NEW MEXICO EL 1J ELECTRICAL
DISTRIBUTION JOURNEYMAN EXAM
2026/2027 QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT
ANSWERS
1. According to the NESC, what is the minimum vertical clearance for a 12.47 kV phase-to-
ground conductor over a public street or road?
A. 15.5 feet
B. 18.5 feet
C. 20.5 feet
D. 22.0 feet
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: NESC Table 232-1 requires a minimum vertical clearance of 18.5
feet for voltages between 750V and 22kV over public streets, alleys, and roads.
2. When installing a 45-foot utility pole in firm soil, what is the standard minimum setting
depth?
A. 6.5 feet
B. 6.0 feet
C. 5.5 feet
,D. 7.0 feet
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The standard rule of thumb for pole setting depth in firm soil is
10% of the pole length plus 2 feet. For a 45-foot pole: 4.5 + 2 = 6.5 feet.
3. What is the Minimum Approach Distance (MAD) for an unqualified person near a 15kV
energized conductor according to OSHA 1910.269?
A. 5 feet
B. 2 feet 2 inches
C. 10 feet
D. 15 feet
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: OSHA requires unqualified workers to maintain a 10-foot
clearance from lines energized up to 50kV. The 2ft 2in distance applies to qualified
workers.
4. In a Three-Phase Delta-connected system, what is the relationship between line current
and phase current?
A. Line current is equal to phase current.
B. Line current is equal to phase current divided by 1.732.
C. Line current is three times the phase current.
, D. Line current is equal to phase current multiplied by 1.732.
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: In a balanced Delta connection, the line current (IL) is equal to
the square root of 3 (approximately 1.732) times the phase current (IP).
5. Which type of transformer connection is most susceptible to ferroresonance during single-
phase switching?
A. Wye-Wye
B. Delta-Wye
C. Ungrounded Wye-Delta
D. Grounded Wye-Wye
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Ungrounded Wye-Delta transformer banks are highly
susceptible to ferroresonance, a complex non-linear resonance, during single-phase
switching or fuse blowing.
6. What is the purpose of a ‘stress cone’ in a high-voltage underground cable termination?
A. To increase the mechanical strength of the cable.
B. To shield the cable from moisture.
C. To reduce the concentration of electrical flux at the shield end.
D. To improve the heat dissipation of the conductor.
DISTRIBUTION JOURNEYMAN EXAM
2026/2027 QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT
ANSWERS
1. According to the NESC, what is the minimum vertical clearance for a 12.47 kV phase-to-
ground conductor over a public street or road?
A. 15.5 feet
B. 18.5 feet
C. 20.5 feet
D. 22.0 feet
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: NESC Table 232-1 requires a minimum vertical clearance of 18.5
feet for voltages between 750V and 22kV over public streets, alleys, and roads.
2. When installing a 45-foot utility pole in firm soil, what is the standard minimum setting
depth?
A. 6.5 feet
B. 6.0 feet
C. 5.5 feet
,D. 7.0 feet
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The standard rule of thumb for pole setting depth in firm soil is
10% of the pole length plus 2 feet. For a 45-foot pole: 4.5 + 2 = 6.5 feet.
3. What is the Minimum Approach Distance (MAD) for an unqualified person near a 15kV
energized conductor according to OSHA 1910.269?
A. 5 feet
B. 2 feet 2 inches
C. 10 feet
D. 15 feet
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: OSHA requires unqualified workers to maintain a 10-foot
clearance from lines energized up to 50kV. The 2ft 2in distance applies to qualified
workers.
4. In a Three-Phase Delta-connected system, what is the relationship between line current
and phase current?
A. Line current is equal to phase current.
B. Line current is equal to phase current divided by 1.732.
C. Line current is three times the phase current.
, D. Line current is equal to phase current multiplied by 1.732.
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: In a balanced Delta connection, the line current (IL) is equal to
the square root of 3 (approximately 1.732) times the phase current (IP).
5. Which type of transformer connection is most susceptible to ferroresonance during single-
phase switching?
A. Wye-Wye
B. Delta-Wye
C. Ungrounded Wye-Delta
D. Grounded Wye-Wye
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Ungrounded Wye-Delta transformer banks are highly
susceptible to ferroresonance, a complex non-linear resonance, during single-phase
switching or fuse blowing.
6. What is the purpose of a ‘stress cone’ in a high-voltage underground cable termination?
A. To increase the mechanical strength of the cable.
B. To shield the cable from moisture.
C. To reduce the concentration of electrical flux at the shield end.
D. To improve the heat dissipation of the conductor.
