NORTH CAROLINA RESIDENTIAL
SINGLE-FAMILY DWELLING
ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR
LICENSING FINAL EXAM 2026/2027
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS
WITH EXPLANATIONS
1. Calculated under the Standard Method, what is the minimum load allowed for each small-
appliance branch circuit required in a dwelling unit?
A. 1500 VA
B. 1200 VA
C. 1800 VA
D. 2400 VA
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: NEC 220.52(A) states that the load for each 20-ampere small-
appliance branch circuit shall be calculated at 1,500 volt-amperes.
2. What is the maximum rating of a cord-and-plug-connected load to a 20-ampere multi-
outlet branch circuit?
A. 12 amperes
,B. 15 amperes
C. 20 amperes
D. 16 amperes
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Per NEC 210.23(A)(1), the rating of any one cord-and-plug-
connected utilization equipment shall not exceed 80 percent of the branch-circuit ampere
rating (80% of 20A = 16A).
3. When using the Optional Calculation for a single-family dwelling, what percentage is
applied to the first 10,000 VA of all other loads?
A. 100%
B. 75%
C. 40%
D. 10%
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: NEC 220.82(B) specifies that the first 10 kVA is calculated at 100
percent, and the remainder of the other loads at 40 percent.
4. A 120-volt, single-phase, 15-ampere or 20-ampere branch circuit supplying which of the
following locations is NOT required to be AFCI protected in a dwelling?
A. Closets
, B. Bathrooms
C. Guest Suites
D. Kitchens
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Per NEC 210.12, bathrooms are currently not on the list
requiring AFCI protection for 120V 15A/20A circuits, although they require GFCI.
5. What is the minimum working space depth in the direction of access to live parts for a
120/240V residential panelboard?
A. 3 feet
B. 2 feet
C. 3.5 feet
D. 4 feet
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: NEC 110.26(A)(1) Table specifies 3 feet for Condition 1 or 2
(less than 150V to ground).
6. Which conductor is required to be connected to the ‘silver’ terminal of a standard duplex
receptacle?
A. The grounding conductor
B. The ungrounded conductor
SINGLE-FAMILY DWELLING
ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR
LICENSING FINAL EXAM 2026/2027
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS
WITH EXPLANATIONS
1. Calculated under the Standard Method, what is the minimum load allowed for each small-
appliance branch circuit required in a dwelling unit?
A. 1500 VA
B. 1200 VA
C. 1800 VA
D. 2400 VA
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: NEC 220.52(A) states that the load for each 20-ampere small-
appliance branch circuit shall be calculated at 1,500 volt-amperes.
2. What is the maximum rating of a cord-and-plug-connected load to a 20-ampere multi-
outlet branch circuit?
A. 12 amperes
,B. 15 amperes
C. 20 amperes
D. 16 amperes
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Per NEC 210.23(A)(1), the rating of any one cord-and-plug-
connected utilization equipment shall not exceed 80 percent of the branch-circuit ampere
rating (80% of 20A = 16A).
3. When using the Optional Calculation for a single-family dwelling, what percentage is
applied to the first 10,000 VA of all other loads?
A. 100%
B. 75%
C. 40%
D. 10%
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: NEC 220.82(B) specifies that the first 10 kVA is calculated at 100
percent, and the remainder of the other loads at 40 percent.
4. A 120-volt, single-phase, 15-ampere or 20-ampere branch circuit supplying which of the
following locations is NOT required to be AFCI protected in a dwelling?
A. Closets
, B. Bathrooms
C. Guest Suites
D. Kitchens
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Per NEC 210.12, bathrooms are currently not on the list
requiring AFCI protection for 120V 15A/20A circuits, although they require GFCI.
5. What is the minimum working space depth in the direction of access to live parts for a
120/240V residential panelboard?
A. 3 feet
B. 2 feet
C. 3.5 feet
D. 4 feet
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: NEC 110.26(A)(1) Table specifies 3 feet for Condition 1 or 2
(less than 150V to ground).
6. Which conductor is required to be connected to the ‘silver’ terminal of a standard duplex
receptacle?
A. The grounding conductor
B. The ungrounded conductor
