{National Electrical Code} Competency Study Guide
Comprehensive Resource To Help You Ace 2026-2027 Exams
Includes Frequently Tested Questions With ELABORATED 100%
Correct COMPLETE SOLUTIONS
Guaranteed Pass First Attempt!! Current Update!!
1. Service entrace conductors run from the service drop to the service box or
service panel. True or False? - Correct Answer: True
2. The service size is determined by the amperage and the voltage ratings of
the service. - Correct Answer: True
3. Is the service drop overhead or underground? - Correct Answer:
Overhead
4. Are service laterals overhead or underground? - Correct Answer:
Underground
5. The drip loop is typically part of the service drop. True or False? -
Correct Answer: False
6. The wire size for the service drop must be the same as the wire size for the
service entrance conductors. True or False? - Correct Answer: False
,7. How many wires would you typically find in a 240-volt service drop? -
Correct Answer: 3
8. What would 4 wires mean? - Correct Answer: 3-phase electricity
9. What would 2 wires usually mean? - Correct Answer: 120 volt service
10.List 7 common problems with service drops. - Correct Answer: 1.
Overhead wires too low.
2. Damaged or frayed wires.
3. Trees or vines interfering with wires.
4. Wires too close to doors or windows.
5. Wires not well-secured to the house.
6. Poor connection between service drop and service entrance.
7. Inadequate clearance from roofs.
11.List clearances above ground, swimming pools, and roofs. - Correct
Answer: above roadway--18 ft.
above driveway--12 ft.
above flat roof--8 to 10 ft.
above sloped roof--18 inches
away from water in swimming pool--22.5 ft
3 ft. above sloped roof with pitch > 4 in 12
above walkway--10 ft.
12.The service entrance conductors run from the _________ to the
___________. - Correct Answer: service drop to service box
,13.All service entrance conductors must be in conduit. True or False? -
Correct Answer: False
14.All service entrance conductors must be attached above roof level. True or
False? - Correct Answer: False
15.The drip loop should be as close to the roof as possible. True or False? -
Correct Answer: False
16.List 10 common problems with service entrance conductors. - Correct
Answer: 1. No drip loop
2. No mast head
3. Mast head not weather tight.
4. Mast or conduit bent.
5. Mast or conduit rusted.
6. Mast rotted (if wood).
7. Mast conduit or cable not well secured.
8. Mast conduit or cable not weather tight.
9. Conduit or cable not well sealed at house/wall penetration.
10. Cable frayed, damaged, or covered by siding.
17.List 4 common areas of water penetration into service entrances. -
Correct Answer: 1. conduit joints
2. mast head
3. roof flashing
4. meter base
, 5. house entry
18.List 2 functions of the drip loop. - Correct Answer: 1. Prevents water
entry into the conduit or service entrance conductors.
2. Shows that the service drop wires are not straining the splices.
19.Roughly 999 out of 1000 houses have _________ volts available. -
Correct Answer: 240
20.Roughly 999 out of 1000 houses have __________ service entrance wires. -
Correct Answer: 3
21.Load calculations are part of a home inspection. - Correct Answer: False
22.Implications of an undersized service include:
a. shock hazard
b. fire hazard
c. shock and fire hazard
d. melting insulation
e. nuisance tripping of the main fuses and breakers - Correct
Answer: e.
23.What is the largest single-phase service that you are likely to find in a
home? - Correct Answer: 400 amps
24.What size copper wire would you expect to find on the service entrance for: