CALIFORNIA ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR
LICENSE EXAM ACTUAL PREP QUESTIONS
AND WELL REVISED ANSWERS - LATEST AND
COMPLETE UPDATE WITH VERIFIED
SOLUTIONS – ASSURES PASS
1. What is the minimum gauge copper grounding conductor required for a
200-amp service?
A. 8 AWG
B. 6 AWG
C. 4 AWG
D. 10 AWG
Grounding for a 200-amp service typically requires a 6 AWG copper
conductor per NEC and California amendments.
2. What type of conduit is not permitted for underground electrical
installations?
A. PVC Schedule 40
B. Rigid Metal Conduit
C. EMT
D. HDPE
EMT is not rated for direct burial unless specifically listed for that use.
3. A multi-wire branch circuit requires a disconnect that simultaneously opens
all ungrounded conductors. This is known as:
A. Fusible switch
B. Individual breakers
C. Common-trip breaker
, D. Receptacle disconnect
NEC requires multi-wire branch circuits to have a common disconnect for
overcurrent protection.
4. The required working space in front of an electrical panel is at least:
A. 24 inches
B. 30 inches
C. 18 inches
D. 36 inches
NEC 110.26 mandates 30 inches minimum clear working space.
5. The national electrical code publication referenced in California is:
A. NEC 2011
B. NEC 2014
C. NEC 2023
D. NEC 2008
California adopts the latest NEC edition with state amendments (currently
2023 as of 2025).
6. Which device protects a circuit from overloads and short circuits?
A. Switch
B. Transformer
C. Circuit breaker
D. Receptacle
Circuit breakers are designed to protect conductors and equipment from
overcurrent.
7. The maximum voltage between phases in a residential electrical system is:
A. 120 V
B. 240 V
C. 208 V
, D. 480 V
Standard residential split-phase systems in the U.S. provide 240 V between
phases.
8. What defines the legal contracting classification for electrical work in
California?
A. C-10
B. C-10
C. B-General
D. C-20
The C-10 classification is specific to electrical contracting in California.
9. What is required before beginning electrical work on a construction site?
A. Purchase of materials
B. Issuance of a permit
C. Final inspection
D. Certificate of occupancy
A permit is required before commencing any electrical installation.
10.Which of the following is used to reduce voltage in control circuits?
A. Rectifier
B. Control transformer
C. Generator
D. Inverter
A control transformer reduces line voltage for control circuits.
11.What is the minimum burial depth for direct-buried branch circuit
conductors rated up to 120 V?
A. 12 inches
B. 18 inches
C. 24 inches
, D. 6 inches
NEC specifies 18 inches for certain direct-buried circuits.
12.Which conductor color is typically used for grounding in the U.S.?
A. Red
B. Blue
C. Green or bare
D. Yellow
Grounding conductors are identified as green or bare copper.
13.What is the primary purpose of an arc-fault circuit interrupter (AFCI)?
A. Protect from shocks
B. Temperature control
C. Prevent electrical fires
D. Regulate voltage
AFCIs detect arcing faults that can lead to fires.
14.A GFCI device is required in:
A. Dry storage rooms
B. Bathrooms and kitchens
C. Attics
D. Basements only
GFCI protection is required in locations with moisture hazards.
15.What is the maximum allowable voltage drop recommended for branch
circuits?
A. 5%
B. 1%
C. 3%
D. 7%
Total voltage drop should not exceed 3% to ensure efficient operation.
LICENSE EXAM ACTUAL PREP QUESTIONS
AND WELL REVISED ANSWERS - LATEST AND
COMPLETE UPDATE WITH VERIFIED
SOLUTIONS – ASSURES PASS
1. What is the minimum gauge copper grounding conductor required for a
200-amp service?
A. 8 AWG
B. 6 AWG
C. 4 AWG
D. 10 AWG
Grounding for a 200-amp service typically requires a 6 AWG copper
conductor per NEC and California amendments.
2. What type of conduit is not permitted for underground electrical
installations?
A. PVC Schedule 40
B. Rigid Metal Conduit
C. EMT
D. HDPE
EMT is not rated for direct burial unless specifically listed for that use.
3. A multi-wire branch circuit requires a disconnect that simultaneously opens
all ungrounded conductors. This is known as:
A. Fusible switch
B. Individual breakers
C. Common-trip breaker
, D. Receptacle disconnect
NEC requires multi-wire branch circuits to have a common disconnect for
overcurrent protection.
4. The required working space in front of an electrical panel is at least:
A. 24 inches
B. 30 inches
C. 18 inches
D. 36 inches
NEC 110.26 mandates 30 inches minimum clear working space.
5. The national electrical code publication referenced in California is:
A. NEC 2011
B. NEC 2014
C. NEC 2023
D. NEC 2008
California adopts the latest NEC edition with state amendments (currently
2023 as of 2025).
6. Which device protects a circuit from overloads and short circuits?
A. Switch
B. Transformer
C. Circuit breaker
D. Receptacle
Circuit breakers are designed to protect conductors and equipment from
overcurrent.
7. The maximum voltage between phases in a residential electrical system is:
A. 120 V
B. 240 V
C. 208 V
, D. 480 V
Standard residential split-phase systems in the U.S. provide 240 V between
phases.
8. What defines the legal contracting classification for electrical work in
California?
A. C-10
B. C-10
C. B-General
D. C-20
The C-10 classification is specific to electrical contracting in California.
9. What is required before beginning electrical work on a construction site?
A. Purchase of materials
B. Issuance of a permit
C. Final inspection
D. Certificate of occupancy
A permit is required before commencing any electrical installation.
10.Which of the following is used to reduce voltage in control circuits?
A. Rectifier
B. Control transformer
C. Generator
D. Inverter
A control transformer reduces line voltage for control circuits.
11.What is the minimum burial depth for direct-buried branch circuit
conductors rated up to 120 V?
A. 12 inches
B. 18 inches
C. 24 inches
, D. 6 inches
NEC specifies 18 inches for certain direct-buried circuits.
12.Which conductor color is typically used for grounding in the U.S.?
A. Red
B. Blue
C. Green or bare
D. Yellow
Grounding conductors are identified as green or bare copper.
13.What is the primary purpose of an arc-fault circuit interrupter (AFCI)?
A. Protect from shocks
B. Temperature control
C. Prevent electrical fires
D. Regulate voltage
AFCIs detect arcing faults that can lead to fires.
14.A GFCI device is required in:
A. Dry storage rooms
B. Bathrooms and kitchens
C. Attics
D. Basements only
GFCI protection is required in locations with moisture hazards.
15.What is the maximum allowable voltage drop recommended for branch
circuits?
A. 5%
B. 1%
C. 3%
D. 7%
Total voltage drop should not exceed 3% to ensure efficient operation.
