NEW MEXICO EE-98 SPECIALTIES EXAM – LOW VOLTAGE,
ALARM, COMMUNICATION & SPECIAL SYSTEMS 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. Which NEC Article specifically covers the installation of fire alarm systems, including wiring
methods and circuit separations?
A) Article 725
B) Article 760
C) Article 800
D) Article 517
Correct Answer: B) Article 760
Rationale: Article 760 of the National Electrical Code provides the requirements for the installation of
wiring and equipment for fire alarm systems. It distinguishes between power-limited (PLFA) and non-
power-limited (NPLFA) circuits and specifies installation methods, separation requirements, and
overcurrent protection. Article 725 covers remote-control and signaling circuits, while Article 800
addresses communications circuits.
2. A technician is installing a Class 2 low-voltage control circuit for an HVAC system. What is the
maximum allowable output voltage for this circuit per NEC 725.121(A)(1) for an alternating current
system?
A) 15 volts
B) 24 volts
C) 30 volts
D) 48 volts
Correct Answer: C) 30 volts
Rationale: Per NEC 725.121(A)(1), for alternating current systems, a Class 2 power source has a
maximum output voltage of 30 volts. This limitation reduces the risk of fire and electrical shock,
making Class 2 circuits suitable for control and signaling applications. The 24-volt option is a common
actual operating voltage but does not represent the maximum permitted by code.
3. What is the primary purpose of a "Hot Aisle Containment" system in a data center environment?
,A) To prevent unauthorized physical access to servers
B) To isolate hot exhaust air from cold intake air for cooling efficiency
C) To contain electrical fires within a specific zone
D) To provide physical separation between power and data cables
Correct Answer: B) To isolate hot exhaust air from cold intake air for cooling efficiency
Rationale: Hot Aisle Containment improves cooling efficiency by isolating hot exhaust air from cold
intake air, preventing them from mixing. This allows cooling systems to operate more efficiently and
reduces energy consumption. While physical security and fire safety are important data center
considerations, they are not the purpose of aisle containment systems.
4. According to NMAC 14.10.3.9, what limitation applies to EE-98 licensees installing low-voltage
fire alarm systems?
A) They may only install systems in single-family dwellings
B) They may install systems connected to a commercial monitoring station serving ten or more
apartments
C) They must hold a separate ES-3 license for any fire alarm work
D) They are prohibited from installing any fire alarm system components
Correct Answer: B) They may install systems connected to a commercial monitoring station serving
ten or more apartments
Rationale: NMAC 14.10.3.9 specifically permits EE-98 licensees to install low-voltage fire alarm
systems connected to a commercial monitoring station serving ten or more apartments. This
recognizes the EE-98 license's broader scope while establishing a specific threshold for commercial
fire alarm monitoring installations. Specialty licensees have more restrictive scopes.
5. What is the minimum bending radius for a 0.5-inch diameter non-shielded communications
cable during installation?
A) 1 inch
B) 2 inches
C) 3 inches
D) 4 inches
Correct Answer: B) 2 inches
Rationale: The minimum bending radius for communications cables is typically four times the cable
diameter (4 × 0.5 inches = 2 inches). This prevents damage to the cable jacket and internal
conductors, which could cause signal degradation or complete failure. Exceeding the minimum bend
radius is a common installation error that leads to performance issues.
6. When installing low-voltage Class 2 thermostat cable in the same stud bay as 120V branch circuit
wiring, what separation is required by the NEC?
,A) No separation required
B) 2-inch separation
C) Physical barrier required
D) Must be in separate raceways
Correct Answer: A) No separation required
Rationale: Class 2 cables and power cables may occupy the same stud cavity without specific
separation requirements, provided the Class 2 cable is installed in a manner that does not
compromise the power cable's insulation. However, physical separation is generally recommended as
a best practice. Specific separation requirements apply in other contexts, such as fire alarm circuits
and communications cables.
7. What is the minimum working space clearance required in front of a panelboard containing
circuits over 150V to ground?
A) 24 inches
B) 30 inches
C) 36 inches
D) 42 inches
Correct Answer: C) 36 inches
Rationale: NEC 110.26(A)(1) requires a minimum working space depth of 3 feet (36 inches) for
equipment operating at 151V to 600V when exposed live parts are present. This clearance ensures
safe access for maintenance and emergency operations. The working space requirements increase
with voltage and condition of installation.
8. In a fire alarm system, what color must the fire alarm circuit conductors be if they are not
installed in a raceway?
A) Black
B) Red
C) Blue
D) Any color except green, white, or gray
Correct Answer: B) Red
Rationale: NEC 760.51 requires fire alarm circuit conductors to be identified as red unless other
methods of identification are allowed by the authority having jurisdiction. This distinctive color aids in
quick identification of fire alarm circuits during installation, maintenance, and emergency situations.
The requirement applies to both power-limited and non-power-limited fire alarm circuits.
9. What is the maximum allowable fill percentage for three or more communications cables in a
raceway?
A) 25%
B) 40%
, C) 53%
D) 60%
Correct Answer: B) 40%
Rationale: NEC 800.110 specifies that the raceway fill for communications cables should not exceed
40% when there are three or more cables. This ensures proper cable installation without damaging
cables during pulling and allows for adequate heat dissipation. The 40% fill rule applies to
communications cables installed in any type of raceway or conduit.
10. Which type of fire alarm circuit can be reclassified and installed using Class 1 wiring methods?
A) Power-limited fire alarm circuits
B) Non-power-limited fire alarm circuits
C) Both types can be reclassified
D) Neither type can be reclassified
Correct Answer: B) Non-power-limited fire alarm circuits
Rationale: NEC 760.24 allows non-power-limited fire alarm (NPLFA) circuits to be reclassified and
installed as Class 1 circuits. However, NEC 760.24(B) explicitly prohibits this reclassification for power-
limited fire alarm (PLFA) circuits. NPLFA circuits operate at higher voltages and power levels, making
them more compatible with Class 1 wiring methods.
11. What is the minimum burial depth for direct-buried communications cable under a residential
driveway?
A) 12 inches
B) 18 inches
C) 24 inches
D) 30 inches
Correct Answer: B) 18 inches
Rationale: NEC Table 800.154(A) requires a minimum burial depth of 18 inches for direct-buried
communications cable under a residential driveway. This depth provides sufficient protection against
physical damage from vehicle loads and routine ground disturbances. The depth requirement varies
by location type and cable type.
12. What is the maximum permitted length for a flexible cord used to connect information
technology equipment in a data center per NEC 645.5(B)?
A) 6 feet
B) 15 feet
C) 50 feet
D) 100 feet
Correct Answer: D) 100 feet
ALARM, COMMUNICATION & SPECIAL SYSTEMS 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. Which NEC Article specifically covers the installation of fire alarm systems, including wiring
methods and circuit separations?
A) Article 725
B) Article 760
C) Article 800
D) Article 517
Correct Answer: B) Article 760
Rationale: Article 760 of the National Electrical Code provides the requirements for the installation of
wiring and equipment for fire alarm systems. It distinguishes between power-limited (PLFA) and non-
power-limited (NPLFA) circuits and specifies installation methods, separation requirements, and
overcurrent protection. Article 725 covers remote-control and signaling circuits, while Article 800
addresses communications circuits.
2. A technician is installing a Class 2 low-voltage control circuit for an HVAC system. What is the
maximum allowable output voltage for this circuit per NEC 725.121(A)(1) for an alternating current
system?
A) 15 volts
B) 24 volts
C) 30 volts
D) 48 volts
Correct Answer: C) 30 volts
Rationale: Per NEC 725.121(A)(1), for alternating current systems, a Class 2 power source has a
maximum output voltage of 30 volts. This limitation reduces the risk of fire and electrical shock,
making Class 2 circuits suitable for control and signaling applications. The 24-volt option is a common
actual operating voltage but does not represent the maximum permitted by code.
3. What is the primary purpose of a "Hot Aisle Containment" system in a data center environment?
,A) To prevent unauthorized physical access to servers
B) To isolate hot exhaust air from cold intake air for cooling efficiency
C) To contain electrical fires within a specific zone
D) To provide physical separation between power and data cables
Correct Answer: B) To isolate hot exhaust air from cold intake air for cooling efficiency
Rationale: Hot Aisle Containment improves cooling efficiency by isolating hot exhaust air from cold
intake air, preventing them from mixing. This allows cooling systems to operate more efficiently and
reduces energy consumption. While physical security and fire safety are important data center
considerations, they are not the purpose of aisle containment systems.
4. According to NMAC 14.10.3.9, what limitation applies to EE-98 licensees installing low-voltage
fire alarm systems?
A) They may only install systems in single-family dwellings
B) They may install systems connected to a commercial monitoring station serving ten or more
apartments
C) They must hold a separate ES-3 license for any fire alarm work
D) They are prohibited from installing any fire alarm system components
Correct Answer: B) They may install systems connected to a commercial monitoring station serving
ten or more apartments
Rationale: NMAC 14.10.3.9 specifically permits EE-98 licensees to install low-voltage fire alarm
systems connected to a commercial monitoring station serving ten or more apartments. This
recognizes the EE-98 license's broader scope while establishing a specific threshold for commercial
fire alarm monitoring installations. Specialty licensees have more restrictive scopes.
5. What is the minimum bending radius for a 0.5-inch diameter non-shielded communications
cable during installation?
A) 1 inch
B) 2 inches
C) 3 inches
D) 4 inches
Correct Answer: B) 2 inches
Rationale: The minimum bending radius for communications cables is typically four times the cable
diameter (4 × 0.5 inches = 2 inches). This prevents damage to the cable jacket and internal
conductors, which could cause signal degradation or complete failure. Exceeding the minimum bend
radius is a common installation error that leads to performance issues.
6. When installing low-voltage Class 2 thermostat cable in the same stud bay as 120V branch circuit
wiring, what separation is required by the NEC?
,A) No separation required
B) 2-inch separation
C) Physical barrier required
D) Must be in separate raceways
Correct Answer: A) No separation required
Rationale: Class 2 cables and power cables may occupy the same stud cavity without specific
separation requirements, provided the Class 2 cable is installed in a manner that does not
compromise the power cable's insulation. However, physical separation is generally recommended as
a best practice. Specific separation requirements apply in other contexts, such as fire alarm circuits
and communications cables.
7. What is the minimum working space clearance required in front of a panelboard containing
circuits over 150V to ground?
A) 24 inches
B) 30 inches
C) 36 inches
D) 42 inches
Correct Answer: C) 36 inches
Rationale: NEC 110.26(A)(1) requires a minimum working space depth of 3 feet (36 inches) for
equipment operating at 151V to 600V when exposed live parts are present. This clearance ensures
safe access for maintenance and emergency operations. The working space requirements increase
with voltage and condition of installation.
8. In a fire alarm system, what color must the fire alarm circuit conductors be if they are not
installed in a raceway?
A) Black
B) Red
C) Blue
D) Any color except green, white, or gray
Correct Answer: B) Red
Rationale: NEC 760.51 requires fire alarm circuit conductors to be identified as red unless other
methods of identification are allowed by the authority having jurisdiction. This distinctive color aids in
quick identification of fire alarm circuits during installation, maintenance, and emergency situations.
The requirement applies to both power-limited and non-power-limited fire alarm circuits.
9. What is the maximum allowable fill percentage for three or more communications cables in a
raceway?
A) 25%
B) 40%
, C) 53%
D) 60%
Correct Answer: B) 40%
Rationale: NEC 800.110 specifies that the raceway fill for communications cables should not exceed
40% when there are three or more cables. This ensures proper cable installation without damaging
cables during pulling and allows for adequate heat dissipation. The 40% fill rule applies to
communications cables installed in any type of raceway or conduit.
10. Which type of fire alarm circuit can be reclassified and installed using Class 1 wiring methods?
A) Power-limited fire alarm circuits
B) Non-power-limited fire alarm circuits
C) Both types can be reclassified
D) Neither type can be reclassified
Correct Answer: B) Non-power-limited fire alarm circuits
Rationale: NEC 760.24 allows non-power-limited fire alarm (NPLFA) circuits to be reclassified and
installed as Class 1 circuits. However, NEC 760.24(B) explicitly prohibits this reclassification for power-
limited fire alarm (PLFA) circuits. NPLFA circuits operate at higher voltages and power levels, making
them more compatible with Class 1 wiring methods.
11. What is the minimum burial depth for direct-buried communications cable under a residential
driveway?
A) 12 inches
B) 18 inches
C) 24 inches
D) 30 inches
Correct Answer: B) 18 inches
Rationale: NEC Table 800.154(A) requires a minimum burial depth of 18 inches for direct-buried
communications cable under a residential driveway. This depth provides sufficient protection against
physical damage from vehicle loads and routine ground disturbances. The depth requirement varies
by location type and cable type.
12. What is the maximum permitted length for a flexible cord used to connect information
technology equipment in a data center per NEC 645.5(B)?
A) 6 feet
B) 15 feet
C) 50 feet
D) 100 feet
Correct Answer: D) 100 feet
