Tennessee Electrical Contractor Exam –
Journeyman Level Exam Practice
Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationale 2026
Q&A| Instant Download Pdf
1. In residential electrical wiring, a grounded conductor is best defined as
which of the following?
A. A conductor that carries current only during fault conditions
B. A conductor connected to the equipment grounding system
C. A current-carrying conductor intentionally grounded, typically the
neutral
D. A conductor used solely for lightning protection
Rationale: The grounded conductor, commonly referred to as the neutral,
is intentionally connected to ground and carries current under normal
operating conditions in contrast to equipment grounding conductors.
2. According to the National Electrical Code (NEC), what is the primary
purpose of the equipment grounding conductor?
A. To carry normal load current
B. To stabilize voltage during operation
C. To provide a low-impedance path for fault current
D. To increase circuit resistance
,Rationale: The equipment grounding conductor ensures that fault current
has a safe, low-resistance path back to the source, facilitating operation of
overcurrent protective devices.
3. What is the minimum burial depth for direct-buried UF cable under a
residential driveway without conduit protection?
A. 12 inches
B. 18 inches
C. 24 inches
D. 36 inches
Rationale: NEC specifies that direct-buried UF cable under driveways must
be buried at least 24 inches to protect against mechanical damage.
4. Which type of circuit breaker is designed to protect against both
overloads and ground faults?
A. Standard breaker
B. AFCI breaker
C. Thermal breaker
D. GFCI breaker
Rationale: Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) breakers provide
protection against overloads and ground faults by detecting current
imbalance.
5. What is the allowable ampacity of 12 AWG copper conductors under
typical residential conditions?
A. 15 amps
B. 20 amps
C. 25 amps
D. 30 amps
Rationale: Under standard NEC conditions, 12 AWG copper conductors are
rated for 20 amps in most residential applications.
6. What is the purpose of a bonding jumper?
A. To reduce voltage drop
, B. To carry load current
C. To ensure electrical continuity between metal parts
D. To increase system impedance
Rationale: Bonding jumpers connect metallic parts to ensure electrical
continuity and effective fault current paths.
7. In a single-phase 120/240V system, what is the voltage between the
two hot conductors?
A. 120V
B. 208V
C. 240V
D. 277V
Rationale: The voltage between the two hot legs of a single-phase system
is 240V due to phase opposition.
8. What does AFCI stand for?
A. Automatic Fault Circuit Interrupter
B. Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter
C. Alternating Fault Circuit Indicator
D. Arc Frequency Circuit Indicator
Rationale: AFCI devices detect dangerous arcing conditions that may lead
to electrical fires.
9. Which conductor color is typically used for equipment grounding in
residential wiring?
A. Black
B. Red
C. White
D. Green or bare
Rationale: NEC designates green or bare conductors for equipment
grounding purposes.
Journeyman Level Exam Practice
Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationale 2026
Q&A| Instant Download Pdf
1. In residential electrical wiring, a grounded conductor is best defined as
which of the following?
A. A conductor that carries current only during fault conditions
B. A conductor connected to the equipment grounding system
C. A current-carrying conductor intentionally grounded, typically the
neutral
D. A conductor used solely for lightning protection
Rationale: The grounded conductor, commonly referred to as the neutral,
is intentionally connected to ground and carries current under normal
operating conditions in contrast to equipment grounding conductors.
2. According to the National Electrical Code (NEC), what is the primary
purpose of the equipment grounding conductor?
A. To carry normal load current
B. To stabilize voltage during operation
C. To provide a low-impedance path for fault current
D. To increase circuit resistance
,Rationale: The equipment grounding conductor ensures that fault current
has a safe, low-resistance path back to the source, facilitating operation of
overcurrent protective devices.
3. What is the minimum burial depth for direct-buried UF cable under a
residential driveway without conduit protection?
A. 12 inches
B. 18 inches
C. 24 inches
D. 36 inches
Rationale: NEC specifies that direct-buried UF cable under driveways must
be buried at least 24 inches to protect against mechanical damage.
4. Which type of circuit breaker is designed to protect against both
overloads and ground faults?
A. Standard breaker
B. AFCI breaker
C. Thermal breaker
D. GFCI breaker
Rationale: Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) breakers provide
protection against overloads and ground faults by detecting current
imbalance.
5. What is the allowable ampacity of 12 AWG copper conductors under
typical residential conditions?
A. 15 amps
B. 20 amps
C. 25 amps
D. 30 amps
Rationale: Under standard NEC conditions, 12 AWG copper conductors are
rated for 20 amps in most residential applications.
6. What is the purpose of a bonding jumper?
A. To reduce voltage drop
, B. To carry load current
C. To ensure electrical continuity between metal parts
D. To increase system impedance
Rationale: Bonding jumpers connect metallic parts to ensure electrical
continuity and effective fault current paths.
7. In a single-phase 120/240V system, what is the voltage between the
two hot conductors?
A. 120V
B. 208V
C. 240V
D. 277V
Rationale: The voltage between the two hot legs of a single-phase system
is 240V due to phase opposition.
8. What does AFCI stand for?
A. Automatic Fault Circuit Interrupter
B. Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter
C. Alternating Fault Circuit Indicator
D. Arc Frequency Circuit Indicator
Rationale: AFCI devices detect dangerous arcing conditions that may lead
to electrical fires.
9. Which conductor color is typically used for equipment grounding in
residential wiring?
A. Black
B. Red
C. White
D. Green or bare
Rationale: NEC designates green or bare conductors for equipment
grounding purposes.
