NORTH CAROLINA RESIDENTIAL
SINGLE-FAMILY DWELLING
ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR
LICENSING (SP-SFD) 2026/2027 FINAL
PREP QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS WITH EXPLANATIONS
1. According to NEC 210.8(A), which of the following residential locations does NOT strictly
require GFCI protection for 125-volt, single-phase, 15- and 20-ampere receptacles?
A. Finished basement areas not intended as habitable rooms
B. Sinks in areas other than kitchens where receptacles are within 6 feet of the top inside
edge
C. Indoor damp or wet locations
D. Attics containing HVAC equipment
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: NEC 210.8(A) lists specific areas requiring GFCI. While
basements (finished or unfinished), sinks, and damp locations are included, attics are
generally not included unless they contain specific equipment like a crawl space pump or if
they meet other specific criteria; however, 210.8(E) now requires GFCI for crawl space
lighting, but standard attic receptacles for general use are not listed in 210.8(A).
,2. When calculating the service load for a single-family dwelling using the standard method,
what is the demand factor for the first 3,000 volt-amperes of the general lighting load?
A. 100%
B. 45%
C. 35%
D. 75%
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Per Table 220.42, the first 3,000 VA of the lighting load is
calculated at 100%, the next 3,001 to 120,000 VA at 35%, and anything over 120,000 VA at
25%.
3. In a residential dwelling, what is the minimum number of 20-ampere small-appliance
branch circuits required for the kitchen and dining areas?
A. Two
B. One
C. Three
D. Four
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: NEC 210.11(C)(1) requires at least two 20-ampere small-
appliance branch circuits to serve all receptacle outlets covered by 210.52(B).
, 4. A 120/240-volt, 3-wire service for a single-family dwelling has a total calculated load of 185
amperes. According to NEC 310.12, what is the minimum size Copper conductor required for
the service-entrance?
A. 1/0 AWG
B. 2/0 AWG
C. 4/0 AWG
D. 3/0 AWG
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: NEC Table 310.12 allows a 200A residential service to use 2/0
AWG Cu, but for 185A calculated load, we typically use the next standard size. Table 310.12
specifically allows 3/0 AWG Cu for 225A and 2/0 for 200A. Since 185A is below 200A, 2/0
would technically suffice for a 200A rated service, but if the main is rated 200A, 2/0 Cu is
the residential standard.
5. What is the maximum distance a receptacle can be located from the edge of a kitchen
basin before it no longer counts as a ‘countertop’ receptacle?
A. 12 inches
B. 18 inches
C. 48 inches
D. 24 inches
SINGLE-FAMILY DWELLING
ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR
LICENSING (SP-SFD) 2026/2027 FINAL
PREP QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS WITH EXPLANATIONS
1. According to NEC 210.8(A), which of the following residential locations does NOT strictly
require GFCI protection for 125-volt, single-phase, 15- and 20-ampere receptacles?
A. Finished basement areas not intended as habitable rooms
B. Sinks in areas other than kitchens where receptacles are within 6 feet of the top inside
edge
C. Indoor damp or wet locations
D. Attics containing HVAC equipment
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: NEC 210.8(A) lists specific areas requiring GFCI. While
basements (finished or unfinished), sinks, and damp locations are included, attics are
generally not included unless they contain specific equipment like a crawl space pump or if
they meet other specific criteria; however, 210.8(E) now requires GFCI for crawl space
lighting, but standard attic receptacles for general use are not listed in 210.8(A).
,2. When calculating the service load for a single-family dwelling using the standard method,
what is the demand factor for the first 3,000 volt-amperes of the general lighting load?
A. 100%
B. 45%
C. 35%
D. 75%
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Per Table 220.42, the first 3,000 VA of the lighting load is
calculated at 100%, the next 3,001 to 120,000 VA at 35%, and anything over 120,000 VA at
25%.
3. In a residential dwelling, what is the minimum number of 20-ampere small-appliance
branch circuits required for the kitchen and dining areas?
A. Two
B. One
C. Three
D. Four
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: NEC 210.11(C)(1) requires at least two 20-ampere small-
appliance branch circuits to serve all receptacle outlets covered by 210.52(B).
, 4. A 120/240-volt, 3-wire service for a single-family dwelling has a total calculated load of 185
amperes. According to NEC 310.12, what is the minimum size Copper conductor required for
the service-entrance?
A. 1/0 AWG
B. 2/0 AWG
C. 4/0 AWG
D. 3/0 AWG
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: NEC Table 310.12 allows a 200A residential service to use 2/0
AWG Cu, but for 185A calculated load, we typically use the next standard size. Table 310.12
specifically allows 3/0 AWG Cu for 225A and 2/0 for 200A. Since 185A is below 200A, 2/0
would technically suffice for a 200A rated service, but if the main is rated 200A, 2/0 Cu is
the residential standard.
5. What is the maximum distance a receptacle can be located from the edge of a kitchen
basin before it no longer counts as a ‘countertop’ receptacle?
A. 12 inches
B. 18 inches
C. 48 inches
D. 24 inches
