NYC DCAS ELECTRICIAN EXAM QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS
RATIONALES 2026 Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
Core Domains
Electrical Theory and Application
National Electrical Code (NEC) Compliance
Load Calculations and Branch Circuits
Grounding and Bonding Systems
Overcurrent Protection and Panelboards
Motor Controls and Wiring Methods
Electrical Safety and Lockout/Tagout
Blueprints, Symbols, and Specifications
Ethics, Professional Conduct, and NYC Amendments
Testing, Troubleshooting, and Scenario-Based Decision Making
Introduction
This assessment is designed to prepare candidates for the NYC DCAS Electrician Exam, which evaluates
foundational electrical theory, NEC code application, safety protocols, and real-world troubleshooting skills. The
exam includes multiple-choice questions that test regulatory knowledge, ethical judgment, and practical decision-
making in installation, maintenance, and repair contexts. Each question presents a scenario or direct knowledge
check followed by four options. Verified answers are marked with 🟢, and each explanation begins with 🔴
,RATIONALE. This format reinforces why an answer is correct, emphasizing code compliance, safety, and
professional standards. Mastery of these questions supports both exam success and competent field practice.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
Question 1
A continuous load on a branch circuit must not exceed what percentage of the circuit’s overcurrent device
rating?
A. 125%
B. 80%
C. 100%
D. 115%
🟢B
🔴 RATIONALE: NEC 210.20(A) requires that the overcurrent device rating be at least 125% of a continuous
load, meaning the load itself cannot exceed 80% of the device rating.
Question 2
What is the minimum size grounding electrode conductor for a 200-ampere service with copper conductors?
A. 6 AWG
B. 4 AWG
C. 2 AWG
D. 8 AWG
,🟢B
🔴 RATIONALE: Per NEC Table 250.66, for 200A service with copper service conductors, the minimum grounding
electrode conductor is 4 AWG copper.
Question 3
You are called to replace a lighting fixture in a commercial kitchen above a steam table. What type of fixture is
required by code?
A. Standard vapor-tight fixture
B. Damp-rated fixture
C. Wet-rated fixture
D. Ordinary dry-location fixture
🟢C
🔴 RATIONALE: Areas above steam tables are considered wet locations due to steam condensation. NEC
410.10(A) requires wet-rated fixtures in wet locations.
Question 4
A motor draws 34 amperes at full load. What is the minimum rating of the branch-circuit short-circuit and
ground-fault protection device if using a time-delay fuse?
A. 35 A
B. 40 A
C. 45 A
D. 50 A
, 🟢C
🔴 RATIONALE: NEC 430.52(C)(1) allows time-delay fuses up to 175% of motor full-load current. 34 A × 1.75 =
59.5 A, but next standard size down is 45 A because 50 A would exceed 175% (34×1.75=59.5, 50 is allowed only
if 45 does not carry starting current; the correct minimum is 45A as the first standard size not exceeding 175%).
Question 5
Which of the following is NOT permitted as a grounding electrode?
A. Metal underground water pipe
B. Concrete-encased electrode
C. Gas piping system
D. Ground ring
🟢C
🔴 RATIONALE: NEC 250.52(B)(1) explicitly prohibits using gas piping as a grounding electrode due to
explosion and fire risk.
Question 6
When working on energized equipment rated above 100 amperes, what is the minimum approach distance for
an unqualified person?
A. No approach allowed
B. 3 feet 6 inches
C. 6 feet
D. 10 feet
RATIONALES 2026 Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
Core Domains
Electrical Theory and Application
National Electrical Code (NEC) Compliance
Load Calculations and Branch Circuits
Grounding and Bonding Systems
Overcurrent Protection and Panelboards
Motor Controls and Wiring Methods
Electrical Safety and Lockout/Tagout
Blueprints, Symbols, and Specifications
Ethics, Professional Conduct, and NYC Amendments
Testing, Troubleshooting, and Scenario-Based Decision Making
Introduction
This assessment is designed to prepare candidates for the NYC DCAS Electrician Exam, which evaluates
foundational electrical theory, NEC code application, safety protocols, and real-world troubleshooting skills. The
exam includes multiple-choice questions that test regulatory knowledge, ethical judgment, and practical decision-
making in installation, maintenance, and repair contexts. Each question presents a scenario or direct knowledge
check followed by four options. Verified answers are marked with 🟢, and each explanation begins with 🔴
,RATIONALE. This format reinforces why an answer is correct, emphasizing code compliance, safety, and
professional standards. Mastery of these questions supports both exam success and competent field practice.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
Question 1
A continuous load on a branch circuit must not exceed what percentage of the circuit’s overcurrent device
rating?
A. 125%
B. 80%
C. 100%
D. 115%
🟢B
🔴 RATIONALE: NEC 210.20(A) requires that the overcurrent device rating be at least 125% of a continuous
load, meaning the load itself cannot exceed 80% of the device rating.
Question 2
What is the minimum size grounding electrode conductor for a 200-ampere service with copper conductors?
A. 6 AWG
B. 4 AWG
C. 2 AWG
D. 8 AWG
,🟢B
🔴 RATIONALE: Per NEC Table 250.66, for 200A service with copper service conductors, the minimum grounding
electrode conductor is 4 AWG copper.
Question 3
You are called to replace a lighting fixture in a commercial kitchen above a steam table. What type of fixture is
required by code?
A. Standard vapor-tight fixture
B. Damp-rated fixture
C. Wet-rated fixture
D. Ordinary dry-location fixture
🟢C
🔴 RATIONALE: Areas above steam tables are considered wet locations due to steam condensation. NEC
410.10(A) requires wet-rated fixtures in wet locations.
Question 4
A motor draws 34 amperes at full load. What is the minimum rating of the branch-circuit short-circuit and
ground-fault protection device if using a time-delay fuse?
A. 35 A
B. 40 A
C. 45 A
D. 50 A
, 🟢C
🔴 RATIONALE: NEC 430.52(C)(1) allows time-delay fuses up to 175% of motor full-load current. 34 A × 1.75 =
59.5 A, but next standard size down is 45 A because 50 A would exceed 175% (34×1.75=59.5, 50 is allowed only
if 45 does not carry starting current; the correct minimum is 45A as the first standard size not exceeding 175%).
Question 5
Which of the following is NOT permitted as a grounding electrode?
A. Metal underground water pipe
B. Concrete-encased electrode
C. Gas piping system
D. Ground ring
🟢C
🔴 RATIONALE: NEC 250.52(B)(1) explicitly prohibits using gas piping as a grounding electrode due to
explosion and fire risk.
Question 6
When working on energized equipment rated above 100 amperes, what is the minimum approach distance for
an unqualified person?
A. No approach allowed
B. 3 feet 6 inches
C. 6 feet
D. 10 feet
