1|Page
NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services
(DCAS) Electrician Exam | Latest Verified Questions and
Detailed Answers
OVERVIEW DESCRIPTION:
This comprehensive set of multiple choice questions is designed for the NYC Department of
Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) Electrician exam, a computer-based
multiple-choice test that assesses hands-on electrical trade competency, safety regulations,
and trade-specific knowledge. The content reflects the exam’s major domains, including the
National Electrical Code (NEC) and NYC amendments, electrical theory (AC/DC, motors,
generators, and transformers), blueprint and schematic interpretation, proper tool and
instrument usage, OSHA and NFPA 70E safety procedures, electrical installation and
maintenance methods, and supervisory/administrative duties. Administered by DCAS, this
exam is used to establish eligible hiring lists for electrician positions within New York City
agencies.
QUESTION 1
Which organization publishes the National Electrical Code (NEC), which forms the basis
for the NYC Electrical Code?
A. IEEE
B. NFPA
C. OSHA
D. ANSI
CORRECT ANSWER: B
EXPERT RATIONALE: The National Electrical Code (NFPA 70) is published by the National
Fire Protection Association (NFPA). The NYC Electrical Code adopts NFPA 70 with local
amendments.
QUESTION 2
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What is the minimum permitted working clearance in front of a 480Y/277V switchboard
that requires examination, adjustment, or maintenance while energized, assuming a
grounded concrete floor and no live parts on the opposite side?
A. 3 feet
B. 3.5 feet
C. 4 feet
D. 2.5 feet
CORRECT ANSWER: B
EXPERT RATIONALE: Per NEC Table 110.26(A)(1) Condition 2, for 151–600V nominal to
ground with grounded concrete floor and no live parts opposite, the minimum
clearance is 3.5 feet.
QUESTION 3
A single‑phase transformer has a 480V primary and a 120/240V secondary. The primary
has 400 turns. How many turns are in the secondary winding across the 240V tap?
A. 100 turns
B. 200 turns
C. 160 turns
D. 800 turns
CORRECT ANSWER: B
EXPERT RATIONALE: Turns ratio equals voltage ratio. Primary to 240V secondary:
480/240 = 2:1, so secondary turns = 400/2 = 200 turns.
QUESTION 4
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In NYC electrical work, which wiring method is prohibited for new installations in
buildings exceeding three stories in height?
A. Rigid metal conduit
B. Type MC cable
C. Nonmetallic‑sheathed cable (Type NM)
D. Flexible metal conduit
CORRECT ANSWER: C
EXPERT RATIONALE: NYC amendments restrict Type NM (Romex) cable to one‑ and
two‑family dwellings; it cannot be used in buildings over three stories.
QUESTION 5
Which instrument is designed specifically to measure high insulation resistance values,
typically in megohms?
A. Clamp‑on ammeter
B. Multimeter
C. Megohmmeter
D. Oscilloscope
CORRECT ANSWER: C
EXPERT RATIONALE: A megohmmeter applies a DC voltage (commonly 500V or 1000V)
to test insulation integrity and reads resistance in megohms, as required by NFPA 70E
for pre‑verification of de‑energized equipment.
QUESTION 6
, 4|Page
According to OSHA, what is the proper angle for a non‑self‑supporting extension ladder
when placed against a building?
A. 3 feet of base for every 4 feet of height
B. 1 foot of base for every 4 feet of height
C. 4 feet of base for every 1 foot of height
D. 1 foot of base for every 3 feet of height
CORRECT ANSWER: B
EXPERT RATIONALE: OSHA 1926.1053 requires a 4:1 pitch – the ladder base is 1 foot
from the wall for every 4 feet of vertical rise.
QUESTION 7
What is the minimum depth of burial for rigid metal conduit under a residential
driveway, unless otherwise specified by NYC amendments?
A. 6 inches
B. 12 inches
C. 18 inches
D. 24 inches
CORRECT ANSWER: C
EXPERT RATIONALE: Per NEC Table 300.5, rigid metal conduit under a residential
driveway (one‑ and two‑family) requires a minimum cover of 18 inches.
QUESTION 8
In an AC circuit, what term describes the ratio of true power (watts) to apparent power
(volt‑amperes)?
NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services
(DCAS) Electrician Exam | Latest Verified Questions and
Detailed Answers
OVERVIEW DESCRIPTION:
This comprehensive set of multiple choice questions is designed for the NYC Department of
Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) Electrician exam, a computer-based
multiple-choice test that assesses hands-on electrical trade competency, safety regulations,
and trade-specific knowledge. The content reflects the exam’s major domains, including the
National Electrical Code (NEC) and NYC amendments, electrical theory (AC/DC, motors,
generators, and transformers), blueprint and schematic interpretation, proper tool and
instrument usage, OSHA and NFPA 70E safety procedures, electrical installation and
maintenance methods, and supervisory/administrative duties. Administered by DCAS, this
exam is used to establish eligible hiring lists for electrician positions within New York City
agencies.
QUESTION 1
Which organization publishes the National Electrical Code (NEC), which forms the basis
for the NYC Electrical Code?
A. IEEE
B. NFPA
C. OSHA
D. ANSI
CORRECT ANSWER: B
EXPERT RATIONALE: The National Electrical Code (NFPA 70) is published by the National
Fire Protection Association (NFPA). The NYC Electrical Code adopts NFPA 70 with local
amendments.
QUESTION 2
,2|Page
What is the minimum permitted working clearance in front of a 480Y/277V switchboard
that requires examination, adjustment, or maintenance while energized, assuming a
grounded concrete floor and no live parts on the opposite side?
A. 3 feet
B. 3.5 feet
C. 4 feet
D. 2.5 feet
CORRECT ANSWER: B
EXPERT RATIONALE: Per NEC Table 110.26(A)(1) Condition 2, for 151–600V nominal to
ground with grounded concrete floor and no live parts opposite, the minimum
clearance is 3.5 feet.
QUESTION 3
A single‑phase transformer has a 480V primary and a 120/240V secondary. The primary
has 400 turns. How many turns are in the secondary winding across the 240V tap?
A. 100 turns
B. 200 turns
C. 160 turns
D. 800 turns
CORRECT ANSWER: B
EXPERT RATIONALE: Turns ratio equals voltage ratio. Primary to 240V secondary:
480/240 = 2:1, so secondary turns = 400/2 = 200 turns.
QUESTION 4
,3|Page
In NYC electrical work, which wiring method is prohibited for new installations in
buildings exceeding three stories in height?
A. Rigid metal conduit
B. Type MC cable
C. Nonmetallic‑sheathed cable (Type NM)
D. Flexible metal conduit
CORRECT ANSWER: C
EXPERT RATIONALE: NYC amendments restrict Type NM (Romex) cable to one‑ and
two‑family dwellings; it cannot be used in buildings over three stories.
QUESTION 5
Which instrument is designed specifically to measure high insulation resistance values,
typically in megohms?
A. Clamp‑on ammeter
B. Multimeter
C. Megohmmeter
D. Oscilloscope
CORRECT ANSWER: C
EXPERT RATIONALE: A megohmmeter applies a DC voltage (commonly 500V or 1000V)
to test insulation integrity and reads resistance in megohms, as required by NFPA 70E
for pre‑verification of de‑energized equipment.
QUESTION 6
, 4|Page
According to OSHA, what is the proper angle for a non‑self‑supporting extension ladder
when placed against a building?
A. 3 feet of base for every 4 feet of height
B. 1 foot of base for every 4 feet of height
C. 4 feet of base for every 1 foot of height
D. 1 foot of base for every 3 feet of height
CORRECT ANSWER: B
EXPERT RATIONALE: OSHA 1926.1053 requires a 4:1 pitch – the ladder base is 1 foot
from the wall for every 4 feet of vertical rise.
QUESTION 7
What is the minimum depth of burial for rigid metal conduit under a residential
driveway, unless otherwise specified by NYC amendments?
A. 6 inches
B. 12 inches
C. 18 inches
D. 24 inches
CORRECT ANSWER: C
EXPERT RATIONALE: Per NEC Table 300.5, rigid metal conduit under a residential
driveway (one‑ and two‑family) requires a minimum cover of 18 inches.
QUESTION 8
In an AC circuit, what term describes the ratio of true power (watts) to apparent power
(volt‑amperes)?
