New Mexico EE-98 Electrical Contractor License Examination Specialty
Systems Actual Exam 200 Questions Covering Emergency Systems,
Standby Generators, Fire Alarms, Swimming Pools, Photovoltaics, Signs,
Hazardous Locations, and Associated NEC Articles
Overview
This examination is specifically designed to prepare candidates for the New Mexico EE-98
Residential & Commercial Electrical Contractor License Exam, focusing exclusively
on Part 3: Specialties. This section of the state licensing exam tests in-depth knowledge of
specialized electrical systems that go beyond general wiring methods, requiring mastery of
specific National Electrical Code (NEC) Articles and New Mexico state amendments.
Question 1
According to NEC Article 700, what is the maximum time allowed for an emergency system
generator to attain full rated voltage after loss of normal power?
(A) 5 seconds
(B) 10 seconds
(C) 30 seconds
(D) 60 seconds
Explanation:
NEC 700.12(F) requires emergency system generators to start and assume the load within
10 seconds after loss of normal power. This is the strictest time requirement among standby
systems.
Question 2
,For a legally required standby system under Article 701, what is the maximum time allowed
for the system to be operational after normal power is lost?
(A) 10 seconds
(B) 30 seconds
(C) 60 seconds
(D) 120 seconds
Explanation:
NEC 701.12(F) mandates that legally required standby systems must start and assume the
load within 60 seconds. This is less stringent than emergency systems due to the nature of
the loads served.
Question 3
A fire alarm system uses non-power-limited fire alarm circuits (NPLFA). These circuits are
permitted to operate at a maximum voltage of:
(A) 100 volts
(B) 150 volts
(C) 600 volts
(D) No maximum voltage limit
Explanation:
NPLFA circuits are permitted to operate at up to 600 volts, similar to power circuits, but
must comply with strict installation requirements including separation from other circuits.
Question 4
What is the minimum clearance required for a permanently installed generator from doors,
windows, and vents unless listed for closer installation?
(A) 3 feet
(B) 5 feet
,(C) 10 feet
(D) 15 feet
Explanation:
Generator exhaust outlets must be located at least 10 feet from building openings to prevent
carbon monoxide intrusion, as required by NEC 700.12(D) and applicable building codes.
Question 5
Which of the following is a permitted wiring method for power-limited fire alarm circuits
(PLFA) in a commercial building?
(A) Type NM cable
(B) Type FPLP cable
(C) Type UF cable
(D) Type SE cable
Explanation:
NEC 760.179 permits Type FPL, FPLR, or FPLP (plenum-rated) cables for power-limited
fire alarm circuits. Type NM, UF, and SE are not listed for fire alarm circuit use.
Question 6
A generator not listed as "suitable for use as service equipment" (SUSE) must be
connected:
(A) On the line side of the service disconnect
(B) On the load side of the main service disconnect
(C) Directly to the utility transformer
(D) Through a junction box without overcurrent protection
Explanation:
Generators not listed as SUSE must be connected on the load side of the service
disconnect to ensure proper overcurrent protection and safe isolation from utility lines.
, Question 7
Under Article 680, what is the minimum distance a receptacle must be located from the
inside wall of a swimming pool?
(A) 3 feet
(B) 5 feet
(C) 6 feet
(D) 10 feet
Explanation:
NEC 680.22(A)(1) requires receptacles to be no closer than 6 feet from the inside wall of a
pool. Receptacles between 6 and 10 feet must be GFCI protected.
Question 8
For a motor fuel dispensing facility (gas station), where a conduit enters a dispenser in a
Class I, Division 1 location, what type of seal is required?
(A) Explosionproof seal only
(B) Drain seal
(C) Boundary seal
(D) No seal is required
Explanation:
NEC 514.9(A) requires a drain seal (drip seal) at dispensers to prevent flammable liquids or
vapors from traveling through the conduit system.
Question 9
Systems Actual Exam 200 Questions Covering Emergency Systems,
Standby Generators, Fire Alarms, Swimming Pools, Photovoltaics, Signs,
Hazardous Locations, and Associated NEC Articles
Overview
This examination is specifically designed to prepare candidates for the New Mexico EE-98
Residential & Commercial Electrical Contractor License Exam, focusing exclusively
on Part 3: Specialties. This section of the state licensing exam tests in-depth knowledge of
specialized electrical systems that go beyond general wiring methods, requiring mastery of
specific National Electrical Code (NEC) Articles and New Mexico state amendments.
Question 1
According to NEC Article 700, what is the maximum time allowed for an emergency system
generator to attain full rated voltage after loss of normal power?
(A) 5 seconds
(B) 10 seconds
(C) 30 seconds
(D) 60 seconds
Explanation:
NEC 700.12(F) requires emergency system generators to start and assume the load within
10 seconds after loss of normal power. This is the strictest time requirement among standby
systems.
Question 2
,For a legally required standby system under Article 701, what is the maximum time allowed
for the system to be operational after normal power is lost?
(A) 10 seconds
(B) 30 seconds
(C) 60 seconds
(D) 120 seconds
Explanation:
NEC 701.12(F) mandates that legally required standby systems must start and assume the
load within 60 seconds. This is less stringent than emergency systems due to the nature of
the loads served.
Question 3
A fire alarm system uses non-power-limited fire alarm circuits (NPLFA). These circuits are
permitted to operate at a maximum voltage of:
(A) 100 volts
(B) 150 volts
(C) 600 volts
(D) No maximum voltage limit
Explanation:
NPLFA circuits are permitted to operate at up to 600 volts, similar to power circuits, but
must comply with strict installation requirements including separation from other circuits.
Question 4
What is the minimum clearance required for a permanently installed generator from doors,
windows, and vents unless listed for closer installation?
(A) 3 feet
(B) 5 feet
,(C) 10 feet
(D) 15 feet
Explanation:
Generator exhaust outlets must be located at least 10 feet from building openings to prevent
carbon monoxide intrusion, as required by NEC 700.12(D) and applicable building codes.
Question 5
Which of the following is a permitted wiring method for power-limited fire alarm circuits
(PLFA) in a commercial building?
(A) Type NM cable
(B) Type FPLP cable
(C) Type UF cable
(D) Type SE cable
Explanation:
NEC 760.179 permits Type FPL, FPLR, or FPLP (plenum-rated) cables for power-limited
fire alarm circuits. Type NM, UF, and SE are not listed for fire alarm circuit use.
Question 6
A generator not listed as "suitable for use as service equipment" (SUSE) must be
connected:
(A) On the line side of the service disconnect
(B) On the load side of the main service disconnect
(C) Directly to the utility transformer
(D) Through a junction box without overcurrent protection
Explanation:
Generators not listed as SUSE must be connected on the load side of the service
disconnect to ensure proper overcurrent protection and safe isolation from utility lines.
, Question 7
Under Article 680, what is the minimum distance a receptacle must be located from the
inside wall of a swimming pool?
(A) 3 feet
(B) 5 feet
(C) 6 feet
(D) 10 feet
Explanation:
NEC 680.22(A)(1) requires receptacles to be no closer than 6 feet from the inside wall of a
pool. Receptacles between 6 and 10 feet must be GFCI protected.
Question 8
For a motor fuel dispensing facility (gas station), where a conduit enters a dispenser in a
Class I, Division 1 location, what type of seal is required?
(A) Explosionproof seal only
(B) Drain seal
(C) Boundary seal
(D) No seal is required
Explanation:
NEC 514.9(A) requires a drain seal (drip seal) at dispensers to prevent flammable liquids or
vapors from traveling through the conduit system.
Question 9
