Page 1 of 136
NYC Electrician (CUNY) Exam Questions with
Correct Answers and explanations LATEST THIS
YEAR -JUST RELEASED
NYC Electrician (CUNY) Exam
Exam Coverage Summary
The NYC Electrician (CUNY) Exam is a civil service examination administered by DCAS for electrician
positions within the City University of New York system . Two exam options are available: Open
Competitive Exam #6049 (open to all qualified candidates) and Promotion Exam #6523 (open to current
CUNY employees with permanent status as Electrician Helper) . The exam is scheduled for Monday, April
13, 2026, with a non-refundable application fee of $101.00 .
The exam tests knowledge of electrical codes, safety regulations, and practical applications. Key
references include the National Electrical Code (NEC) and NYC Electrical Code amendments. Topics
cover: general electrical theory, wiring and protection, wiring methods and materials, equipment for
general use, special occupancies (healthcare facilities, hazardous locations), special equipment, motor
controls, grounding and bonding, overcurrent protection, conduit fill calculations, voltage drop, and
NYC-specific code requirements.
Qualified candidates must meet experience requirements comparable to those for master electrician
licensure, with the Commissioner authorized to waive examination requirements for City agency
applicants with sufficient experience . The exam format follows DCAS civil service testing procedures,
with results used to establish eligible lists for CUNY electrician positions.
Question 1
Type ____ is multiconductor cable identified for use as underground service entrance cable.
A) Type UF
B) Type USE
C) Type NM
D) Type SE
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Correct Answer: B
Summary Rationale: Type USE cable is specifically identified for underground service entrance
applications and is designed for direct burial where exposed to moisture .
Question 2
Knife switches rated for more than 1200 Amps at 250 Volts or less:
A) Can be used as regular service disconnects
B) Can be used only as isolating switches and shall not be opened under load
C) Cannot be installed in any electrical system
D) Must be operated under full load conditions
Correct Answer: B
Summary Rationale: Knife switches rated for more than 1200 amps at 250 volts or less can be used only
as isolating switches and shall not be opened under load to prevent arcing and switch damage .
, Page 3 of 136
Question 3
What is the minimum clearance for service drops installed over a roof?
A) 6 feet
B) 8 feet
C) 10 feet
D) 12 feet
Correct Answer: B
Summary Rationale: Service drops installed over roofs require a vertical clearance of 8 feet above the
roof surface, unless a lesser distance is permitted by exception .
Question 4
Where internal combustion engines are used as the prime mover, an on-site fuel supply shall be
provided for not less than ____ hours of full-demand operation.
A) 2 hours
B) 4 hours
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C) 6 hours
D) 8 hours
Correct Answer: C
*Summary Rationale: When internal combustion engines serve as the prime mover for emergency
systems, an on-premise fuel supply must be provided for not less than 6 hours of full-demand
operation .*
Question 5
What is the maximum voltage drop permitted from the service point to the last overcurrent device in a
dwelling unit?
A) 2%
B) 3%
C) 4%
D) 5%
NYC Electrician (CUNY) Exam Questions with
Correct Answers and explanations LATEST THIS
YEAR -JUST RELEASED
NYC Electrician (CUNY) Exam
Exam Coverage Summary
The NYC Electrician (CUNY) Exam is a civil service examination administered by DCAS for electrician
positions within the City University of New York system . Two exam options are available: Open
Competitive Exam #6049 (open to all qualified candidates) and Promotion Exam #6523 (open to current
CUNY employees with permanent status as Electrician Helper) . The exam is scheduled for Monday, April
13, 2026, with a non-refundable application fee of $101.00 .
The exam tests knowledge of electrical codes, safety regulations, and practical applications. Key
references include the National Electrical Code (NEC) and NYC Electrical Code amendments. Topics
cover: general electrical theory, wiring and protection, wiring methods and materials, equipment for
general use, special occupancies (healthcare facilities, hazardous locations), special equipment, motor
controls, grounding and bonding, overcurrent protection, conduit fill calculations, voltage drop, and
NYC-specific code requirements.
Qualified candidates must meet experience requirements comparable to those for master electrician
licensure, with the Commissioner authorized to waive examination requirements for City agency
applicants with sufficient experience . The exam format follows DCAS civil service testing procedures,
with results used to establish eligible lists for CUNY electrician positions.
Question 1
Type ____ is multiconductor cable identified for use as underground service entrance cable.
A) Type UF
B) Type USE
C) Type NM
D) Type SE
, Page 2 of 136
Correct Answer: B
Summary Rationale: Type USE cable is specifically identified for underground service entrance
applications and is designed for direct burial where exposed to moisture .
Question 2
Knife switches rated for more than 1200 Amps at 250 Volts or less:
A) Can be used as regular service disconnects
B) Can be used only as isolating switches and shall not be opened under load
C) Cannot be installed in any electrical system
D) Must be operated under full load conditions
Correct Answer: B
Summary Rationale: Knife switches rated for more than 1200 amps at 250 volts or less can be used only
as isolating switches and shall not be opened under load to prevent arcing and switch damage .
, Page 3 of 136
Question 3
What is the minimum clearance for service drops installed over a roof?
A) 6 feet
B) 8 feet
C) 10 feet
D) 12 feet
Correct Answer: B
Summary Rationale: Service drops installed over roofs require a vertical clearance of 8 feet above the
roof surface, unless a lesser distance is permitted by exception .
Question 4
Where internal combustion engines are used as the prime mover, an on-site fuel supply shall be
provided for not less than ____ hours of full-demand operation.
A) 2 hours
B) 4 hours
, Page 4 of 136
C) 6 hours
D) 8 hours
Correct Answer: C
*Summary Rationale: When internal combustion engines serve as the prime mover for emergency
systems, an on-premise fuel supply must be provided for not less than 6 hours of full-demand
operation .*
Question 5
What is the maximum voltage drop permitted from the service point to the last overcurrent device in a
dwelling unit?
A) 2%
B) 3%
C) 4%
D) 5%
