AR EL Electrical Contractor Exam
Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationale2026
Q&A| Instant Download Pdf
1. AR EL Electrical Contractor Exam – Question 1
What is the minimum burial depth for a direct-buried 120V branch circuit
under a residential lawn?
A. 6 inches
B. 12 inches
C. 18 inches
D. 24 inches
Rationale: Direct-buried cables under residential yards generally require
24 inches of cover per NEC Table 300.5.
2. AR EL Electrical Contractor Exam – Question 2
What is the maximum number of 90° bends permitted in a single conduit run
without a pull point?
A. 2
B. 3
C. 4
D. 5
Rationale: NEC limits conduit runs to 360° total bending between pull
points.
3. AR EL Electrical Contractor Exam – Question 3
,What is the allowable voltage drop recommended for branch circuits?
A. 1%
B. 3%
C. 5%
D. 10%
Rationale: NEC recommends keeping branch-circuit voltage drop to 3% for
efficiency.
4. AR EL Electrical Contractor Exam – Question 4
What conductor material is most commonly used for grounding electrodes?
A. Nickel
B. Titanium
C. Copper
D. Aluminum
Rationale: Copper is standard due to durability and corrosion resistance.
5. AR EL Electrical Contractor Exam – Question 5
Type NM cable is permitted in which type of construction?
A. Type I
B. Type II
C. Type III
D. Type V
Rationale: NM cable is allowed only in wood-frame Type III, IV, and V,
but commonly used in Type V.
6. AR EL Electrical Contractor Exam – Question 6
Which device protects against arc-faults?
A. GFCI
B. Breaker
C. Fuse
D. AFCI
Rationale: AFCI devices detect arcing conditions in wiring.
7. AR EL Electrical Contractor Exam – Question 7
, A multi-wire branch circuit must share what component?
A. Separate neutrals
B. Separate grounds
C. A common disconnecting means
D. A common equipment ground
Rationale: NEC requires simultaneous disconnection of ungrounded
conductors.
8. AR EL Electrical Contractor Exam – Question 8
What is the minimum size grounding electrode conductor for a 200-amp
service using copper?
A. 4 AWG
B. 2 AWG
C. 1 AWG
D. 3/0 AWG
Rationale: NEC Table 250.66 sets 2 AWG Cu for 3/0–350 kcmil service
conductors.
9. AR EL Electrical Contractor Exam – Question 9
What is the required working clearance in front of a 480V panel?
A. 24 inches
B. 36 inches
C. 42 inches
D. 60 inches
Rationale: NEC 110.26(A)(1) requires at least 3 ft for systems ≤600V.
10. AR EL Electrical Contractor Exam – Question 10
What color is permitted for the grounded (neutral) conductor insulation?
A. Red
B. White or gray
C. Green
D. Blue
Rationale: NEC requires neutral to be white or gray.
Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationale2026
Q&A| Instant Download Pdf
1. AR EL Electrical Contractor Exam – Question 1
What is the minimum burial depth for a direct-buried 120V branch circuit
under a residential lawn?
A. 6 inches
B. 12 inches
C. 18 inches
D. 24 inches
Rationale: Direct-buried cables under residential yards generally require
24 inches of cover per NEC Table 300.5.
2. AR EL Electrical Contractor Exam – Question 2
What is the maximum number of 90° bends permitted in a single conduit run
without a pull point?
A. 2
B. 3
C. 4
D. 5
Rationale: NEC limits conduit runs to 360° total bending between pull
points.
3. AR EL Electrical Contractor Exam – Question 3
,What is the allowable voltage drop recommended for branch circuits?
A. 1%
B. 3%
C. 5%
D. 10%
Rationale: NEC recommends keeping branch-circuit voltage drop to 3% for
efficiency.
4. AR EL Electrical Contractor Exam – Question 4
What conductor material is most commonly used for grounding electrodes?
A. Nickel
B. Titanium
C. Copper
D. Aluminum
Rationale: Copper is standard due to durability and corrosion resistance.
5. AR EL Electrical Contractor Exam – Question 5
Type NM cable is permitted in which type of construction?
A. Type I
B. Type II
C. Type III
D. Type V
Rationale: NM cable is allowed only in wood-frame Type III, IV, and V,
but commonly used in Type V.
6. AR EL Electrical Contractor Exam – Question 6
Which device protects against arc-faults?
A. GFCI
B. Breaker
C. Fuse
D. AFCI
Rationale: AFCI devices detect arcing conditions in wiring.
7. AR EL Electrical Contractor Exam – Question 7
, A multi-wire branch circuit must share what component?
A. Separate neutrals
B. Separate grounds
C. A common disconnecting means
D. A common equipment ground
Rationale: NEC requires simultaneous disconnection of ungrounded
conductors.
8. AR EL Electrical Contractor Exam – Question 8
What is the minimum size grounding electrode conductor for a 200-amp
service using copper?
A. 4 AWG
B. 2 AWG
C. 1 AWG
D. 3/0 AWG
Rationale: NEC Table 250.66 sets 2 AWG Cu for 3/0–350 kcmil service
conductors.
9. AR EL Electrical Contractor Exam – Question 9
What is the required working clearance in front of a 480V panel?
A. 24 inches
B. 36 inches
C. 42 inches
D. 60 inches
Rationale: NEC 110.26(A)(1) requires at least 3 ft for systems ≤600V.
10. AR EL Electrical Contractor Exam – Question 10
What color is permitted for the grounded (neutral) conductor insulation?
A. Red
B. White or gray
C. Green
D. Blue
Rationale: NEC requires neutral to be white or gray.
