NORTH CAROLINA RESIDENTIAL
SINGLE-FAMILY DWELLING
ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR
LICENSING FINAL EXAM QUESTIONS
AND CORRECT ANSWERS WITH
EXPLANATIONS
1. What is the minimum general lighting load for a single-family dwelling per square foot,
based on Article 220 of the NEC?
A. 3 volt-amperes
B. 2 volt-amperes
C. 5 volt-amperes
D. 1.5 volt-amperes
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: NEC Table 220.12 specifies a unit load of 3 volt-amperes per
square foot for dwelling units to calculate general lighting loads.
2. A single-family dwelling has a calculated load of 185 amperes. What is the minimum size
for Copper Service Entrance (SE) conductors if the service is 120/240V, single-phase?
A. 2/0 AWG
,B. 4/0 AWG
C. 3/0 AWG
D. 1/0 AWG
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Based on NEC Table 310.12 (formerly 310.15(B)(7)), 3/0 AWG
Copper is rated for a 200A residential service/feeder, which covers the 185A load.
3. What is the maximum distance between a kitchen countertop receptacle and any point
along the wall line?
A. 12 inches
B. 24 inches
C. 18 inches
D. 48 inches
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Per NEC 210.52(C)(1), no point along the wall line shall be more
than 24 inches from a receptacle outlet (the 2-foot/4-foot rule).
4. Which of the following locations in a residential dwelling does NOT require AFCI protection
under current NEC standards?
A. Kitchens
B. Bedrooms
, C. Family rooms
D. Bathrooms
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: NEC 210.12(A) requires AFCI for most rooms in a dwelling, but
bathrooms are notably excluded from AFCI requirements (though they require GFCI).
5. What is the minimum burial depth for Type UF cable installed under a residential driveway
without a raceway?
A. 12 inches
B. 24 inches
C. 18 inches
D. 6 inches
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: NEC Table 300.5 specifies a burial depth of 18 inches for direct-
buried cables under residential driveways.
6. The grounding electrode conductor (GEC) for a 200A service using 3/0 AWG copper
conductors shall be at least what size copper?
A. 8 AWG
B. 6 AWG
C. 4 AWG
SINGLE-FAMILY DWELLING
ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR
LICENSING FINAL EXAM QUESTIONS
AND CORRECT ANSWERS WITH
EXPLANATIONS
1. What is the minimum general lighting load for a single-family dwelling per square foot,
based on Article 220 of the NEC?
A. 3 volt-amperes
B. 2 volt-amperes
C. 5 volt-amperes
D. 1.5 volt-amperes
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: NEC Table 220.12 specifies a unit load of 3 volt-amperes per
square foot for dwelling units to calculate general lighting loads.
2. A single-family dwelling has a calculated load of 185 amperes. What is the minimum size
for Copper Service Entrance (SE) conductors if the service is 120/240V, single-phase?
A. 2/0 AWG
,B. 4/0 AWG
C. 3/0 AWG
D. 1/0 AWG
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Based on NEC Table 310.12 (formerly 310.15(B)(7)), 3/0 AWG
Copper is rated for a 200A residential service/feeder, which covers the 185A load.
3. What is the maximum distance between a kitchen countertop receptacle and any point
along the wall line?
A. 12 inches
B. 24 inches
C. 18 inches
D. 48 inches
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Per NEC 210.52(C)(1), no point along the wall line shall be more
than 24 inches from a receptacle outlet (the 2-foot/4-foot rule).
4. Which of the following locations in a residential dwelling does NOT require AFCI protection
under current NEC standards?
A. Kitchens
B. Bedrooms
, C. Family rooms
D. Bathrooms
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: NEC 210.12(A) requires AFCI for most rooms in a dwelling, but
bathrooms are notably excluded from AFCI requirements (though they require GFCI).
5. What is the minimum burial depth for Type UF cable installed under a residential driveway
without a raceway?
A. 12 inches
B. 24 inches
C. 18 inches
D. 6 inches
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: NEC Table 300.5 specifies a burial depth of 18 inches for direct-
buried cables under residential driveways.
6. The grounding electrode conductor (GEC) for a 200A service using 3/0 AWG copper
conductors shall be at least what size copper?
A. 8 AWG
B. 6 AWG
C. 4 AWG
