NEW MEXICO EL 1J ELECTRICAL
DISTRIBUTION JOURNEYMAN
COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW QUESTIONS
WITH CORRECT ANSWERS
1. According to the NEC, what is the minimum clearance for overhead service conductors not
exceeding 600 volts over a residential driveway?
A. 10 feet
B. 18 feet
C. 15 feet
D. 12 feet
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: NEC 230.24(B)(2) requires a minimum clearance of 12 feet for
residential driveways and areas not subject to truck traffic.
2. In a 3-phase, 4-wire delta-connected system where the midpoint of one phase winding is
grounded, the conductor with the higher voltage to ground is commonly known as the:
A. Neutral leg
B. High leg
C. Stinger leg
,D. Wild leg
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: This is referred to as the ‘high leg’ (or orange leg). Per NEC
110.15, it must be identified by an outer finish that is orange in color.
3. What is the maximum percentage of conduit cross-sectional area that can be occupied by
three or more conductors?
A. 31%
B. 60%
C. 53%
D. 40%
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: NEC Chapter 9, Table 1 specifies that for three or more
conductors, the maximum fill is 40%.
4. Which type of grounding electrode is NOT permitted by the NEC?
A. Metal underground water pipe
B. Metal underground gas piping system
C. Concrete-encased electrode
D. Ground ring
, Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: NEC 250.52(B)(1) explicitly prohibits the use of a metal
underground gas piping system as a grounding electrode.
5. For a motor circuit, what is the maximum setting for an instantaneous trip circuit breaker if
the motor is a Design B energy efficient motor?
A. 800% of FLA
B. 1100% of FLA
C. 1300% of FLA
D. 1700% of FLA
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: NEC 430.52(C)(3) allows for an increase to 1700% for energy
efficient motors if the standard 1100% is not sufficient to start the motor.
6. Under New Mexico Administrative Code (NMAC), who is responsible for obtaining a permit
for electrical work?
A. The electrical contractor
B. The journeyman
C. The homeowner
D. The utility provider
Answer: A
DISTRIBUTION JOURNEYMAN
COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW QUESTIONS
WITH CORRECT ANSWERS
1. According to the NEC, what is the minimum clearance for overhead service conductors not
exceeding 600 volts over a residential driveway?
A. 10 feet
B. 18 feet
C. 15 feet
D. 12 feet
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: NEC 230.24(B)(2) requires a minimum clearance of 12 feet for
residential driveways and areas not subject to truck traffic.
2. In a 3-phase, 4-wire delta-connected system where the midpoint of one phase winding is
grounded, the conductor with the higher voltage to ground is commonly known as the:
A. Neutral leg
B. High leg
C. Stinger leg
,D. Wild leg
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: This is referred to as the ‘high leg’ (or orange leg). Per NEC
110.15, it must be identified by an outer finish that is orange in color.
3. What is the maximum percentage of conduit cross-sectional area that can be occupied by
three or more conductors?
A. 31%
B. 60%
C. 53%
D. 40%
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: NEC Chapter 9, Table 1 specifies that for three or more
conductors, the maximum fill is 40%.
4. Which type of grounding electrode is NOT permitted by the NEC?
A. Metal underground water pipe
B. Metal underground gas piping system
C. Concrete-encased electrode
D. Ground ring
, Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: NEC 250.52(B)(1) explicitly prohibits the use of a metal
underground gas piping system as a grounding electrode.
5. For a motor circuit, what is the maximum setting for an instantaneous trip circuit breaker if
the motor is a Design B energy efficient motor?
A. 800% of FLA
B. 1100% of FLA
C. 1300% of FLA
D. 1700% of FLA
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: NEC 430.52(C)(3) allows for an increase to 1700% for energy
efficient motors if the standard 1100% is not sufficient to start the motor.
6. Under New Mexico Administrative Code (NMAC), who is responsible for obtaining a permit
for electrical work?
A. The electrical contractor
B. The journeyman
C. The homeowner
D. The utility provider
Answer: A
