inches
B) 24 inches
C) 30 inches
D) 36 inches
C) 30 inches
, To reduce fire risk, the minimum clearance from the top of a
cooking surface to combustible material is typically 30 inches.
7. Aluminum wiring in homes requires special connectors to
prevent:
A) Overheating
B) Grounding faults
C) Circuit breaker tripping
D) Short circuits
A) Overheating
Aluminum expands more than copper, so special connectors are
used to prevent overheating and fires.
8. What is the maximum number of 15-ampere receptacles allowed
on a single 15-ampere branch circuit in a living area?
A) 6
B) 8
C) 10
D) 12
A) 6
While the code doesn’t explicitly limit the number, using 6
receptacles is standard for safe load distribution.
9. The purpose of an equipment grounding conductor is to:
A) Carry normal current
B) Prevent electric shock
C) Serve as a neutral
D) Reduce voltage
B) Prevent electric shock
Grounding provides a safe path for fault current to protect
occupants.
Questions and Correct Answers (Verified
Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant
Download Pdf
1. Which of the following is the minimum wire size allowed for a 20-
ampere branch circuit?
A) 12 AWG
B) 14 AWG
C) 10 AWG
D) 8 AWG
A) 12 AWG
12 AWG copper wire is the minimum required for a 20-ampere
branch circuit according to standard residential codes.
2. What is the maximum spacing allowed for receptacles in a general
living area?
A) 8 feet
B) 10 feet
C) 12 feet
D) 6 feet
D) 6 feet
Receptacles must be spaced so that no point along the wall is
more than 6 feet from an outlet.
3. Ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) are required in which
locations?
A) Kitchens
B) Bathrooms
, C) Outdoors
D) All of the above
D) All of the above
GFCIs protect against electrical shock and are required in wet or
potentially wet locations.
4. What is the maximum height for a wall-mounted switch from the
finished floor?
A) 36 inches
B) 48 inches
C) 52 inches
D) 60 inches
B) 48 inches
Switches should be installed between 44 and 48 inches above the
floor for accessibility.
5. In residential wiring, which type of cable is most commonly used?
A) NM (non-metallic)
B) MC (metal-clad)
C) UF (underground feeder)
D) SE (service entrance)
A) NM (non-metallic)
NM cable is widely used in residential applications for interior
wiring.
6. What is the minimum clearance above a residential stove?
A) 12 inches
B) 24 inches
C) 30 inches
D) 36 inches
C) 30 inches
, To reduce fire risk, the minimum clearance from the top of a
cooking surface to combustible material is typically 30 inches.
7. Aluminum wiring in homes requires special connectors to
prevent:
A) Overheating
B) Grounding faults
C) Circuit breaker tripping
D) Short circuits
A) Overheating
Aluminum expands more than copper, so special connectors are
used to prevent overheating and fires.
8. What is the maximum number of 15-ampere receptacles allowed
on a single 15-ampere branch circuit in a living area?
A) 6
B) 8
C) 10
D) 12
A) 6
While the code doesn’t explicitly limit the number, using 6
receptacles is standard for safe load distribution.
9. The purpose of an equipment grounding conductor is to:
A) Carry normal current
B) Prevent electric shock
C) Serve as a neutral
D) Reduce voltage
B) Prevent electric shock
Grounding provides a safe path for fault current to protect
occupants.
