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North Carolina Residential Single-Family Dwelling
Electrical Contractor Licensing Exam Actual Test
Questions and Correct Answers With Rationales
LATEST THIS YEAR
North Carolina Residential Single-Family Dwelling Electrical Contractor Licensing Exam
Exam Coverage Summary
The North Carolina Special Restricted: Single Family Dwelling (SP-SFD) Electrical Contractor license
authorizes individuals to install, maintain, or repair electrical wiring and devices in or on a single-family
residential dwelling or ancillary to such a dwelling . Candidates must be at least 18 years old, have 3,000
hours of verifiable experience (2,000 hours primary), provide two character statements, and pass a state
exam . The exam covers the National Electrical Code (NEC), North Carolina-specific laws and rules
(including GS 87-42 and Title 21 NCAC 18B), business practices, permit and inspection requirements,
electrical theory, calculations, and safety regulations . The license costs $100 annually and requires
continuing education for renewal . Reciprocity is available for those holding NASCLA Residential
Electrical accreditation .
Question 1
A licensed electrician is installing service for a new 2,500 square foot single-family dwelling in Raleigh.
What is the minimum service entrance rating required by the North Carolina Electrical Code for this new
dwelling?
A) 60 amps
B) 100 amps
C) 125 amps
D) 150 amps
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Correct Answer: B
*Summary Rationale: The National Electrical Code (NEC) requires a minimum 100-amp service for a
dwelling unit. A 60-amp service is only permitted for very small dwellings or existing installations, while
125 and 150 amps exceed the minimum but are common for larger homes .*
Question 2
An electrician is running a PVC Schedule 40 electrical conduit beneath a new residential driveway to
power a detached garage. What is the minimum burial depth required by code?
A) 12 inches
B) 18 inches
C) 24 inches
D) 36 inches
Correct Answer: C
*Summary Rationale: PVC conduit under driveways must be buried at least 24 inches deep when not
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GFCI-protected, per NEC Table 300.5. This depth protects the conduit from damage due to vehicle
weight and ground movement .*
Question 3
A homeowner requests installation of a new receptacle in their garage for a freezer. What type of
protection is required for this receptacle under current NEC?
A) AFCI protection only
B) GFCI protection only
C) Both GFCI and AFCI protection
D) Neither GFCI nor AFCI
Correct Answer: B
*Summary Rationale: NEC 210.8(A)(2) requires GFCI protection for all 125-volt, 15- and 20-amp
receptacles in residential garages. AFCI protection is not required for garage receptacles .*
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Question 4
A 20-amp small appliance branch circuit is being installed in a kitchen. What is the minimum conductor
size permitted for this circuit using copper wire?
A) 16 AWG
B) 14 AWG
C) 12 AWG
D) 10 AWG
Correct Answer: C
*Summary Rationale: 20-amp circuits require a minimum of 12 AWG copper conductors per NEC Table
310.16. 14 AWG is only rated for 15 amps, making it undersized and unsafe for a 20-amp circuit .*
Question 5
What is the recommended maximum voltage drop for a branch circuit feeder to ensure efficient
operation of connected equipment?
A) 1%
North Carolina Residential Single-Family Dwelling
Electrical Contractor Licensing Exam Actual Test
Questions and Correct Answers With Rationales
LATEST THIS YEAR
North Carolina Residential Single-Family Dwelling Electrical Contractor Licensing Exam
Exam Coverage Summary
The North Carolina Special Restricted: Single Family Dwelling (SP-SFD) Electrical Contractor license
authorizes individuals to install, maintain, or repair electrical wiring and devices in or on a single-family
residential dwelling or ancillary to such a dwelling . Candidates must be at least 18 years old, have 3,000
hours of verifiable experience (2,000 hours primary), provide two character statements, and pass a state
exam . The exam covers the National Electrical Code (NEC), North Carolina-specific laws and rules
(including GS 87-42 and Title 21 NCAC 18B), business practices, permit and inspection requirements,
electrical theory, calculations, and safety regulations . The license costs $100 annually and requires
continuing education for renewal . Reciprocity is available for those holding NASCLA Residential
Electrical accreditation .
Question 1
A licensed electrician is installing service for a new 2,500 square foot single-family dwelling in Raleigh.
What is the minimum service entrance rating required by the North Carolina Electrical Code for this new
dwelling?
A) 60 amps
B) 100 amps
C) 125 amps
D) 150 amps
, Page 2 of 141
Correct Answer: B
*Summary Rationale: The National Electrical Code (NEC) requires a minimum 100-amp service for a
dwelling unit. A 60-amp service is only permitted for very small dwellings or existing installations, while
125 and 150 amps exceed the minimum but are common for larger homes .*
Question 2
An electrician is running a PVC Schedule 40 electrical conduit beneath a new residential driveway to
power a detached garage. What is the minimum burial depth required by code?
A) 12 inches
B) 18 inches
C) 24 inches
D) 36 inches
Correct Answer: C
*Summary Rationale: PVC conduit under driveways must be buried at least 24 inches deep when not
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GFCI-protected, per NEC Table 300.5. This depth protects the conduit from damage due to vehicle
weight and ground movement .*
Question 3
A homeowner requests installation of a new receptacle in their garage for a freezer. What type of
protection is required for this receptacle under current NEC?
A) AFCI protection only
B) GFCI protection only
C) Both GFCI and AFCI protection
D) Neither GFCI nor AFCI
Correct Answer: B
*Summary Rationale: NEC 210.8(A)(2) requires GFCI protection for all 125-volt, 15- and 20-amp
receptacles in residential garages. AFCI protection is not required for garage receptacles .*
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Question 4
A 20-amp small appliance branch circuit is being installed in a kitchen. What is the minimum conductor
size permitted for this circuit using copper wire?
A) 16 AWG
B) 14 AWG
C) 12 AWG
D) 10 AWG
Correct Answer: C
*Summary Rationale: 20-amp circuits require a minimum of 12 AWG copper conductors per NEC Table
310.16. 14 AWG is only rated for 15 amps, making it undersized and unsafe for a 20-amp circuit .*
Question 5
What is the recommended maximum voltage drop for a branch circuit feeder to ensure efficient
operation of connected equipment?
A) 1%
