NYC ELECTRICIAN (NYC HEALTH +
HOSPITALS) PROFESSIONAL
COMPETENCY EXAM QUESTIONS AND
VERIFIED ANSWERS
1. According to NEC Article 517.13, which of the following is required for branch circuits
serving patient care spaces?
A. A single insulated copper equipment grounding conductor.
B. A minimum of 10 AWG solid copper wire for all grounding paths.
C. Only a metallic raceway system is required to serve as the ground.
D. An insulated copper equipment grounding conductor and a redundant ground provided
by the metallic raceway or cable armor.
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: NEC 517.13 requires two independent return paths for fault
current in patient care spaces: the metal raceway/armor and an insulated copper
equipment grounding conductor.
2. In a NYC hospital, what color must the cover plates be for receptacles connected to the
Critical Branch of the Essential Electrical System?
A. White
,B. Blue
C. Orange
D. Red
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: In health care facilities, receptacles or cover plates supplied by
the emergency system (Life Safety or Critical branches) must be red or identifiable by a
distinctive red mark.
3. A 200kVA, 3-phase transformer operates at 480V primary and 208V secondary. What is the
approximate full-load current on the secondary side?
A. 555A
B. 416A
C. 240A
D. 960A
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Current = kVA / (Voltage * 1.732). 200,000 / (208 * 1.732) =
555.17A.
4. Which branch of the Essential Electrical System (EES) is specifically intended to provide
power to task illumination and equipment necessary for patient safety?
A. The Critical Branch
, B. The Life Safety Branch
C. The Equipment Branch
D. The Normal Branch
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The Critical Branch supplies power for task illumination, fixed
equipment, and selected receptacles in patient care areas essential for patient safety.
5. When installing an Isolated Power System (IPS) in an Operating Room, what is the
maximum allowable leakage current for the Line Isolation Monitor (LIM)?
A. 2 mA
B. 5 mA
C. 10 mA
D. 20 mA
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The Line Isolation Monitor must be designed to alarm when the
total hazard current (leakage) reaches 5 mA.
6. What is the maximum number of 12 AWG THHN conductors allowed in a 3/4 inch EMT
conduit according to NEC Annex C?
A. 12
B. 22
HOSPITALS) PROFESSIONAL
COMPETENCY EXAM QUESTIONS AND
VERIFIED ANSWERS
1. According to NEC Article 517.13, which of the following is required for branch circuits
serving patient care spaces?
A. A single insulated copper equipment grounding conductor.
B. A minimum of 10 AWG solid copper wire for all grounding paths.
C. Only a metallic raceway system is required to serve as the ground.
D. An insulated copper equipment grounding conductor and a redundant ground provided
by the metallic raceway or cable armor.
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: NEC 517.13 requires two independent return paths for fault
current in patient care spaces: the metal raceway/armor and an insulated copper
equipment grounding conductor.
2. In a NYC hospital, what color must the cover plates be for receptacles connected to the
Critical Branch of the Essential Electrical System?
A. White
,B. Blue
C. Orange
D. Red
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: In health care facilities, receptacles or cover plates supplied by
the emergency system (Life Safety or Critical branches) must be red or identifiable by a
distinctive red mark.
3. A 200kVA, 3-phase transformer operates at 480V primary and 208V secondary. What is the
approximate full-load current on the secondary side?
A. 555A
B. 416A
C. 240A
D. 960A
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Current = kVA / (Voltage * 1.732). 200,000 / (208 * 1.732) =
555.17A.
4. Which branch of the Essential Electrical System (EES) is specifically intended to provide
power to task illumination and equipment necessary for patient safety?
A. The Critical Branch
, B. The Life Safety Branch
C. The Equipment Branch
D. The Normal Branch
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The Critical Branch supplies power for task illumination, fixed
equipment, and selected receptacles in patient care areas essential for patient safety.
5. When installing an Isolated Power System (IPS) in an Operating Room, what is the
maximum allowable leakage current for the Line Isolation Monitor (LIM)?
A. 2 mA
B. 5 mA
C. 10 mA
D. 20 mA
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The Line Isolation Monitor must be designed to alarm when the
total hazard current (leakage) reaches 5 mA.
6. What is the maximum number of 12 AWG THHN conductors allowed in a 3/4 inch EMT
conduit according to NEC Annex C?
A. 12
B. 22
