NEW MEXICO EL 1J ELECTRICAL
DISTRIBUTION JOURNEYMAN EXAM
PREP QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. According to the NESC, what is the minimum burial depth for a 45-foot wood pole set in
firm soil?
A. 5.5 feet
B. 6.0 feet
C. 7.0 feet
D. 6.5 feet
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The general rule for pole setting depth in firm soil is 10% of the
pole length plus 2 feet. For a 45-foot pole, (4.5 + 2) equals 6.5 feet.
2. When installing a down guy, what is the required NESC clearance from the guy wire to a
primary conductor (12.47 kV) not attached to the guy?
A. 48 inches
B. 12 inches
C. 36 inches
D. 6 inches
,Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: NESC Table 235-6 specifies clearances between conductors and
guys. For 12.47 kV, the standard clearance required is typically 48 inches (4 feet) to
prevent flashover.
3. In a 120/240V three-phase 4-wire Delta system (High-Leg), what is the voltage between the
high-leg and the neutral?
A. 120V
B. 240V
C. 208V
D. 277V
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: In a 240V Center-tapped Delta system, the high-leg voltage to
neutral is calculated as Phase-to-Phase voltage multiplied by 0.866 (half the square root of
3). 240 * 0.866 is approximately 208V.
4. What is the primary purpose of a ‘Traveler’ (stringing block) during overhead conductor
installation?
A. To increase the tension of the wire
B. To protect the conductor from abrasion and reduce friction during pulling
C. To provide a permanent support point
, D. To serve as a grounding point for the puller
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Travelers are used during the stringing process to allow the
conductor to move freely without being damaged by crossarms or insulators, reducing
mechanical stress.
5. OSHA 1910.269 requires that the employer ensure which of the following regarding fall
protection for employees working on poles at heights over 4 feet?
A. Fall protection must be used regardless of the pole condition or climbing experience
B. Fall protection is optional if the pole is wood
C. Only required for new employees
D. Safety straps are only needed when using heavy tools
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: OSHA regulations strictly require fall protection (harnesses,
safety straps, or fall arrest systems) for all employees working at elevated positions in
power distribution.
6. Which transformer connection is most prone to ferroresonance when energized one phase
at a time?
A. Ungrounded Wye-Delta
B. Delta to Delta
DISTRIBUTION JOURNEYMAN EXAM
PREP QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. According to the NESC, what is the minimum burial depth for a 45-foot wood pole set in
firm soil?
A. 5.5 feet
B. 6.0 feet
C. 7.0 feet
D. 6.5 feet
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The general rule for pole setting depth in firm soil is 10% of the
pole length plus 2 feet. For a 45-foot pole, (4.5 + 2) equals 6.5 feet.
2. When installing a down guy, what is the required NESC clearance from the guy wire to a
primary conductor (12.47 kV) not attached to the guy?
A. 48 inches
B. 12 inches
C. 36 inches
D. 6 inches
,Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: NESC Table 235-6 specifies clearances between conductors and
guys. For 12.47 kV, the standard clearance required is typically 48 inches (4 feet) to
prevent flashover.
3. In a 120/240V three-phase 4-wire Delta system (High-Leg), what is the voltage between the
high-leg and the neutral?
A. 120V
B. 240V
C. 208V
D. 277V
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: In a 240V Center-tapped Delta system, the high-leg voltage to
neutral is calculated as Phase-to-Phase voltage multiplied by 0.866 (half the square root of
3). 240 * 0.866 is approximately 208V.
4. What is the primary purpose of a ‘Traveler’ (stringing block) during overhead conductor
installation?
A. To increase the tension of the wire
B. To protect the conductor from abrasion and reduce friction during pulling
C. To provide a permanent support point
, D. To serve as a grounding point for the puller
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Travelers are used during the stringing process to allow the
conductor to move freely without being damaged by crossarms or insulators, reducing
mechanical stress.
5. OSHA 1910.269 requires that the employer ensure which of the following regarding fall
protection for employees working on poles at heights over 4 feet?
A. Fall protection must be used regardless of the pole condition or climbing experience
B. Fall protection is optional if the pole is wood
C. Only required for new employees
D. Safety straps are only needed when using heavy tools
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: OSHA regulations strictly require fall protection (harnesses,
safety straps, or fall arrest systems) for all employees working at elevated positions in
power distribution.
6. Which transformer connection is most prone to ferroresonance when energized one phase
at a time?
A. Ungrounded Wye-Delta
B. Delta to Delta
