Solution and Answer Guide: Simmons/Ode, Electrical Wiring Commercial, 19E, © 2027, 9798214133133;
Chapter 1: Commercial Building Plans and Specifications
Solution and Answer Guide
SIMMONS/ODE, ELECTRICAL WIRING COMMERCIAL, 19E, © 2027, 9798214133133; C HAPTER 1:
COMMERCIAL BUILDING PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Review...........................................................................................................................1
Note to instructor: It is recommended that students be required to respond, where appropriate, with answers
that are complete sentences.
REVIEW
Refer to the National Electrical Code or the working drawings when necessary. Where applicable, responses
should be written in complete sentences.
1. What section of a commercial building’s specification contains a list of contract documents?
Answer: A list of the contract documents is contained in General Clauses and Conditions. A listing of the
Commercial Building contract documents is presented in this chapter under the heading “Commercial
Building Plans.” The instructor may wish to have the students check over this listing and compare it with
the plans provided.
2. The requirement for temporary light and power at the job site will be found in what portion of a
commercial building’s specification?
Answer: The Supplementary General Conditions specifies the job site requirements for temporary light
and power. In some contracts, this electrical system becomes the responsibility of the general contractor; in
other contracts, it is the electrical contractor’s responsibility to install and maintain the temporary electrical
system. The instructor may wish to refer the student to NEC Article 590 and discuss the requirements in
detail.
© 2027 Cengage. All Rights Reserved. May not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible 1
website, in whole or in part.
, Solution and Answer Guide: Simmons/Ode, Electrical Wiring Commercial, 19E, © 2027, 9798214133133;
Chapter 1: Commercial Building Plans and Specifications
3. The electrician uses the Schedule of Working Drawings for what purpose?
Answer: The electrician uses the Schedule of Working Drawings to determine whether all of the drawings
are at hand. The information on “the other sheets” may be very important, especially in coordinating with
other contractors.
4. Complete the following items by indicating the letter(s) designating the correct source(s) of information:
No. Answer Item Information
4. Sections Ceiling height Sections, Sheet A6
5. Electrical Electrical receptacle style Electrical symbol schedule, Chapter 2, Figure 2
symbol schedule –6
6. Electrical layout Electrical outlet location Electrical layout drawings, Sheets El, E2, and
drawings E3
7. Elevations Exterior wall finishes Elevations, Sheets A4 and A5
8. Site plan Grading elevations Site plan, Sheet A4
9. Electrical layout Panelboard schedules Electrical layout drawings, Sheet E4
drawings
10. Architectural Room width Architectural floor plan, Sheets Al, A2, and A3
floor plan
11. Architectural Swing of door Architectural floor plan, Sheets Al, A2, and A3
floor plan
12. Sections View of interior wall Sections, Sheet A6
Match the items on the left with those on the right by writing the letter designation of the appropriate
organization from the list on the right.
13. NEC Electrical Code National Electrical Code (NEC)
14. IAEI Electrical inspectors International Association of Electrical
Inspectors (IAEI)
15. NFPA Fire codes National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
16. IESNA Lighting information Illuminating Engineering Society of North
America (IESNA)
© 2027 Cengage. All Rights Reserved. May not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible 2
website, in whole or in part.
, Solution and Answer Guide: Simmons/Ode, Electrical Wiring Commercial, 19E, © 2027, 9798214133133;
Chapter 1: Commercial Building Plans and Specifications
17. UL Listing service Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. (UL)
18. NEMA Manufacturers’ standards National Electrical Manufacturers Association
(NEMA)
19. PE Seal Professional Engineer (PE)
Match the items on the left with those on the right by writing the letter designation of the proper level of
NEC interpretation from the list on the right.
20. with special Allowed by the Code Shall be permitted, or Shall not be required,
permission NEC
21. with special May be done Shall be permitted, or Shall not be required,
permission NEC
22. shall Must be done Shall, National Electrical Code
23. shall Required by the Code Shall, National Electrical Code
24. never Up to the electrician Shall be permitted, or Shall not be required,
NEC
25. Find NEC 250.52(A)(5) and record the first four words.
Answer: The first four words of NEC 250.52(A)(5) are Rod and pipe electrodes.
Show required conversion calculations for problem 26 and problem 27.
26. Luminaire style F is four feet long. The length in SI units, as specified by the NEC, is
Answer: The length in SI units is 1.22 m; 4 ft × 0.3048 m/ft = 1.2192 m. As will be discussed later, this
luminaire is now called a 4 by 2 or the equivalent 1200 by 600 in metric terms. This question assumes that
the luminaire is exactly 4 ft long.
27. The gross area of the drugstore basement is 1395 square feet. The area in square meters is
Answer: The area in SI units is 129.7 sq. m; 1395 sq. ft × 0.093 sq. m/sq. ft = 129.7 sq. m.
To answer Questions 28–31, refer to the Plans included with this book. Determine the Following dimensions.
Write the dimensions using unit names, not symbols (for example, 1 foot, not 1’), and indicate the source of the
information.
28. What is the inside clear distance of the interior stairway to the drugstore basement?
Answer: The inside clear distance of the interior stairway to the Drugstore basement is
4 ft 0 in. (1.22 m), as scaled from Sheet A2.
29. What is the gross square footage of each floor of the building?
© 2027 Cengage. All Rights Reserved. May not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible 3
website, in whole or in part.
, Solution and Answer Guide: Simmons/Ode, Electrical Wiring Commercial, 19E, © 2027, 9798214133133;
Chapter 1: Commercial Building Plans and Specifications
Answer: The gross area of each floor of the building is 60 ft × 43 ft = 2580 sq. ft (18.82 m × 13.1 m =
246.5 sq. m), as taken from Sheets Al, A2, and A3.
30. What is the distance in the drugstore from the exterior block wall to the block wall separating the drugstore
from the bakery?
Answer: The distance from the exterior block wall in the Drugstore to the block wall separating the
Drugstore from the Bakery is 21 ft 7 in. (6.58 m), as shown on Sheet A2.
31. What is the finished floor to finished ceiling height on the second floor?
Answer: The finished floor to finished ceiling height on the second floor is 8 ft 6 in. (2.59 m), as available
from East and West Elevations A41–2, and Sheet A6, Cross Sections A–A and B–B.
For problems 32–34, cite the NEC source. We will show the method of using the NEC Index for the first two
questions in Chapter 1 and will provide this same method of locating requirements in other chapters of this
book.
32. The standard ampere ratings for fuses and fixed trip circuit breakers.
Answer: The standard ampere rating for fuses and fixed trip circuit breakers is given in NEC Table
240.6(A).
To find this information in the Index of the NEC, locate “Circuit breakers, Article 240, and locate Rating and
under that locate Fixed-Trip circuit breakers, 240.6(A)…” This will provide the Section number for the ratings.
33. The minimum bending radius for metal-clad cable with a smooth sheath with an external diameter of 1 in.
Answer: The minimum bending radius for metal clad cable with a smooth sheath with an external
diameter of 1 in. (size 1) is given in NEC 330.24(A)(2) as 12 times the diameter.
To find this information in the Index of the NEC, locate “Metal-clad Cable, Article 330, and under that locate
“Bends, 330.24.” 330.24(A)(2).
34. The permission to use splices in busbars as grounding electrode conductors.
Answer: The permission to use splices in busbars as a grounding electrode conductor is given in NEC
250.64(C)(3).
© 2027 Cengage. All Rights Reserved. May not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible 4
website, in whole or in part.
Chapter 1: Commercial Building Plans and Specifications
Solution and Answer Guide
SIMMONS/ODE, ELECTRICAL WIRING COMMERCIAL, 19E, © 2027, 9798214133133; C HAPTER 1:
COMMERCIAL BUILDING PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Review...........................................................................................................................1
Note to instructor: It is recommended that students be required to respond, where appropriate, with answers
that are complete sentences.
REVIEW
Refer to the National Electrical Code or the working drawings when necessary. Where applicable, responses
should be written in complete sentences.
1. What section of a commercial building’s specification contains a list of contract documents?
Answer: A list of the contract documents is contained in General Clauses and Conditions. A listing of the
Commercial Building contract documents is presented in this chapter under the heading “Commercial
Building Plans.” The instructor may wish to have the students check over this listing and compare it with
the plans provided.
2. The requirement for temporary light and power at the job site will be found in what portion of a
commercial building’s specification?
Answer: The Supplementary General Conditions specifies the job site requirements for temporary light
and power. In some contracts, this electrical system becomes the responsibility of the general contractor; in
other contracts, it is the electrical contractor’s responsibility to install and maintain the temporary electrical
system. The instructor may wish to refer the student to NEC Article 590 and discuss the requirements in
detail.
© 2027 Cengage. All Rights Reserved. May not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible 1
website, in whole or in part.
, Solution and Answer Guide: Simmons/Ode, Electrical Wiring Commercial, 19E, © 2027, 9798214133133;
Chapter 1: Commercial Building Plans and Specifications
3. The electrician uses the Schedule of Working Drawings for what purpose?
Answer: The electrician uses the Schedule of Working Drawings to determine whether all of the drawings
are at hand. The information on “the other sheets” may be very important, especially in coordinating with
other contractors.
4. Complete the following items by indicating the letter(s) designating the correct source(s) of information:
No. Answer Item Information
4. Sections Ceiling height Sections, Sheet A6
5. Electrical Electrical receptacle style Electrical symbol schedule, Chapter 2, Figure 2
symbol schedule –6
6. Electrical layout Electrical outlet location Electrical layout drawings, Sheets El, E2, and
drawings E3
7. Elevations Exterior wall finishes Elevations, Sheets A4 and A5
8. Site plan Grading elevations Site plan, Sheet A4
9. Electrical layout Panelboard schedules Electrical layout drawings, Sheet E4
drawings
10. Architectural Room width Architectural floor plan, Sheets Al, A2, and A3
floor plan
11. Architectural Swing of door Architectural floor plan, Sheets Al, A2, and A3
floor plan
12. Sections View of interior wall Sections, Sheet A6
Match the items on the left with those on the right by writing the letter designation of the appropriate
organization from the list on the right.
13. NEC Electrical Code National Electrical Code (NEC)
14. IAEI Electrical inspectors International Association of Electrical
Inspectors (IAEI)
15. NFPA Fire codes National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
16. IESNA Lighting information Illuminating Engineering Society of North
America (IESNA)
© 2027 Cengage. All Rights Reserved. May not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible 2
website, in whole or in part.
, Solution and Answer Guide: Simmons/Ode, Electrical Wiring Commercial, 19E, © 2027, 9798214133133;
Chapter 1: Commercial Building Plans and Specifications
17. UL Listing service Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. (UL)
18. NEMA Manufacturers’ standards National Electrical Manufacturers Association
(NEMA)
19. PE Seal Professional Engineer (PE)
Match the items on the left with those on the right by writing the letter designation of the proper level of
NEC interpretation from the list on the right.
20. with special Allowed by the Code Shall be permitted, or Shall not be required,
permission NEC
21. with special May be done Shall be permitted, or Shall not be required,
permission NEC
22. shall Must be done Shall, National Electrical Code
23. shall Required by the Code Shall, National Electrical Code
24. never Up to the electrician Shall be permitted, or Shall not be required,
NEC
25. Find NEC 250.52(A)(5) and record the first four words.
Answer: The first four words of NEC 250.52(A)(5) are Rod and pipe electrodes.
Show required conversion calculations for problem 26 and problem 27.
26. Luminaire style F is four feet long. The length in SI units, as specified by the NEC, is
Answer: The length in SI units is 1.22 m; 4 ft × 0.3048 m/ft = 1.2192 m. As will be discussed later, this
luminaire is now called a 4 by 2 or the equivalent 1200 by 600 in metric terms. This question assumes that
the luminaire is exactly 4 ft long.
27. The gross area of the drugstore basement is 1395 square feet. The area in square meters is
Answer: The area in SI units is 129.7 sq. m; 1395 sq. ft × 0.093 sq. m/sq. ft = 129.7 sq. m.
To answer Questions 28–31, refer to the Plans included with this book. Determine the Following dimensions.
Write the dimensions using unit names, not symbols (for example, 1 foot, not 1’), and indicate the source of the
information.
28. What is the inside clear distance of the interior stairway to the drugstore basement?
Answer: The inside clear distance of the interior stairway to the Drugstore basement is
4 ft 0 in. (1.22 m), as scaled from Sheet A2.
29. What is the gross square footage of each floor of the building?
© 2027 Cengage. All Rights Reserved. May not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible 3
website, in whole or in part.
, Solution and Answer Guide: Simmons/Ode, Electrical Wiring Commercial, 19E, © 2027, 9798214133133;
Chapter 1: Commercial Building Plans and Specifications
Answer: The gross area of each floor of the building is 60 ft × 43 ft = 2580 sq. ft (18.82 m × 13.1 m =
246.5 sq. m), as taken from Sheets Al, A2, and A3.
30. What is the distance in the drugstore from the exterior block wall to the block wall separating the drugstore
from the bakery?
Answer: The distance from the exterior block wall in the Drugstore to the block wall separating the
Drugstore from the Bakery is 21 ft 7 in. (6.58 m), as shown on Sheet A2.
31. What is the finished floor to finished ceiling height on the second floor?
Answer: The finished floor to finished ceiling height on the second floor is 8 ft 6 in. (2.59 m), as available
from East and West Elevations A41–2, and Sheet A6, Cross Sections A–A and B–B.
For problems 32–34, cite the NEC source. We will show the method of using the NEC Index for the first two
questions in Chapter 1 and will provide this same method of locating requirements in other chapters of this
book.
32. The standard ampere ratings for fuses and fixed trip circuit breakers.
Answer: The standard ampere rating for fuses and fixed trip circuit breakers is given in NEC Table
240.6(A).
To find this information in the Index of the NEC, locate “Circuit breakers, Article 240, and locate Rating and
under that locate Fixed-Trip circuit breakers, 240.6(A)…” This will provide the Section number for the ratings.
33. The minimum bending radius for metal-clad cable with a smooth sheath with an external diameter of 1 in.
Answer: The minimum bending radius for metal clad cable with a smooth sheath with an external
diameter of 1 in. (size 1) is given in NEC 330.24(A)(2) as 12 times the diameter.
To find this information in the Index of the NEC, locate “Metal-clad Cable, Article 330, and under that locate
“Bends, 330.24.” 330.24(A)(2).
34. The permission to use splices in busbars as grounding electrode conductors.
Answer: The permission to use splices in busbars as a grounding electrode conductor is given in NEC
250.64(C)(3).
© 2027 Cengage. All Rights Reserved. May not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible 4
website, in whole or in part.
