NEW MEXICO EE-98 ELECTRICAL LICENSE EXAM –
ELECTRICAL SIGNS & OUTLINE LIGHTING SPECIALTY
COMPLETE EXAM QUESTIONS AND VERIFIED ANSWERS |
2026–2027 LATEST UPDATE | GUARANTEED PASS | DETAILED
RATIONALES | FULL STUDY GUIDE | EXAM PREP | PRACTICE
TEST | CERTIFICATION PREPARATION
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
1. According to the New Mexico Administrative Code (NMAC), which electrical specialty
classification specifically covers the installation of electrical signs and outline lighting?
A) ES-1
B) ES-2
C) ES-3
D) ES-7
Correct Answer: A) ES-1
Rationale: NMAC 14.6.6.10 establishes the ES-1 classification for Electrical Signs and Outline Lighting.
This specialty license permits the installation of commercial signs and outline lighting systems,
including the associated wiring methods up to 5,000 volts nominal within specific parameters. ES-2,
ES-3, and ES-7 cover cathodic protection, sound/communication, and telephone systems respectively.
2. What is the maximum nominal voltage permitted for electrical systems installed under the
EE-98 license classification?
A) 120 volts
B) 240 volts
C) 600 volts
D) 5,000 volts
Correct Answer: D) 5,000 volts
Rationale: NMAC 14.6.6.10.B(1)(a) specifies that the EE-98 license covers residential, commercial,
and industrial electrical wiring operating at 5,000 volts nominal or less. This voltage threshold
distinguishes the EE-98 from more limited classifications and is a critical piece of scope-of-work
knowledge for the exam.
3. How many years of verified electrical experience are required to qualify for the New Mexico
EE-98 Electrical Contractor license?
A) 2 years
B) 3 years
C) 4 years
D) 5 years
Correct Answer: C) 4 years
,Rationale: NMAC 14.6.6.10 requires four years of documented experience for the EE-98 classification.
This is a higher threshold than specialty licenses like ES-1 (Electrical Signs and Outline Lighting) which
require only two years of experience, reflecting the broader scope of work covered by the EE-98
license.
4. A New Mexico ES-1 specialty licensee is installing a commercial sign. A pre-existing "sign
circuit" has been provided within what maximum distance of the roof or wall supporting the
sign?
A) 5 feet
B) 8 feet
C) 10 feet
D) 15 feet
Correct Answer: C) 10 feet
Rationale: NMAC 14.6.6.10 specifies that an ES-1 licensee may connect to a sign circuit or outline
lighting circuit that has been provided within 10 feet of the roof or wall of the supporting structure.
This distance limitation defines the boundary of work permitted under the electrical sign specialty
classification.
5. According to NMAC, what is the primary difference in experience requirements between the
EE-98 license and the ES-1 Electrical Signs and Outline Lighting specialty license?
A) EE-98 requires 4 years; ES-1 requires 2 years
B) EE-98 requires 2 years; ES-1 requires 4 years
C) EE-98 requires 6 years; ES-1 requires 4 years
D) Both require 4 years of experience
Correct Answer: A) EE-98 requires 4 years; ES-1 requires 2 years
Rationale: The EE-98 license requires four years of experience, reflecting its comprehensive scope that
includes all residential, commercial, and industrial work. The ES-1 specialty license requires only two
years of experience because it covers a narrower scope of work limited to electrical signs and outline
lighting installations.
6. Under NMAC 14.6.6.10, which of the following activities is an ES-1 licensee permitted to
perform?
A) Installing underground electrical wiring methods extending more than 15 feet from the
sign foundation
B) Installing concrete foundations for sign poles
C) Installing the complete premises wiring system for a commercial building
D) Installing 480-volt three-phase distribution panels
Correct Answer: B) Installing concrete foundations for sign poles
Rationale: NMAC 14.6.6.10 explicitly permits ES-1 licensees to install concrete for the foundation of
poles supporting signs. This is within the specialty scope, whereas installing complete premises wiring
systems or extensive underground wiring beyond the defined limits falls under the EE-98
classification.
7. An ES-1 licensee is permitted to install underground electrical wiring methods for a sign
circuit up to what distance from the foundation of the sign?
A) 5 feet
, B) 10 feet
C) 15 feet
D) 25 feet
Correct Answer: B) 10 feet
Rationale: NMAC 14.6.6.10 limits the installation of underground electrical wiring methods by an ES-
1 licensee to not more than 10 feet from the sign's foundation. This constraint preserves the
distinction between specialty work and the broader EE-98 contractor scope.
8. According to the National Electrical Code (NEC) Article 600, what is the maximum branch
circuit rating permitted for supplying neon tubing, outline lighting, or standard electric signs?
A) 15 amperes
B) 20 amperes
C) 30 amperes
D) 50 amperes
Correct Answer: B) 20 amperes
Rationale: NEC 600.5(B)(1) limits branch circuits supplying neon tubing, outline lighting, or electric
signs to a rating not exceeding 20 amperes. This requirement ensures that sign circuits are protected
at an appropriate level for the relatively low current demands of typical sign and outline lighting
installations.
9. Each commercial building or occupancy accessible to pedestrians must have at least one
outdoor sign outlet supplied by a branch circuit rated at what minimum amperage?
A) 15 amperes
B) 20 amperes
C) 30 amperes
D) 50 amperes
Correct Answer: B) 20 amperes
Rationale: NEC Article 600 requires that commercial buildings accessible to pedestrians be provided
with at least one outdoor sign outlet. This outlet must be supplied by a branch circuit rated at a
minimum of 20 amperes to ensure adequate capacity for the sign loads that may be installed.
10. An outline lighting system is best defined as which of the following?
A) A single illuminated sign mounted on a building facade
B) An arrangement of lamps or tubing to outline and call attention to building features
C) A temporary lighting display used during holiday seasons
D) A lighting system installed inside commercial show windows
Correct Answer: B) An arrangement of lamps or tubing to outline and call attention to building
features
Rationale: NMAC 14.6.6.10 defines outline lighting as an arrangement of LED, incandescent lamps, or
gaseous tubes designed to outline and call attention to certain building features such as the shape of
a building or decoration of a window. This definition distinguishes outline lighting from general
illumination or signage.
11. Which of the following represents an application of outline lighting as defined in NMAC
regulations?
ELECTRICAL SIGNS & OUTLINE LIGHTING SPECIALTY
COMPLETE EXAM QUESTIONS AND VERIFIED ANSWERS |
2026–2027 LATEST UPDATE | GUARANTEED PASS | DETAILED
RATIONALES | FULL STUDY GUIDE | EXAM PREP | PRACTICE
TEST | CERTIFICATION PREPARATION
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
1. According to the New Mexico Administrative Code (NMAC), which electrical specialty
classification specifically covers the installation of electrical signs and outline lighting?
A) ES-1
B) ES-2
C) ES-3
D) ES-7
Correct Answer: A) ES-1
Rationale: NMAC 14.6.6.10 establishes the ES-1 classification for Electrical Signs and Outline Lighting.
This specialty license permits the installation of commercial signs and outline lighting systems,
including the associated wiring methods up to 5,000 volts nominal within specific parameters. ES-2,
ES-3, and ES-7 cover cathodic protection, sound/communication, and telephone systems respectively.
2. What is the maximum nominal voltage permitted for electrical systems installed under the
EE-98 license classification?
A) 120 volts
B) 240 volts
C) 600 volts
D) 5,000 volts
Correct Answer: D) 5,000 volts
Rationale: NMAC 14.6.6.10.B(1)(a) specifies that the EE-98 license covers residential, commercial,
and industrial electrical wiring operating at 5,000 volts nominal or less. This voltage threshold
distinguishes the EE-98 from more limited classifications and is a critical piece of scope-of-work
knowledge for the exam.
3. How many years of verified electrical experience are required to qualify for the New Mexico
EE-98 Electrical Contractor license?
A) 2 years
B) 3 years
C) 4 years
D) 5 years
Correct Answer: C) 4 years
,Rationale: NMAC 14.6.6.10 requires four years of documented experience for the EE-98 classification.
This is a higher threshold than specialty licenses like ES-1 (Electrical Signs and Outline Lighting) which
require only two years of experience, reflecting the broader scope of work covered by the EE-98
license.
4. A New Mexico ES-1 specialty licensee is installing a commercial sign. A pre-existing "sign
circuit" has been provided within what maximum distance of the roof or wall supporting the
sign?
A) 5 feet
B) 8 feet
C) 10 feet
D) 15 feet
Correct Answer: C) 10 feet
Rationale: NMAC 14.6.6.10 specifies that an ES-1 licensee may connect to a sign circuit or outline
lighting circuit that has been provided within 10 feet of the roof or wall of the supporting structure.
This distance limitation defines the boundary of work permitted under the electrical sign specialty
classification.
5. According to NMAC, what is the primary difference in experience requirements between the
EE-98 license and the ES-1 Electrical Signs and Outline Lighting specialty license?
A) EE-98 requires 4 years; ES-1 requires 2 years
B) EE-98 requires 2 years; ES-1 requires 4 years
C) EE-98 requires 6 years; ES-1 requires 4 years
D) Both require 4 years of experience
Correct Answer: A) EE-98 requires 4 years; ES-1 requires 2 years
Rationale: The EE-98 license requires four years of experience, reflecting its comprehensive scope that
includes all residential, commercial, and industrial work. The ES-1 specialty license requires only two
years of experience because it covers a narrower scope of work limited to electrical signs and outline
lighting installations.
6. Under NMAC 14.6.6.10, which of the following activities is an ES-1 licensee permitted to
perform?
A) Installing underground electrical wiring methods extending more than 15 feet from the
sign foundation
B) Installing concrete foundations for sign poles
C) Installing the complete premises wiring system for a commercial building
D) Installing 480-volt three-phase distribution panels
Correct Answer: B) Installing concrete foundations for sign poles
Rationale: NMAC 14.6.6.10 explicitly permits ES-1 licensees to install concrete for the foundation of
poles supporting signs. This is within the specialty scope, whereas installing complete premises wiring
systems or extensive underground wiring beyond the defined limits falls under the EE-98
classification.
7. An ES-1 licensee is permitted to install underground electrical wiring methods for a sign
circuit up to what distance from the foundation of the sign?
A) 5 feet
, B) 10 feet
C) 15 feet
D) 25 feet
Correct Answer: B) 10 feet
Rationale: NMAC 14.6.6.10 limits the installation of underground electrical wiring methods by an ES-
1 licensee to not more than 10 feet from the sign's foundation. This constraint preserves the
distinction between specialty work and the broader EE-98 contractor scope.
8. According to the National Electrical Code (NEC) Article 600, what is the maximum branch
circuit rating permitted for supplying neon tubing, outline lighting, or standard electric signs?
A) 15 amperes
B) 20 amperes
C) 30 amperes
D) 50 amperes
Correct Answer: B) 20 amperes
Rationale: NEC 600.5(B)(1) limits branch circuits supplying neon tubing, outline lighting, or electric
signs to a rating not exceeding 20 amperes. This requirement ensures that sign circuits are protected
at an appropriate level for the relatively low current demands of typical sign and outline lighting
installations.
9. Each commercial building or occupancy accessible to pedestrians must have at least one
outdoor sign outlet supplied by a branch circuit rated at what minimum amperage?
A) 15 amperes
B) 20 amperes
C) 30 amperes
D) 50 amperes
Correct Answer: B) 20 amperes
Rationale: NEC Article 600 requires that commercial buildings accessible to pedestrians be provided
with at least one outdoor sign outlet. This outlet must be supplied by a branch circuit rated at a
minimum of 20 amperes to ensure adequate capacity for the sign loads that may be installed.
10. An outline lighting system is best defined as which of the following?
A) A single illuminated sign mounted on a building facade
B) An arrangement of lamps or tubing to outline and call attention to building features
C) A temporary lighting display used during holiday seasons
D) A lighting system installed inside commercial show windows
Correct Answer: B) An arrangement of lamps or tubing to outline and call attention to building
features
Rationale: NMAC 14.6.6.10 defines outline lighting as an arrangement of LED, incandescent lamps, or
gaseous tubes designed to outline and call attention to certain building features such as the shape of
a building or decoration of a window. This definition distinguishes outline lighting from general
illumination or signage.
11. Which of the following represents an application of outline lighting as defined in NMAC
regulations?
