Pennsylvania Master Electrician
Licensing Exam Practice Questions And
Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales |2026 Q&A | Instant
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1. What is the minimum size copper conductor permitted for a
residential 120-volt, 20-ampere branch circuit?
a) 14 AWG
b) 12 AWG
c) 10 AWG
d) 8 AWG
12 AWG copper is required for 20-ampere branch circuits per NEC
210.19(A)(4).
2. What is the maximum number of conductors allowed in a standard 4-
inch square electrical box without extensions, assuming 12 AWG
, conductors?
a) 5
b) 7
c) 9
d) 11
NEC Chapter 9, Table 314.16(B) shows a 4-inch square box has 21 cubic
inches; 12 AWG requires 2.25 cubic inches, so 9 conductors fit.
3. What is the color typically used for the grounded (neutral) conductor?
a) Green
b) White or gray
c) Black
d) Red
NEC 200.6 requires the grounded conductor to be identified by white or
gray.
4. Which NEC article covers grounding and bonding?
a) 210
b) 250
c) 300
d) 110
NEC Article 250 governs grounding and bonding requirements.
5. What is the minimum depth for a direct burial of Type UF cable under
residential driveways?
a) 12 inches
, b) 18 inches
c) 24 inches
d) 30 inches
NEC Table 300.5 specifies 24 inches for UF cable under driveways.
6. A continuous load on a branch circuit must not exceed what
percentage of the circuit rating?
a) 70%
b) 80%
c) 80%
d) 100%
NEC 210.20(A) requires branch circuits supplying continuous loads not
exceed 80% of rating.
7. The maximum voltage drop recommended for branch circuits is:
a) 2%
b) 3%
c) 5%
d) 10%
NEC Informational Note recommends 3% max for branch circuits.
8. Which of the following conductors must always be insulated?
a) Equipment grounding conductor
b) Ungrounded conductor
c) Grounded (neutral) conductor
, d) Bare bonding jumper
Neutrals must be insulated except in specific cases per NEC 200.2(B).
9. Which wiring method is acceptable in damp locations?
a) NM cable
b) MC cable without jacket
c) UF cable
d) SE cable indoors only
UF cable is rated for wet and damp locations per NEC 340.10.
10. What is the maximum allowable ampacity for 12 AWG copper
THHN in 30°C ambient (90°C rating)?
a) 20 amps
b) 25 amps
c) 30 amps
d) 35 amps
NEC Table 310.16 lists 30 amps for 12 AWG THHN in 90°C column.
11. Minimum working clearance in front of 480V switchgear is:
a) 2 feet
b) 3 feet
c) 4 feet
d) 6 feet
NEC 110.26(A)(1) requires 3 feet minimum clearance for 0–150V to
ground, increasing with higher voltages.
Licensing Exam Practice Questions And
Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales |2026 Q&A | Instant
Download Pdf
1. What is the minimum size copper conductor permitted for a
residential 120-volt, 20-ampere branch circuit?
a) 14 AWG
b) 12 AWG
c) 10 AWG
d) 8 AWG
12 AWG copper is required for 20-ampere branch circuits per NEC
210.19(A)(4).
2. What is the maximum number of conductors allowed in a standard 4-
inch square electrical box without extensions, assuming 12 AWG
, conductors?
a) 5
b) 7
c) 9
d) 11
NEC Chapter 9, Table 314.16(B) shows a 4-inch square box has 21 cubic
inches; 12 AWG requires 2.25 cubic inches, so 9 conductors fit.
3. What is the color typically used for the grounded (neutral) conductor?
a) Green
b) White or gray
c) Black
d) Red
NEC 200.6 requires the grounded conductor to be identified by white or
gray.
4. Which NEC article covers grounding and bonding?
a) 210
b) 250
c) 300
d) 110
NEC Article 250 governs grounding and bonding requirements.
5. What is the minimum depth for a direct burial of Type UF cable under
residential driveways?
a) 12 inches
, b) 18 inches
c) 24 inches
d) 30 inches
NEC Table 300.5 specifies 24 inches for UF cable under driveways.
6. A continuous load on a branch circuit must not exceed what
percentage of the circuit rating?
a) 70%
b) 80%
c) 80%
d) 100%
NEC 210.20(A) requires branch circuits supplying continuous loads not
exceed 80% of rating.
7. The maximum voltage drop recommended for branch circuits is:
a) 2%
b) 3%
c) 5%
d) 10%
NEC Informational Note recommends 3% max for branch circuits.
8. Which of the following conductors must always be insulated?
a) Equipment grounding conductor
b) Ungrounded conductor
c) Grounded (neutral) conductor
, d) Bare bonding jumper
Neutrals must be insulated except in specific cases per NEC 200.2(B).
9. Which wiring method is acceptable in damp locations?
a) NM cable
b) MC cable without jacket
c) UF cable
d) SE cable indoors only
UF cable is rated for wet and damp locations per NEC 340.10.
10. What is the maximum allowable ampacity for 12 AWG copper
THHN in 30°C ambient (90°C rating)?
a) 20 amps
b) 25 amps
c) 30 amps
d) 35 amps
NEC Table 310.16 lists 30 amps for 12 AWG THHN in 90°C column.
11. Minimum working clearance in front of 480V switchgear is:
a) 2 feet
b) 3 feet
c) 4 feet
d) 6 feet
NEC 110.26(A)(1) requires 3 feet minimum clearance for 0–150V to
ground, increasing with higher voltages.
