NHIE Home Inspector Manual:
Electrical System Study Question and
answers already passed 2025/2026
When do electrical systems req updating? - correct answer ✔Two rules determine whether or not
electrical system needs updated to current requirements:
(1) existing work needs updated if unsafe, and
(2) needs updated if not functioning properly.
Should inspectors report electrical compliance problems? - correct answer ✔Home inspectors usually
report a defect that does not comply with current requirement if he or she believes that the work
should comply.
What is the difference between grounding and bonding? (P. 173) - correct answer ✔- both are safety
related systems
- grounding system limits voltage surges and shunts them safely to ground
- bonding clears ground faults in non-electrical carrying material by providing a path to ground
When does bonding occur? - correct answer ✔Bonding occurs when metal that could carry electricity
(but is not supposed to) is intentionally connected together to provide a permanent "low resistance
path" that is capable of conducting electricity back to its source.
What is the formula for Ohm's Law? - correct answer ✔I (current in amps) = E(voltage in
volts)/R(resistance in ohms)
Helpful saying:
- Amps & volts & ohm
,- REI
- Amp=volts/ohm
What is electrical myth #1? - correct answer ✔Myth 1: electricity wants to return to ground
Truth: electricity want to return to its source
What is electrical myth #2? - correct answer ✔Myth 2: electricity takes the path of least resistance back
to its source.
Truth: electricity takes all available paths.
How many grounding electrodes are required in a residential home? - correct answer ✔Old
construction:
- One grounding electrode usually req'd
- Grounding electrodes must be bonded together using same size wire
New construction:
- metal water pipe may not be only grounding electrode
- 2 grounding electrodes req'd if rod and pipe grounding electrode is used
WHAT ARE THE 3 COMMON TYPES OF GROUNDING SYSTEMS? - correct answer ✔(1) Ufer ground: at
least 20-feet of #4 rebar or #4 AWG bare copper wire encased in concrete.
(2) A galvanized iron or steel rod or pipe or a copper rod or pipe driven at least eight feet into the
ground.
(3) Metal water pipe (including metal well casings) in contact with the ground for at least ten feet.
, Grounded Electrode Conductor Requirements (GEC) - correct answer ✔Compliance requirement:
- #8 AWG copper for 125 AMP and smaller
- #6 AWG copper for 150 AMP and greater
- #4 AWG copper for 200 AMP and greater
- Aluminum wire may be used, but restriction make it impractical
- In newer home, connection to water pipe GEC may not occur more that 5-ft from where pipe enters
home
WHAT IS THE BEST WAYS TO REMEMBER BONDING REQUIREMENTS? - correct answer ✔IF IT IS METAL
AND IS OR COULD BE NEAR ELECTRICAL WIRES, THEN IT PROBABLY NEEDS TO BONDED TO GROUNDING
WIRE OF UTILITY.
WHAT 6 COMPONENTS REQUIRE BONDING AND OTHER SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS? - correct answer
✔(1) water and gas distribution pipes
(2) electrical conduits
(3) electrical equipment cases and cabinets
(4) framing and sheathing
(5) HVAC ducts
(6) all metal parts of the service and distribution system
GECs must be:
- securely fastened
- free of paint and rust
- bonding jumper around disruptions
- bonding wires are same size as GEC
Electrical System Study Question and
answers already passed 2025/2026
When do electrical systems req updating? - correct answer ✔Two rules determine whether or not
electrical system needs updated to current requirements:
(1) existing work needs updated if unsafe, and
(2) needs updated if not functioning properly.
Should inspectors report electrical compliance problems? - correct answer ✔Home inspectors usually
report a defect that does not comply with current requirement if he or she believes that the work
should comply.
What is the difference between grounding and bonding? (P. 173) - correct answer ✔- both are safety
related systems
- grounding system limits voltage surges and shunts them safely to ground
- bonding clears ground faults in non-electrical carrying material by providing a path to ground
When does bonding occur? - correct answer ✔Bonding occurs when metal that could carry electricity
(but is not supposed to) is intentionally connected together to provide a permanent "low resistance
path" that is capable of conducting electricity back to its source.
What is the formula for Ohm's Law? - correct answer ✔I (current in amps) = E(voltage in
volts)/R(resistance in ohms)
Helpful saying:
- Amps & volts & ohm
,- REI
- Amp=volts/ohm
What is electrical myth #1? - correct answer ✔Myth 1: electricity wants to return to ground
Truth: electricity want to return to its source
What is electrical myth #2? - correct answer ✔Myth 2: electricity takes the path of least resistance back
to its source.
Truth: electricity takes all available paths.
How many grounding electrodes are required in a residential home? - correct answer ✔Old
construction:
- One grounding electrode usually req'd
- Grounding electrodes must be bonded together using same size wire
New construction:
- metal water pipe may not be only grounding electrode
- 2 grounding electrodes req'd if rod and pipe grounding electrode is used
WHAT ARE THE 3 COMMON TYPES OF GROUNDING SYSTEMS? - correct answer ✔(1) Ufer ground: at
least 20-feet of #4 rebar or #4 AWG bare copper wire encased in concrete.
(2) A galvanized iron or steel rod or pipe or a copper rod or pipe driven at least eight feet into the
ground.
(3) Metal water pipe (including metal well casings) in contact with the ground for at least ten feet.
, Grounded Electrode Conductor Requirements (GEC) - correct answer ✔Compliance requirement:
- #8 AWG copper for 125 AMP and smaller
- #6 AWG copper for 150 AMP and greater
- #4 AWG copper for 200 AMP and greater
- Aluminum wire may be used, but restriction make it impractical
- In newer home, connection to water pipe GEC may not occur more that 5-ft from where pipe enters
home
WHAT IS THE BEST WAYS TO REMEMBER BONDING REQUIREMENTS? - correct answer ✔IF IT IS METAL
AND IS OR COULD BE NEAR ELECTRICAL WIRES, THEN IT PROBABLY NEEDS TO BONDED TO GROUNDING
WIRE OF UTILITY.
WHAT 6 COMPONENTS REQUIRE BONDING AND OTHER SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS? - correct answer
✔(1) water and gas distribution pipes
(2) electrical conduits
(3) electrical equipment cases and cabinets
(4) framing and sheathing
(5) HVAC ducts
(6) all metal parts of the service and distribution system
GECs must be:
- securely fastened
- free of paint and rust
- bonding jumper around disruptions
- bonding wires are same size as GEC
