Texas Journeyman Electrician Exam
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales
2025/2026 Q&A | Instant Download
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1. What is the maximum allowable voltage drop for a branch circuit in a
dwelling unit?
A) 1%
B) 2%
C) 3%
D) 5%
The NEC recommends a maximum of 3% voltage drop for branch circuits to
ensure efficient operation of connected devices.
2. According to the NEC, which color conductor is typically used for grounding?
A) Red
B) Black
C) Green
D) White
Green is universally used for grounding conductors to clearly distinguish them
from current-carrying wires.
3. What is the primary purpose of a GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter)?
A) Protect against overcurrent
B) Protect against ground faults
C) Prevent short circuits
D) Reduce voltage drop
GFCIs detect leakage currents to ground and disconnect power, preventing
shock hazards.
4. The minimum burial depth for a 120V, 20A underground PVC conduit is:
A) 6 inches
B) 18 inches
C) 24 inches
D) 36 inches
,Per NEC Table 300.5, a 120V, 20A circuit in PVC must be buried at least 18
inches underground.
5. Which conductor is considered “ungrounded” in a single-phase circuit?
A) Neutral
B) Grounding conductor
C) Hot
D) Metallic conduit
The ungrounded conductor carries current under normal operation and is
“hot.”
6. When installing a 3-way switch, how many traveler wires are required?
A) 1
B) 2
C) 3
D) 4
3-way switches use two traveler wires to allow control of a single load from
two locations.
7. What is the minimum size copper conductor for a 20A branch circuit?
A) 14 AWG
B) 12 AWG
C) 10 AWG
D) 8 AWG
NEC 310.15(B)(16) specifies 12 AWG copper for 20A circuits.
8. Which device provides short-circuit and overload protection in a residential
panel?
A) GFCI
B) AFCI
C) Circuit breaker
D) Transformer
Circuit breakers protect conductors and devices from damage due to overload
or short circuits.
9. Which type of conduit is permitted to be buried directly in the ground
without additional protection?
A) EMT
B) PVC
C) RMC
, D) IMC
PVC is listed for direct burial when installed according to NEC guidelines.
10. What is the NEC minimum ampacity rating for a conductor supplying a 30A
branch circuit?
A) 15A
B) 20A
C) 30A
D) 40A
The conductor must at least match the branch circuit rating to prevent
overheating.
11. Which tool is primarily used to strip insulation from wires?
A) Hammer
B) Wire stripper
C) Screwdriver
D) Pliers
Wire strippers remove insulation without damaging the conductor.
12. For a 120/240V single-phase system, what is the voltage between the two
hot legs?
A) 120V
B) 208V
C) 240V
D) 480V
In single-phase 120/240V service, the two hot conductors are 180 degrees out
of phase, giving 240V.
13. How many cubic inches are required in a standard 4-inch square box for a
single 12 AWG conductor?
A) 5 in³
B) 7 in³
C) 8 in³
D) 10 in³
NEC Chapter 3 Box Fill calculations specify 8 in³ for a single 12 AWG conductor.
14. What type of protection is required for circuits in wet locations?
A) Fuses only
B) None
C) GFCI protection
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales
2025/2026 Q&A | Instant Download
1. What is the maximum allowable voltage drop for a branch circuit in a
dwelling unit?
A) 1%
B) 2%
C) 3%
D) 5%
The NEC recommends a maximum of 3% voltage drop for branch circuits to
ensure efficient operation of connected devices.
2. According to the NEC, which color conductor is typically used for grounding?
A) Red
B) Black
C) Green
D) White
Green is universally used for grounding conductors to clearly distinguish them
from current-carrying wires.
3. What is the primary purpose of a GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter)?
A) Protect against overcurrent
B) Protect against ground faults
C) Prevent short circuits
D) Reduce voltage drop
GFCIs detect leakage currents to ground and disconnect power, preventing
shock hazards.
4. The minimum burial depth for a 120V, 20A underground PVC conduit is:
A) 6 inches
B) 18 inches
C) 24 inches
D) 36 inches
,Per NEC Table 300.5, a 120V, 20A circuit in PVC must be buried at least 18
inches underground.
5. Which conductor is considered “ungrounded” in a single-phase circuit?
A) Neutral
B) Grounding conductor
C) Hot
D) Metallic conduit
The ungrounded conductor carries current under normal operation and is
“hot.”
6. When installing a 3-way switch, how many traveler wires are required?
A) 1
B) 2
C) 3
D) 4
3-way switches use two traveler wires to allow control of a single load from
two locations.
7. What is the minimum size copper conductor for a 20A branch circuit?
A) 14 AWG
B) 12 AWG
C) 10 AWG
D) 8 AWG
NEC 310.15(B)(16) specifies 12 AWG copper for 20A circuits.
8. Which device provides short-circuit and overload protection in a residential
panel?
A) GFCI
B) AFCI
C) Circuit breaker
D) Transformer
Circuit breakers protect conductors and devices from damage due to overload
or short circuits.
9. Which type of conduit is permitted to be buried directly in the ground
without additional protection?
A) EMT
B) PVC
C) RMC
, D) IMC
PVC is listed for direct burial when installed according to NEC guidelines.
10. What is the NEC minimum ampacity rating for a conductor supplying a 30A
branch circuit?
A) 15A
B) 20A
C) 30A
D) 40A
The conductor must at least match the branch circuit rating to prevent
overheating.
11. Which tool is primarily used to strip insulation from wires?
A) Hammer
B) Wire stripper
C) Screwdriver
D) Pliers
Wire strippers remove insulation without damaging the conductor.
12. For a 120/240V single-phase system, what is the voltage between the two
hot legs?
A) 120V
B) 208V
C) 240V
D) 480V
In single-phase 120/240V service, the two hot conductors are 180 degrees out
of phase, giving 240V.
13. How many cubic inches are required in a standard 4-inch square box for a
single 12 AWG conductor?
A) 5 in³
B) 7 in³
C) 8 in³
D) 10 in³
NEC Chapter 3 Box Fill calculations specify 8 in³ for a single 12 AWG conductor.
14. What type of protection is required for circuits in wet locations?
A) Fuses only
B) None
C) GFCI protection
