North Carolina Electrical Inspector Level II Certification Examination Practice
Questions and Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales
Question 1: What is the primary purpose of the North Carolina Electrical Inspector Level II
certification? A. To perform basic wiring installations B. To inspect residential and commercial electrical
systems for code compliance at an intermediate level C. To design electrical plans only D. To repair
electrical equipment
CORRECT ANSWER: B. To inspect residential and commercial electrical systems for code compliance at
an intermediate level Rationale: Level II inspectors in North Carolina are qualified to conduct inspections
on more complex installations beyond basic one- and two-family dwellings, ensuring compliance with
the North Carolina Electrical Code (based on NEC).
Question 2: According to the NEC, what is the minimum size grounding electrode conductor for a 200-
amp service? A. #8 copper B. #6 copper C. #4 copper D. #2 copper
CORRECT ANSWER: B. #6 copper Rationale: NEC Table 250.66 specifies #6 copper for services up to 200
amps, providing adequate fault current capacity.
Question 3: What type of protection is required for all 15- and 20-amp, 125-volt receptacles in dwelling
unit garages? A. GFCI B. AFCI C. Standard breaker D. Tamper-resistant only
CORRECT ANSWER: A. GFCI Rationale: NEC 210.8(A)(2) mandates GFCI protection for garage receptacles
to prevent shock hazards in damp or wet locations.
Question 4: In North Carolina, which code edition is generally adopted for electrical inspections? A.
2017 NEC B. 2020 NEC with state amendments C. 2023 NEC D. NFPA 70E only
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 2020 NEC with state amendments Rationale: North Carolina adopts updated NEC
editions with specific state modifications through the Building Code Council.
Question 5: What is the maximum number of conductors allowed in a 4x2 1/8-inch square box before
derating? A. 6 B. 9 C. 12 D. 16
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 9 Rationale: Per NEC Annex C and Table 314.16(A), a 4x2 1/8 square box allows up
to 9 #12 AWG conductors.
Question 6: For a commercial building, what is the minimum illumination level required for egress
paths? A. 1 foot-candle B. 5 foot-candles average C. 10 foot-candles D. 0.5 foot-candles
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 5 foot-candles average Rationale: NEC and North Carolina codes reference life
safety requirements for safe egress illumination.
Question 7: When is an AFCI required for bedroom circuits in dwellings? A. Only for new construction B.
For all 15- and 20-amp circuits supplying bedrooms C. Only for outdoor circuits D. Not required in North
Carolina
,CORRECT ANSWER: B. For all 15- and 20-amp circuits supplying bedrooms Rationale: NEC 210.12
mandates AFCI protection for dwelling unit bedrooms to mitigate arc faults.
Question 8: What is the minimum burial depth for Rigid Metal Conduit (RMC) under a residential
driveway? A. 6 inches B. 12 inches C. 18 inches D. 24 inches
CORRECT ANSWER: C. 18 inches Rationale: NEC Table 300.5 specifies 18 inches for RMC under driveways
for protection.
Question 9: Which of the following requires a disconnecting means within sight of an HVAC unit? A. All
motors over 1/8 hp B. All fixed appliances C. Only water heaters D. Lighting fixtures
CORRECT ANSWER: A. All motors over 1/8 hp Rationale: NEC 440.14 and 430.102 require accessible
disconnects for HVAC equipment.
Question 10: What is the demand factor for four or more appliances on a feeder in a dwelling? A. 100%
B. 75% C. 65% D. 50%
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 75% Rationale: NEC Table 220.55 provides demand factors for multiple
appliances.
Question 11: In North Carolina, who can perform electrical inspections for Level II? A. Any licensed
electrician B. Certified Level II or higher inspector C. Homeowner D. General contractor
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Certified Level II or higher inspector Rationale: Certification ensures qualified
enforcement of codes by the North Carolina Department of Insurance or local authorities.
Question 12: What color is typically used for the high-leg in a 120/240V 4-wire delta system? A. Black
B. Red C. Blue D. Orange
CORRECT ANSWER: D. Orange Rationale: NEC 110.15 requires orange marking for the high-leg phase.
Question 13: GFCI protection is required for receptacles within how many feet of a kitchen sink? A. 3
feet B. 6 feet C. 10 feet D. 12 feet
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 6 feet Rationale: NEC 210.8(A)(7) covers kitchen countertop and sink areas.
Question 14: What is the maximum overcurrent protection for #12 AWG copper conductors? A. 15
amps B. 20 amps C. 25 amps D. 30 amps
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 20 amps Rationale: NEC 240.4(D) limits #12 copper to 20 amps for general use.
Question 15: For service-entrance conductors, what is the minimum size for a 100-amp residential
service? A. #6 copper B. #4 copper or #2 aluminum C. #2 copper D. #1/0 aluminum
CORRECT ANSWER: B. #4 copper or #2 aluminum Rationale: NEC 310.15 and Table 310.16 allow these
sizes for 100A services.
, Question 16: What does the term "listed" mean for electrical equipment? A. Approved by a nationally
recognized testing lab B. Locally manufactured C. Used previously D. Low voltage only
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Approved by a nationally recognized testing lab Rationale: NEC Article 100
defines "listed" as equipment included in a list by an NRTL.
Question 17: When installing NM cable through wood framing, what protection is needed if less than
1-1/4 inches from the edge? A. Metal plate B. Conduit only C. No protection needed D. Tape
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Metal plate Rationale: NEC 334.15(B) requires protection against physical
damage.
Question 18: What is the maximum allowable voltage drop for branch circuits? A. 3% B. 5% C. 8% D.
10%
CORRECT ANSWER: A. 3% Rationale: NEC recommendations in 210.19(A)(1) Informational Note for
efficient operation.
Question 19: In a bathroom, receptacles must be GFCI protected and located within how many feet of
the sink? A. 3 feet B. 6 feet C. Any distance if not countertop D. 12 feet
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 6 feet Rationale: NEC 210.8(A)(1) for bathrooms.
Question 20: What grounding method is required for metal boxes? A. Pigtail to device B. Self-grounding
devices only C. No grounding needed D. Direct contact only
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Pigtail to device Rationale: Ensures continuity per NEC 250.148.
Question 21: For PV systems, what is a rapid shutdown requirement? A. De-energize conductors within
30 seconds B. No requirement C. Manual switch only D. 10 minutes
CORRECT ANSWER: A. De-energize conductors within 30 seconds Rationale: NEC 690.12 for firefighter
safety.
Question 22: What is the minimum working space depth in front of a 120/240V panel? A. 2 feet B. 3
feet C. 3.5 feet D. 4 feet
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 3 feet Rationale: NEC Table 110.26(A)(1) for 0-150V to ground.
Question 23: Which article of the NEC covers swimming pools? A. Article 680 B. Article 690 C. Article
250 D. Article 210
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Article 680 Rationale: Specific requirements for pools, spas, and fountains.
Question 24: What is required for all outdoor receptacles? A. Weatherproof covers B. GFCI protection C.
Both A and B D. Tamper-resistant only
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Both A and B Rationale: NEC 210.8(A)(3) and 406.9 for wet locations.
Questions and Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales
Question 1: What is the primary purpose of the North Carolina Electrical Inspector Level II
certification? A. To perform basic wiring installations B. To inspect residential and commercial electrical
systems for code compliance at an intermediate level C. To design electrical plans only D. To repair
electrical equipment
CORRECT ANSWER: B. To inspect residential and commercial electrical systems for code compliance at
an intermediate level Rationale: Level II inspectors in North Carolina are qualified to conduct inspections
on more complex installations beyond basic one- and two-family dwellings, ensuring compliance with
the North Carolina Electrical Code (based on NEC).
Question 2: According to the NEC, what is the minimum size grounding electrode conductor for a 200-
amp service? A. #8 copper B. #6 copper C. #4 copper D. #2 copper
CORRECT ANSWER: B. #6 copper Rationale: NEC Table 250.66 specifies #6 copper for services up to 200
amps, providing adequate fault current capacity.
Question 3: What type of protection is required for all 15- and 20-amp, 125-volt receptacles in dwelling
unit garages? A. GFCI B. AFCI C. Standard breaker D. Tamper-resistant only
CORRECT ANSWER: A. GFCI Rationale: NEC 210.8(A)(2) mandates GFCI protection for garage receptacles
to prevent shock hazards in damp or wet locations.
Question 4: In North Carolina, which code edition is generally adopted for electrical inspections? A.
2017 NEC B. 2020 NEC with state amendments C. 2023 NEC D. NFPA 70E only
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 2020 NEC with state amendments Rationale: North Carolina adopts updated NEC
editions with specific state modifications through the Building Code Council.
Question 5: What is the maximum number of conductors allowed in a 4x2 1/8-inch square box before
derating? A. 6 B. 9 C. 12 D. 16
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 9 Rationale: Per NEC Annex C and Table 314.16(A), a 4x2 1/8 square box allows up
to 9 #12 AWG conductors.
Question 6: For a commercial building, what is the minimum illumination level required for egress
paths? A. 1 foot-candle B. 5 foot-candles average C. 10 foot-candles D. 0.5 foot-candles
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 5 foot-candles average Rationale: NEC and North Carolina codes reference life
safety requirements for safe egress illumination.
Question 7: When is an AFCI required for bedroom circuits in dwellings? A. Only for new construction B.
For all 15- and 20-amp circuits supplying bedrooms C. Only for outdoor circuits D. Not required in North
Carolina
,CORRECT ANSWER: B. For all 15- and 20-amp circuits supplying bedrooms Rationale: NEC 210.12
mandates AFCI protection for dwelling unit bedrooms to mitigate arc faults.
Question 8: What is the minimum burial depth for Rigid Metal Conduit (RMC) under a residential
driveway? A. 6 inches B. 12 inches C. 18 inches D. 24 inches
CORRECT ANSWER: C. 18 inches Rationale: NEC Table 300.5 specifies 18 inches for RMC under driveways
for protection.
Question 9: Which of the following requires a disconnecting means within sight of an HVAC unit? A. All
motors over 1/8 hp B. All fixed appliances C. Only water heaters D. Lighting fixtures
CORRECT ANSWER: A. All motors over 1/8 hp Rationale: NEC 440.14 and 430.102 require accessible
disconnects for HVAC equipment.
Question 10: What is the demand factor for four or more appliances on a feeder in a dwelling? A. 100%
B. 75% C. 65% D. 50%
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 75% Rationale: NEC Table 220.55 provides demand factors for multiple
appliances.
Question 11: In North Carolina, who can perform electrical inspections for Level II? A. Any licensed
electrician B. Certified Level II or higher inspector C. Homeowner D. General contractor
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Certified Level II or higher inspector Rationale: Certification ensures qualified
enforcement of codes by the North Carolina Department of Insurance or local authorities.
Question 12: What color is typically used for the high-leg in a 120/240V 4-wire delta system? A. Black
B. Red C. Blue D. Orange
CORRECT ANSWER: D. Orange Rationale: NEC 110.15 requires orange marking for the high-leg phase.
Question 13: GFCI protection is required for receptacles within how many feet of a kitchen sink? A. 3
feet B. 6 feet C. 10 feet D. 12 feet
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 6 feet Rationale: NEC 210.8(A)(7) covers kitchen countertop and sink areas.
Question 14: What is the maximum overcurrent protection for #12 AWG copper conductors? A. 15
amps B. 20 amps C. 25 amps D. 30 amps
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 20 amps Rationale: NEC 240.4(D) limits #12 copper to 20 amps for general use.
Question 15: For service-entrance conductors, what is the minimum size for a 100-amp residential
service? A. #6 copper B. #4 copper or #2 aluminum C. #2 copper D. #1/0 aluminum
CORRECT ANSWER: B. #4 copper or #2 aluminum Rationale: NEC 310.15 and Table 310.16 allow these
sizes for 100A services.
, Question 16: What does the term "listed" mean for electrical equipment? A. Approved by a nationally
recognized testing lab B. Locally manufactured C. Used previously D. Low voltage only
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Approved by a nationally recognized testing lab Rationale: NEC Article 100
defines "listed" as equipment included in a list by an NRTL.
Question 17: When installing NM cable through wood framing, what protection is needed if less than
1-1/4 inches from the edge? A. Metal plate B. Conduit only C. No protection needed D. Tape
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Metal plate Rationale: NEC 334.15(B) requires protection against physical
damage.
Question 18: What is the maximum allowable voltage drop for branch circuits? A. 3% B. 5% C. 8% D.
10%
CORRECT ANSWER: A. 3% Rationale: NEC recommendations in 210.19(A)(1) Informational Note for
efficient operation.
Question 19: In a bathroom, receptacles must be GFCI protected and located within how many feet of
the sink? A. 3 feet B. 6 feet C. Any distance if not countertop D. 12 feet
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 6 feet Rationale: NEC 210.8(A)(1) for bathrooms.
Question 20: What grounding method is required for metal boxes? A. Pigtail to device B. Self-grounding
devices only C. No grounding needed D. Direct contact only
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Pigtail to device Rationale: Ensures continuity per NEC 250.148.
Question 21: For PV systems, what is a rapid shutdown requirement? A. De-energize conductors within
30 seconds B. No requirement C. Manual switch only D. 10 minutes
CORRECT ANSWER: A. De-energize conductors within 30 seconds Rationale: NEC 690.12 for firefighter
safety.
Question 22: What is the minimum working space depth in front of a 120/240V panel? A. 2 feet B. 3
feet C. 3.5 feet D. 4 feet
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 3 feet Rationale: NEC Table 110.26(A)(1) for 0-150V to ground.
Question 23: Which article of the NEC covers swimming pools? A. Article 680 B. Article 690 C. Article
250 D. Article 210
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Article 680 Rationale: Specific requirements for pools, spas, and fountains.
Question 24: What is required for all outdoor receptacles? A. Weatherproof covers B. GFCI protection C.
Both A and B D. Tamper-resistant only
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Both A and B Rationale: NEC 210.8(A)(3) and 406.9 for wet locations.
