Exam with Answers: Illustrated Guide to the National Electrical Code, 9th Edition (Chapters 1-19)
1. What is the primary purpose of the National Electrical Code (NEC)?
Answer: To ensure the safe installation of electrical wiring and equipment.
2. Define the term 'conduit' as used in the NEC.
Answer: A tube or duct for enclosing electrical wires or cables.
3. Identify the required minimum clearance for overhead service conductors.
Answer: 10 feet above walking surfaces, 12 feet above driveways, and 18 feet over public roads.
4. Explain the difference between a grounded conductor and a grounding conductor.
Answer: A grounded conductor carries current back to the source under normal conditions, while a
grounding conductor provides a path for fault current to enhance safety.
5. What is the function of an overcurrent protection device?
Answer: To protect circuits from excessive current that can cause overheating or damage.
6. According to Chapter 2 of the NEC, what are the general wiring requirements for branch circuits?
Answer: They must be installed to minimize risks of fire and electrical shock, with proper ampacity
and protection devices.
7. List three types of raceways approved by the NEC.
Answer: EMT (Electrical Metallic Tubing), PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride), and IMC (Intermediate Metal
Conduit).
8. How does the NEC define a 'wet location'?
Answer: Areas subject to saturation with water or other liquids, such as outdoor spaces or within
underground conduits.
Page 1
1. What is the primary purpose of the National Electrical Code (NEC)?
Answer: To ensure the safe installation of electrical wiring and equipment.
2. Define the term 'conduit' as used in the NEC.
Answer: A tube or duct for enclosing electrical wires or cables.
3. Identify the required minimum clearance for overhead service conductors.
Answer: 10 feet above walking surfaces, 12 feet above driveways, and 18 feet over public roads.
4. Explain the difference between a grounded conductor and a grounding conductor.
Answer: A grounded conductor carries current back to the source under normal conditions, while a
grounding conductor provides a path for fault current to enhance safety.
5. What is the function of an overcurrent protection device?
Answer: To protect circuits from excessive current that can cause overheating or damage.
6. According to Chapter 2 of the NEC, what are the general wiring requirements for branch circuits?
Answer: They must be installed to minimize risks of fire and electrical shock, with proper ampacity
and protection devices.
7. List three types of raceways approved by the NEC.
Answer: EMT (Electrical Metallic Tubing), PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride), and IMC (Intermediate Metal
Conduit).
8. How does the NEC define a 'wet location'?
Answer: Areas subject to saturation with water or other liquids, such as outdoor spaces or within
underground conduits.
Page 1
