Page 1 of 165
Commercial Electrical Inspector (E2) Practice
Exam Questions with Answers and
Rationales| Instant Download PDF
1. What is the primary purpose of the National Electrical Code
(NEC)?
A) To design electrical systems for maximum efficiency
B) To provide minimum installation standards for safety
C) To certify electrical contractors
D) To calculate electrical utility bills
Correct Answer: B) To provide minimum installation standards for
safety
Rationale: The NEC provides minimum safety standards for
electrical installations to protect people and property from
electrical hazards. It is not a design manual but a safety code .
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2. Which NEC article covers general requirements for
grounding and bonding?
A) Article 240
B) Article 250
C) Article 300
D) Article 310
Correct Answer: B) Article 250
Rationale: Article 250 governs grounding and bonding
requirements in electrical systems, including system grounding,
equipment grounding, and bonding of conductive materials .
3. The term "Accessible" as defined in NEC Article 100 means:
A) Capable of being reached quickly without tools
B) Capable of being reached for operation, maintenance, or
inspection, requiring the removal of non-permanent obstacles
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C) Stored in a locked room
D) Located behind permanent construction
Correct Answer: B) Capable of being reached for operation,
maintenance, or inspection, requiring the removal of non-
permanent obstacles
Rationale: NEC Article 100 defines "Accessible" as capable of
being reached for operation, maintenance, or inspection, which
may require the removal of obstacles such as panels or covers.
4. What is the minimum working space required in front of
electrical equipment operating at 120 volts to ground with
exposed live parts on one side?
A) 2 ft 6 in
B) 3 ft
C) 3 ft 6 in
D) 4 ft
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Correct Answer: B) 3 ft
Rationale: NEC Table 110.26(A)(1) requires 3 ft of working
space for equipment 0-150 volts to ground with exposed live
parts on one side and no live parts on the opposite side.
5. Which of the following is NOT an enforceable part of the
NEC?
A) Mandatory rules using the word "shall"
B) Permissive rules using the word "shall be permitted"
C) Explanatory material in the form of Fine Print Notes (FPN)
D) Exceptions to rules
Correct Answer: C) Explanatory material in the form of Fine
Print Notes (FPN)
Rationale: Fine Print Notes (now called Informational Notes) are
not enforceable; they provide explanatory material only.
Commercial Electrical Inspector (E2) Practice
Exam Questions with Answers and
Rationales| Instant Download PDF
1. What is the primary purpose of the National Electrical Code
(NEC)?
A) To design electrical systems for maximum efficiency
B) To provide minimum installation standards for safety
C) To certify electrical contractors
D) To calculate electrical utility bills
Correct Answer: B) To provide minimum installation standards for
safety
Rationale: The NEC provides minimum safety standards for
electrical installations to protect people and property from
electrical hazards. It is not a design manual but a safety code .
,Page 2 of 165
2. Which NEC article covers general requirements for
grounding and bonding?
A) Article 240
B) Article 250
C) Article 300
D) Article 310
Correct Answer: B) Article 250
Rationale: Article 250 governs grounding and bonding
requirements in electrical systems, including system grounding,
equipment grounding, and bonding of conductive materials .
3. The term "Accessible" as defined in NEC Article 100 means:
A) Capable of being reached quickly without tools
B) Capable of being reached for operation, maintenance, or
inspection, requiring the removal of non-permanent obstacles
,Page 3 of 165
C) Stored in a locked room
D) Located behind permanent construction
Correct Answer: B) Capable of being reached for operation,
maintenance, or inspection, requiring the removal of non-
permanent obstacles
Rationale: NEC Article 100 defines "Accessible" as capable of
being reached for operation, maintenance, or inspection, which
may require the removal of obstacles such as panels or covers.
4. What is the minimum working space required in front of
electrical equipment operating at 120 volts to ground with
exposed live parts on one side?
A) 2 ft 6 in
B) 3 ft
C) 3 ft 6 in
D) 4 ft
, Page 4 of 165
Correct Answer: B) 3 ft
Rationale: NEC Table 110.26(A)(1) requires 3 ft of working
space for equipment 0-150 volts to ground with exposed live
parts on one side and no live parts on the opposite side.
5. Which of the following is NOT an enforceable part of the
NEC?
A) Mandatory rules using the word "shall"
B) Permissive rules using the word "shall be permitted"
C) Explanatory material in the form of Fine Print Notes (FPN)
D) Exceptions to rules
Correct Answer: C) Explanatory material in the form of Fine
Print Notes (FPN)
Rationale: Fine Print Notes (now called Informational Notes) are
not enforceable; they provide explanatory material only.
