Maryland Master Electrician Exam
Questions And Correct Answers (Verified
Answers) Plus Rationale 2026 Q&A|
Instant Download Pdf.
Exam Overview
Basic Requirements: You must have at least 7 years of experience under a master
electrician (up to 3 years may be credited for formal training or approved
apprenticeship) . The exam is open book with 90 questions (100 points) and a 4-hour
time limit . Passing score is 70% .
NEC Edition: As of May 2, 2024, the Maryland Master Electrician Exam is based
exclusively on the 2020 National Electrical Code (NFPA 70) . Only the NEC 2020 is
permitted in the testing room .
Exam Content Breakdown :
Topic Points
Electrical Theory 20
Calculations 30
Wiring and Protection 14
Wiring Methods and Materials 13
,Topic Points
Equipment for General Use 9
Special Occupancies 8
Special Equipment 4
Special Communications 2
Practice Questions
Question 1:
According to NEC 2020, what is the minimum size copper grounding electrode
conductor (GEC) required for a 100-ampere service?
A) #12 AWG
B) #10 AWG
C) #8 AWG
D) #6 AWG
Answer: C. #8 AWG
NEC Table 250.66 specifies the minimum size grounding electrode conductor for a 100-
ampere service. While the answer "C" is consistent with Table 250.66, it is essential to
verify that the selected conductor is not smaller than the requirements of 250.66(A) for the
specific service conductors. Always consult the most current table values in your exam
copy of the NEC 2020.
,Question 2:
A 3-phase, 4-wire wye system supplies a balanced load of 50 kVA at 480 V line-to-line.
What is the approximate line current?
A) 60 A
B) 72 A
C) 84 A
D) 100 A
Answer: A. 60 A
Line current is calculated as I = (kVA × 1000) / (√3 × V_LL) = 50,000 / (1.732 × 480) ≈
60.14 A. The nearest answer is 60 A. This type of calculation is a core part of the
"Calculations" section, which has the highest point value on the exam (30 points) .
Question 3:
Which type of conduit is permitted for direct burial without additional protection at a
minimum cover depth of 18 inches?
A) EMT
B) RMC
C) PVC Schedule 40
D) IMC
Answer: B. RMC (Rigid Metal Conduit)
RMC can be directly buried. PVC Schedule 40 is also permitted for direct burial but
requires a cover depth of 18 inches for residential and 24 inches for other applications
(under 600V). The correct answer depends on the depth specified and whether the
installation is residential or commercial. EMT is not permitted for direct burial because it is
not corrosion-resistant enough for continuous soil contact .
, Question 4:
In a residential dwelling, how many 20 A branch circuits are required to serve
countertop receptacles in a kitchen?
A) One
B) Two
C) Three
D) Four
Answer: B. Two
NEC 210.52(B)(3) requires at least two 20-ampere small-appliance branch circuits to serve
the countertop receptacles in a kitchen. The maximum load on each is 80% of the rating if
continuous, meaning 16 A per circuit. More than two circuits may be required depending
on the load, but two is the minimum mandated by code.
Question 5:
Which NEC article governs the requirements for grounding electrode systems and
bonding?
A) Article 210
B) Article 250
C) Article 300
D) Article 430
Answer: B. Article 250
NEC Article 250 covers grounding and bonding, including grounding electrode systems,
conductors, and equipment bonding. Article 210 covers branch circuits, Article 300 covers
Questions And Correct Answers (Verified
Answers) Plus Rationale 2026 Q&A|
Instant Download Pdf.
Exam Overview
Basic Requirements: You must have at least 7 years of experience under a master
electrician (up to 3 years may be credited for formal training or approved
apprenticeship) . The exam is open book with 90 questions (100 points) and a 4-hour
time limit . Passing score is 70% .
NEC Edition: As of May 2, 2024, the Maryland Master Electrician Exam is based
exclusively on the 2020 National Electrical Code (NFPA 70) . Only the NEC 2020 is
permitted in the testing room .
Exam Content Breakdown :
Topic Points
Electrical Theory 20
Calculations 30
Wiring and Protection 14
Wiring Methods and Materials 13
,Topic Points
Equipment for General Use 9
Special Occupancies 8
Special Equipment 4
Special Communications 2
Practice Questions
Question 1:
According to NEC 2020, what is the minimum size copper grounding electrode
conductor (GEC) required for a 100-ampere service?
A) #12 AWG
B) #10 AWG
C) #8 AWG
D) #6 AWG
Answer: C. #8 AWG
NEC Table 250.66 specifies the minimum size grounding electrode conductor for a 100-
ampere service. While the answer "C" is consistent with Table 250.66, it is essential to
verify that the selected conductor is not smaller than the requirements of 250.66(A) for the
specific service conductors. Always consult the most current table values in your exam
copy of the NEC 2020.
,Question 2:
A 3-phase, 4-wire wye system supplies a balanced load of 50 kVA at 480 V line-to-line.
What is the approximate line current?
A) 60 A
B) 72 A
C) 84 A
D) 100 A
Answer: A. 60 A
Line current is calculated as I = (kVA × 1000) / (√3 × V_LL) = 50,000 / (1.732 × 480) ≈
60.14 A. The nearest answer is 60 A. This type of calculation is a core part of the
"Calculations" section, which has the highest point value on the exam (30 points) .
Question 3:
Which type of conduit is permitted for direct burial without additional protection at a
minimum cover depth of 18 inches?
A) EMT
B) RMC
C) PVC Schedule 40
D) IMC
Answer: B. RMC (Rigid Metal Conduit)
RMC can be directly buried. PVC Schedule 40 is also permitted for direct burial but
requires a cover depth of 18 inches for residential and 24 inches for other applications
(under 600V). The correct answer depends on the depth specified and whether the
installation is residential or commercial. EMT is not permitted for direct burial because it is
not corrosion-resistant enough for continuous soil contact .
, Question 4:
In a residential dwelling, how many 20 A branch circuits are required to serve
countertop receptacles in a kitchen?
A) One
B) Two
C) Three
D) Four
Answer: B. Two
NEC 210.52(B)(3) requires at least two 20-ampere small-appliance branch circuits to serve
the countertop receptacles in a kitchen. The maximum load on each is 80% of the rating if
continuous, meaning 16 A per circuit. More than two circuits may be required depending
on the load, but two is the minimum mandated by code.
Question 5:
Which NEC article governs the requirements for grounding electrode systems and
bonding?
A) Article 210
B) Article 250
C) Article 300
D) Article 430
Answer: B. Article 250
NEC Article 250 covers grounding and bonding, including grounding electrode systems,
conductors, and equipment bonding. Article 210 covers branch circuits, Article 300 covers
