Massachusetts Journeyman Electrician Exam
Questions and Correct Answers (Verified
Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant
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1. According to the NEC, what is the primary purpose of overcurrent
protection?
A. To prevent voltage drop
B. To protect conductors and equipment from excessive current
C. To improve power factor
D. To increase circuit efficiency
Rationale: Overcurrent protective devices such as fuses and circuit
breakers are intended to protect conductors and electrical equipment
from damage caused by overloads, short circuits, and ground faults.
They are not designed to compensate for voltage drop or improve
system efficiency.
, 2. Which NEC article primarily covers grounding and bonding
requirements?
A. Article 110
B. Article 210
C. Article 250
D. Article 300
C. Article 250
Rationale: NEC Article 250 establishes the requirements for grounding
and bonding of electrical systems, equipment, and enclosures. Proper
grounding minimizes shock hazards and stabilizes system voltage
during fault conditions.
3. What is the minimum working space depth required for
equipment operating at 0–150 volts to ground under Condition 1?
A. 24 inches
B. 36 inches
C. 42 inches
D. 48 inches
Rationale: NEC 110.26 requires a minimum clear working depth of 36
inches for equipment rated 0–150 volts to ground under Condition 1.
,This clearance allows electricians to work safely around energized
equipment.
4. A branch circuit supplying two or more receptacles in a dwelling
unit typically requires AFCI protection in which locations?
A. Garage only
B. Bathroom only
C. Most habitable rooms and similar areas
D. Crawl spaces only
Rationale: Modern NEC editions require AFCI protection for outlets in
most dwelling unit living spaces, including bedrooms, family rooms,
dining rooms, living rooms, libraries, dens, sunrooms, recreation
rooms, closets, hallways, and similar areas.
5. What color insulation is commonly used to identify an equipment
grounding conductor?
A. Black
B. White
C. Red
D. Green or bare
, Rationale: Equipment grounding conductors are identified by green
insulation, green with yellow stripes, or bare copper. White and gray
are reserved for grounded (neutral) conductors.
6. What is the maximum continuous load that may be placed on a
20-amp branch circuit?
A. 16 amps
B. 18 amps
C. 16 amps for continuous loads
D. 20 amps continuously
Rationale: Continuous loads are limited to 80% of the overcurrent
device rating unless equipment is listed for 100% operation. Therefore,
a 20-amp circuit may serve a continuous load of 16 amps.
7. Which conductor is intentionally connected to earth at the service
equipment?
A. Equipment grounding conductor
B. Ungrounded conductor
C. Traveler conductor
D. Grounded (neutral) conductor
Questions and Correct Answers (Verified
Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant
Download Pdf
1. According to the NEC, what is the primary purpose of overcurrent
protection?
A. To prevent voltage drop
B. To protect conductors and equipment from excessive current
C. To improve power factor
D. To increase circuit efficiency
Rationale: Overcurrent protective devices such as fuses and circuit
breakers are intended to protect conductors and electrical equipment
from damage caused by overloads, short circuits, and ground faults.
They are not designed to compensate for voltage drop or improve
system efficiency.
, 2. Which NEC article primarily covers grounding and bonding
requirements?
A. Article 110
B. Article 210
C. Article 250
D. Article 300
C. Article 250
Rationale: NEC Article 250 establishes the requirements for grounding
and bonding of electrical systems, equipment, and enclosures. Proper
grounding minimizes shock hazards and stabilizes system voltage
during fault conditions.
3. What is the minimum working space depth required for
equipment operating at 0–150 volts to ground under Condition 1?
A. 24 inches
B. 36 inches
C. 42 inches
D. 48 inches
Rationale: NEC 110.26 requires a minimum clear working depth of 36
inches for equipment rated 0–150 volts to ground under Condition 1.
,This clearance allows electricians to work safely around energized
equipment.
4. A branch circuit supplying two or more receptacles in a dwelling
unit typically requires AFCI protection in which locations?
A. Garage only
B. Bathroom only
C. Most habitable rooms and similar areas
D. Crawl spaces only
Rationale: Modern NEC editions require AFCI protection for outlets in
most dwelling unit living spaces, including bedrooms, family rooms,
dining rooms, living rooms, libraries, dens, sunrooms, recreation
rooms, closets, hallways, and similar areas.
5. What color insulation is commonly used to identify an equipment
grounding conductor?
A. Black
B. White
C. Red
D. Green or bare
, Rationale: Equipment grounding conductors are identified by green
insulation, green with yellow stripes, or bare copper. White and gray
are reserved for grounded (neutral) conductors.
6. What is the maximum continuous load that may be placed on a
20-amp branch circuit?
A. 16 amps
B. 18 amps
C. 16 amps for continuous loads
D. 20 amps continuously
Rationale: Continuous loads are limited to 80% of the overcurrent
device rating unless equipment is listed for 100% operation. Therefore,
a 20-amp circuit may serve a continuous load of 16 amps.
7. Which conductor is intentionally connected to earth at the service
equipment?
A. Equipment grounding conductor
B. Ungrounded conductor
C. Traveler conductor
D. Grounded (neutral) conductor
