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New Mexico Electrical Contractor
EE-98 Specialty Exam Practice |
Fire Alarms, Standby Systems,
Low-Voltage
This comprehensive guide contains 80 practice questions with
detailed rationales for the New Mexico EE-98 Residential &
Commercial Electrical Part 3 (Specialties) exam. Master the 2023
NEC, NMAC 14.10.3, and NFPA 72. Key topics include fire alarm
systems, emergency and standby systems, low-voltage
communications, hazardous locations, electric signs, and special
occupancies. Perfect for contractor candidates seeking to
strengthen their understanding of specialty electrical systems
and code applications.
1. Under the New Mexico Administrative Code (NMAC 14.10.3), an EE-98
licensee is authorized to perform electrical work up to what maximum voltage?
A. 600 volts
B. 2,400 volts
C. 5,000 volts
D. 15,000 volts
*Answer: C. 5,000 volts
Rationale: NMAC 14.10.3 explicitly limits the EE-98 electrical contractor license to
installations of 5,000 volts, nominal or less. This is a fundamental scope-defining
provision that separates the EE-98 from higher-classificiation licenses (such as EE-98J
or special utility licenses). Anything above 5,000 volts requires additional endorsements
,2|Page
or a different license classification. This limit applies to both residential and
commercial work, and it is frequently tested to ensure candidates understand the
boundaries of their licensure.
2. According to NMAC, which specialty license is designated for electrical signs
and outline lighting?
A. ES-1
B. ES-2
C. ES-3
D. ES-7
*Answer: A. ES-1
Rationale: New Mexico divides specialty electrical work into distinct classifications. ES-1
is the specific license category for electrical signs and outline lighting, which includes
neon, LED, and other illuminated advertising displays. ES-2 covers cathodic protection
and lightning protection systems. ES-3 is for low-voltage systems under 50 volts
(alarms, sound, data). ES-7 is for telephone communication systems. An EE-98 licensee
may perform sign work, but an ES-1 holder cannot install building conduit—only an
EE-98 can install raceways within or on buildings.
3. An ES-3 specialty license holder in New Mexico is permitted to install systems
operating at:
A. Any voltage up to 600 volts
B. 50 volts or less
C. 100 volts or less
D. Only 24 volts or less
*Answer: B. 50 volts or less
Rationale: ES-3 is the New Mexico specialty classification for low-voltage special
systems. The statutory limit for ES-3 is under 50 volts, which covers most alarm, sound,
intercom, security, and computer data systems. This is significantly lower than the
EE-98 limit of 5,000 volts. The rationale behind this limit is that systems under 50 volts
present a lower shock hazard and do not require the same level of expertise as general
electrical wiring. ES-3 licensees are also prohibited from installing any conduit within
or on buildings—that work is reserved for EE-98 contractors.
,3|Page
4. Under NMAC, specialty license holders (ES-1, ES-2, ES-3, ES-7) are expressly
PROHIBITED from:
A. Pulling low-voltage cables through existing conduits
B. Installing conduit within or on buildings
C. Terminating fire alarm control panel connections
D. Performing maintenance on existing systems
*Answer: B. Installing conduit within or on buildings
Rationale: New Mexico regulations draw a clear line between general electrical
contractors (EE-98) and specialty licensees. While specialty licensees may install their
respective low-voltage or sign cables, they are strictly prohibited from installing any
raceway (conduit) within or on buildings. This is because conduit installation requires
knowledge of building codes, fire-stopping, structural integrity, and grounding that falls
under the EE-98's broader scope. This prohibition ensures that all structural
penetrations and fire-rated barrier penetrations are performed by qualified general
electricians.
5. An EE-98 licensee is permitted to install low-voltage fire alarm systems
connected to a commercial monitoring station serving which of the following?
A. Any single-family dwelling, regardless of the number of units
B. A multi-family building with nine (9) or fewer apartments
C. A multi-family building with ten (10) or more apartments
D. Any commercial building, regardless of occupancy classification
*Answer: C. A multi-family building with ten (10) or more apartments
Rationale: NMAC 14.10.3.9 contains a specific provision that allows an EE-98 licensee
to install low-voltage fire alarm systems connected to a commercial monitoring station
only when the building contains ten (10) or more apartments. This is an exception to
the general rule that commercial fire alarm monitoring requires a higher-level license
or a fire alarm specialty endorsement. The threshold of ten units is based on the state's
determination that larger multi-family buildings present greater life-safety risks and
therefore require professional installation, while smaller buildings or single-family
homes may be served by other qualified individuals.
, 4|Page
6. Under NEC Article 700, emergency systems must restore power to assigned
life-safety loads within what maximum time after loss of the normal utility
supply?
A. 5 seconds
B. 10 seconds
C. 60 seconds
D. 90 seconds
*Answer: B. 10 seconds
Rationale: NEC 700.12 is the governing section for emergency systems, which include
egress lighting, fire pumps, and other life-safety equipment. The 10-second
requirement is strict because even a brief loss of lighting in a stairwell or exit path can
cause panic, injury, or death during a fire or other emergency. This time frame applies
to generators, battery systems, and uninterruptible power supplies (UPS). The
10-second rule is a critical distinction between emergency systems and other types of
standby power, and it is almost always tested on the EE-98 exam.
7. For legally required standby systems under NEC Article 701, what is the
maximum allowable time for power restoration?
A. 10 seconds
B. 30 seconds
C. 60 seconds
D. 120 seconds
*Answer: C. 60 seconds
Rationale: NEC 701.12 governs legally required standby systems, which serve loads that
are mandated by local, state, or federal codes for public safety—such as smoke
removal systems, ventilation in large assembly spaces, or certain medical equipment.
Unlike emergency systems (which have a 10-second limit), legally required standby
systems are allowed 60 seconds because the loads are less critical to immediate life
safety. This extra time allows for less expensive generator starting systems and is a key
distinction that exam candidates must remember.
8. Battery-powered emergency egress lighting units must maintain illumination
for a minimum of how long during a power outage?
New Mexico Electrical Contractor
EE-98 Specialty Exam Practice |
Fire Alarms, Standby Systems,
Low-Voltage
This comprehensive guide contains 80 practice questions with
detailed rationales for the New Mexico EE-98 Residential &
Commercial Electrical Part 3 (Specialties) exam. Master the 2023
NEC, NMAC 14.10.3, and NFPA 72. Key topics include fire alarm
systems, emergency and standby systems, low-voltage
communications, hazardous locations, electric signs, and special
occupancies. Perfect for contractor candidates seeking to
strengthen their understanding of specialty electrical systems
and code applications.
1. Under the New Mexico Administrative Code (NMAC 14.10.3), an EE-98
licensee is authorized to perform electrical work up to what maximum voltage?
A. 600 volts
B. 2,400 volts
C. 5,000 volts
D. 15,000 volts
*Answer: C. 5,000 volts
Rationale: NMAC 14.10.3 explicitly limits the EE-98 electrical contractor license to
installations of 5,000 volts, nominal or less. This is a fundamental scope-defining
provision that separates the EE-98 from higher-classificiation licenses (such as EE-98J
or special utility licenses). Anything above 5,000 volts requires additional endorsements
,2|Page
or a different license classification. This limit applies to both residential and
commercial work, and it is frequently tested to ensure candidates understand the
boundaries of their licensure.
2. According to NMAC, which specialty license is designated for electrical signs
and outline lighting?
A. ES-1
B. ES-2
C. ES-3
D. ES-7
*Answer: A. ES-1
Rationale: New Mexico divides specialty electrical work into distinct classifications. ES-1
is the specific license category for electrical signs and outline lighting, which includes
neon, LED, and other illuminated advertising displays. ES-2 covers cathodic protection
and lightning protection systems. ES-3 is for low-voltage systems under 50 volts
(alarms, sound, data). ES-7 is for telephone communication systems. An EE-98 licensee
may perform sign work, but an ES-1 holder cannot install building conduit—only an
EE-98 can install raceways within or on buildings.
3. An ES-3 specialty license holder in New Mexico is permitted to install systems
operating at:
A. Any voltage up to 600 volts
B. 50 volts or less
C. 100 volts or less
D. Only 24 volts or less
*Answer: B. 50 volts or less
Rationale: ES-3 is the New Mexico specialty classification for low-voltage special
systems. The statutory limit for ES-3 is under 50 volts, which covers most alarm, sound,
intercom, security, and computer data systems. This is significantly lower than the
EE-98 limit of 5,000 volts. The rationale behind this limit is that systems under 50 volts
present a lower shock hazard and do not require the same level of expertise as general
electrical wiring. ES-3 licensees are also prohibited from installing any conduit within
or on buildings—that work is reserved for EE-98 contractors.
,3|Page
4. Under NMAC, specialty license holders (ES-1, ES-2, ES-3, ES-7) are expressly
PROHIBITED from:
A. Pulling low-voltage cables through existing conduits
B. Installing conduit within or on buildings
C. Terminating fire alarm control panel connections
D. Performing maintenance on existing systems
*Answer: B. Installing conduit within or on buildings
Rationale: New Mexico regulations draw a clear line between general electrical
contractors (EE-98) and specialty licensees. While specialty licensees may install their
respective low-voltage or sign cables, they are strictly prohibited from installing any
raceway (conduit) within or on buildings. This is because conduit installation requires
knowledge of building codes, fire-stopping, structural integrity, and grounding that falls
under the EE-98's broader scope. This prohibition ensures that all structural
penetrations and fire-rated barrier penetrations are performed by qualified general
electricians.
5. An EE-98 licensee is permitted to install low-voltage fire alarm systems
connected to a commercial monitoring station serving which of the following?
A. Any single-family dwelling, regardless of the number of units
B. A multi-family building with nine (9) or fewer apartments
C. A multi-family building with ten (10) or more apartments
D. Any commercial building, regardless of occupancy classification
*Answer: C. A multi-family building with ten (10) or more apartments
Rationale: NMAC 14.10.3.9 contains a specific provision that allows an EE-98 licensee
to install low-voltage fire alarm systems connected to a commercial monitoring station
only when the building contains ten (10) or more apartments. This is an exception to
the general rule that commercial fire alarm monitoring requires a higher-level license
or a fire alarm specialty endorsement. The threshold of ten units is based on the state's
determination that larger multi-family buildings present greater life-safety risks and
therefore require professional installation, while smaller buildings or single-family
homes may be served by other qualified individuals.
, 4|Page
6. Under NEC Article 700, emergency systems must restore power to assigned
life-safety loads within what maximum time after loss of the normal utility
supply?
A. 5 seconds
B. 10 seconds
C. 60 seconds
D. 90 seconds
*Answer: B. 10 seconds
Rationale: NEC 700.12 is the governing section for emergency systems, which include
egress lighting, fire pumps, and other life-safety equipment. The 10-second
requirement is strict because even a brief loss of lighting in a stairwell or exit path can
cause panic, injury, or death during a fire or other emergency. This time frame applies
to generators, battery systems, and uninterruptible power supplies (UPS). The
10-second rule is a critical distinction between emergency systems and other types of
standby power, and it is almost always tested on the EE-98 exam.
7. For legally required standby systems under NEC Article 701, what is the
maximum allowable time for power restoration?
A. 10 seconds
B. 30 seconds
C. 60 seconds
D. 120 seconds
*Answer: C. 60 seconds
Rationale: NEC 701.12 governs legally required standby systems, which serve loads that
are mandated by local, state, or federal codes for public safety—such as smoke
removal systems, ventilation in large assembly spaces, or certain medical equipment.
Unlike emergency systems (which have a 10-second limit), legally required standby
systems are allowed 60 seconds because the loads are less critical to immediate life
safety. This extra time allows for less expensive generator starting systems and is a key
distinction that exam candidates must remember.
8. Battery-powered emergency egress lighting units must maintain illumination
for a minimum of how long during a power outage?
