California Electrical Journeyman Exam
Practice Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationale 2026
Q&A| Instant Download Pdf
1. A licensed electrical contractor is supervising a journeyman electrician
installing branch circuits in a newly constructed commercial office
building in California. The plans call for multiple 20-ampere, 120-volt
branch circuits supplying receptacle outlets in office cubicles.
According to the National Electrical Code requirements commonly
enforced throughout the state, what is the maximum continuous load
that may be placed on each 20-ampere branch circuit before derating
or additional circuit capacity must be considered?
A. 12 amperes
B. 16 amperes
C. 18 amperes
D. 20 amperes
,Rationale: Continuous loads are limited to 80 percent of the branch-circuit
rating unless equipment is specifically listed for 100 percent loading. A 20-
ampere circuit multiplied by 80 percent equals 16 amperes, making 16
amperes the maximum allowable continuous load.
2. During the installation of service entrance equipment in a multifamily
dwelling, an electrician must determine the proper grounding
electrode conductor size for a 200-ampere service supplied by 3/0
AWG copper service entrance conductors. According to NEC grounding
requirements, which grounding electrode conductor size is required
when connected to a rod grounding electrode?
A. 2 AWG copper
B. 4 AWG copper
C. 6 AWG copper
D. 8 AWG copper
Rationale: For rod, pipe, or plate grounding electrodes, the grounding
electrode conductor is not required to be larger than 6 AWG copper.
However, sizing rules based on service conductors may permit smaller
conductors, and 8 AWG copper is acceptable for this installation under NEC
provisions.
3. A journeyman electrician is troubleshooting a single-phase motor
circuit in an industrial warehouse after repeated overload trips occur
, during startup. The electrician measures voltage at the motor
terminals and discovers a significant voltage drop caused by an
undersized conductor over a long distance. Which electrical condition
is most likely to occur when excessive voltage drop exists in a motor
circuit?
A. Reduced motor current draw
B. Increased motor efficiency
C. Higher motor current and overheating
D. Elimination of starting torque
Rationale: Excessive voltage drop forces motors to draw more current in an
attempt to maintain torque and output. This increased current can cause
overheating, overload trips, insulation damage, and premature motor
failure.
4. In a healthcare facility renovation project, an electrician must install
receptacles in patient bed locations. According to NEC requirements
for healthcare facilities, what type of grounding arrangement is
required for receptacles serving patient care areas?
A. Ungrounded receptacles with GFCI protection
B. Single grounding path only
C. Floating isolated ground system without bonding
D. Redundant grounding paths for reliability
, Rationale: Patient care areas require enhanced grounding reliability to
minimize shock hazards to vulnerable patients. NEC requirements mandate
redundant grounding paths, including an insulated equipment grounding
conductor and metal raceway or cable armor.
5. A contractor is installing conductors in electrical metallic tubing for a
lighting system in a commercial retail store. The raceway contains nine
current-carrying THHN copper conductors. According to conductor
adjustment factor requirements, what ampacity adjustment factor
must be applied?
A. 100 percent
B. 90 percent
C. 70 percent
D. 50 percent
Rationale: NEC ampacity adjustment rules require conductors to be
derated when more than three current-carrying conductors are installed in
a raceway. For seven through nine current-carrying conductors, a 70
percent adjustment factor applies.
6. An electrician working on a residential remodel must replace
receptacles located within six feet of a kitchen sink. According to NEC
requirements, what protection method is mandatory for these
receptacles?
Practice Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationale 2026
Q&A| Instant Download Pdf
1. A licensed electrical contractor is supervising a journeyman electrician
installing branch circuits in a newly constructed commercial office
building in California. The plans call for multiple 20-ampere, 120-volt
branch circuits supplying receptacle outlets in office cubicles.
According to the National Electrical Code requirements commonly
enforced throughout the state, what is the maximum continuous load
that may be placed on each 20-ampere branch circuit before derating
or additional circuit capacity must be considered?
A. 12 amperes
B. 16 amperes
C. 18 amperes
D. 20 amperes
,Rationale: Continuous loads are limited to 80 percent of the branch-circuit
rating unless equipment is specifically listed for 100 percent loading. A 20-
ampere circuit multiplied by 80 percent equals 16 amperes, making 16
amperes the maximum allowable continuous load.
2. During the installation of service entrance equipment in a multifamily
dwelling, an electrician must determine the proper grounding
electrode conductor size for a 200-ampere service supplied by 3/0
AWG copper service entrance conductors. According to NEC grounding
requirements, which grounding electrode conductor size is required
when connected to a rod grounding electrode?
A. 2 AWG copper
B. 4 AWG copper
C. 6 AWG copper
D. 8 AWG copper
Rationale: For rod, pipe, or plate grounding electrodes, the grounding
electrode conductor is not required to be larger than 6 AWG copper.
However, sizing rules based on service conductors may permit smaller
conductors, and 8 AWG copper is acceptable for this installation under NEC
provisions.
3. A journeyman electrician is troubleshooting a single-phase motor
circuit in an industrial warehouse after repeated overload trips occur
, during startup. The electrician measures voltage at the motor
terminals and discovers a significant voltage drop caused by an
undersized conductor over a long distance. Which electrical condition
is most likely to occur when excessive voltage drop exists in a motor
circuit?
A. Reduced motor current draw
B. Increased motor efficiency
C. Higher motor current and overheating
D. Elimination of starting torque
Rationale: Excessive voltage drop forces motors to draw more current in an
attempt to maintain torque and output. This increased current can cause
overheating, overload trips, insulation damage, and premature motor
failure.
4. In a healthcare facility renovation project, an electrician must install
receptacles in patient bed locations. According to NEC requirements
for healthcare facilities, what type of grounding arrangement is
required for receptacles serving patient care areas?
A. Ungrounded receptacles with GFCI protection
B. Single grounding path only
C. Floating isolated ground system without bonding
D. Redundant grounding paths for reliability
, Rationale: Patient care areas require enhanced grounding reliability to
minimize shock hazards to vulnerable patients. NEC requirements mandate
redundant grounding paths, including an insulated equipment grounding
conductor and metal raceway or cable armor.
5. A contractor is installing conductors in electrical metallic tubing for a
lighting system in a commercial retail store. The raceway contains nine
current-carrying THHN copper conductors. According to conductor
adjustment factor requirements, what ampacity adjustment factor
must be applied?
A. 100 percent
B. 90 percent
C. 70 percent
D. 50 percent
Rationale: NEC ampacity adjustment rules require conductors to be
derated when more than three current-carrying conductors are installed in
a raceway. For seven through nine current-carrying conductors, a 70
percent adjustment factor applies.
6. An electrician working on a residential remodel must replace
receptacles located within six feet of a kitchen sink. According to NEC
requirements, what protection method is mandatory for these
receptacles?
