Utah Journeyman Electrician Exam Questions
and Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. According to the National Electrical Code (NEC), what is the
primary purpose of overcurrent protection?
A. To regulate voltage
B. To increase current flow
C. To protect conductors and equipment from excessive current
D. To improve power factor
Rationale: Overcurrent protection devices such as circuit breakers and
fuses are designed to interrupt current when it exceeds the safe
ampacity of conductors or equipment. This prevents overheating, fire
hazards, and equipment damage.
2. What is the minimum working space depth required in front of
electrical equipment operating at 0–150 volts to ground under
Condition 1?
,A. 24 inches
B. 36 inches
C. 42 inches
D. 48 inches
Rationale: NEC 110.26(A)(1) specifies a minimum working space depth
of 3 feet (36 inches) for equipment operating at 0–150 volts to ground
under Condition 1 to allow safe servicing.
3. Which conductor is intentionally connected to earth?
A. Equipment grounding conductor
B. Grounded conductor
C. Bonding jumper
D. Hot conductor
Rationale: The grounded conductor, commonly called the neutral, is
intentionally connected to earth at the service disconnecting means to
stabilize the electrical system.
4. Which NEC chapter contains requirements for special
occupancies?
,A. Chapter 2
B. Chapter 3
C. Chapter 5
D. Chapter 8
Rationale: Chapter 5 addresses special occupancies such as hazardous
locations, health care facilities, agricultural buildings, and marinas,
where additional safety measures are required.
5. What is the primary function of bonding?
A. Reduce voltage drop
B. Increase conductor ampacity
C. Ensure electrical continuity and an effective fault-current path
D. Prevent overloads
Rationale: Bonding joins conductive materials together to establish
electrical continuity and provide a low-impedance path for fault
current, enabling protective devices to operate promptly.
6. Which conductor size is generally the minimum permitted for
branch-circuit lighting wiring in dwelling units?
, A. 16 AWG
B. 18 AWG
C. 14 AWG copper
D. 10 AWG copper
Rationale: NEC generally permits 14 AWG copper conductors on 15-
amp branch circuits in dwelling units unless larger conductors are
required by load or installation conditions.
7. What is the maximum continuous load permitted on a 20-amp
branch circuit before applying the 125% rule?
A. 20 amps
B. 16 amps
C. 18 amps
D. 25 amps
Rationale: Continuous loads are limited to 80% of the circuit rating.
Eighty percent of 20 amps equals 16 amps.
8. What device is designed to protect people from electric shock by
detecting current imbalance?
and Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. According to the National Electrical Code (NEC), what is the
primary purpose of overcurrent protection?
A. To regulate voltage
B. To increase current flow
C. To protect conductors and equipment from excessive current
D. To improve power factor
Rationale: Overcurrent protection devices such as circuit breakers and
fuses are designed to interrupt current when it exceeds the safe
ampacity of conductors or equipment. This prevents overheating, fire
hazards, and equipment damage.
2. What is the minimum working space depth required in front of
electrical equipment operating at 0–150 volts to ground under
Condition 1?
,A. 24 inches
B. 36 inches
C. 42 inches
D. 48 inches
Rationale: NEC 110.26(A)(1) specifies a minimum working space depth
of 3 feet (36 inches) for equipment operating at 0–150 volts to ground
under Condition 1 to allow safe servicing.
3. Which conductor is intentionally connected to earth?
A. Equipment grounding conductor
B. Grounded conductor
C. Bonding jumper
D. Hot conductor
Rationale: The grounded conductor, commonly called the neutral, is
intentionally connected to earth at the service disconnecting means to
stabilize the electrical system.
4. Which NEC chapter contains requirements for special
occupancies?
,A. Chapter 2
B. Chapter 3
C. Chapter 5
D. Chapter 8
Rationale: Chapter 5 addresses special occupancies such as hazardous
locations, health care facilities, agricultural buildings, and marinas,
where additional safety measures are required.
5. What is the primary function of bonding?
A. Reduce voltage drop
B. Increase conductor ampacity
C. Ensure electrical continuity and an effective fault-current path
D. Prevent overloads
Rationale: Bonding joins conductive materials together to establish
electrical continuity and provide a low-impedance path for fault
current, enabling protective devices to operate promptly.
6. Which conductor size is generally the minimum permitted for
branch-circuit lighting wiring in dwelling units?
, A. 16 AWG
B. 18 AWG
C. 14 AWG copper
D. 10 AWG copper
Rationale: NEC generally permits 14 AWG copper conductors on 15-
amp branch circuits in dwelling units unless larger conductors are
required by load or installation conditions.
7. What is the maximum continuous load permitted on a 20-amp
branch circuit before applying the 125% rule?
A. 20 amps
B. 16 amps
C. 18 amps
D. 25 amps
Rationale: Continuous loads are limited to 80% of the circuit rating.
Eighty percent of 20 amps equals 16 amps.
8. What device is designed to protect people from electric shock by
detecting current imbalance?
