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Electrical Level 3 Module 1 – Load Calculations and
Branch Feeder Circuits Quiz | 2026/2027 NEC-
Compliant Questions and Verified Answers .
DOMAIN 1: NEC General Requirements & Definitions (6 Questions)
Question 1 (Multiple Choice)
According to NEC Article 100 definitions, which of the following best describes a continuous
load?
A) A load that operates continuously without interruption for 24 hours
B) A load where the maximum current is expected to continue for 3 hours or more
C) Any load connected to a dedicated branch circuit serving only that equipment
D) A load that draws current at a constant rate without fluctuation
Answer: B) A load where the maximum current is expected to continue for 3 hours or more
[CORRECT]
Rationale: NEC Article 100 defines a continuous load as one where the maximum current is
expected to continue for 3 hours or more. This definition is critical because continuous loads
require 125% sizing for branch circuits and feeders per NEC 210.19(A)(1) and 215.2(A)(1).
Examples include parking garage lighting, office lighting, and HVAC equipment that runs
continuously during occupied hours.
Question 2 (Multiple Choice)
A commercial lighting circuit serves fluorescent fixtures that operate 12 hours daily. The actual
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connected load is 1,200 VA. What is the minimum branch circuit conductor ampacity required by
NEC 210.19(A)(1)?
A) 1,200 VA
B) 1,440 VA
C) 1,500 VA
D) 1,560 VA
Answer: C) 1,500 VA [CORRECT]
Rationale: Per NEC 210.19(A)(1), continuous loads must be calculated at 125% of the actual
load. Calculation: 1,200 VA × 1.25 = 1,500 VA. The conductor must have an ampacity of at least
1,500 VA ÷ 120 V = 12.5 A. A 14 AWG conductor (20A ampacity at 60°C) would satisfy this,
though 15A branch circuits are standard for this load.
Question 3 (Calculation - Numeric Answer)
A 208V single-phase feeder serves a continuous load of 45A and a noncontinuous load of 30A.
What is the minimum standard overcurrent protective device (OCPD) rating required per NEC
215.3? (Answer in amperes)
Answer: 80 Amperes [CORRECT]
Rationale: Per NEC 215.3, the OCPD must be sized for the sum of noncontinuous loads at 100%
plus continuous loads at 125%.
Calculation:
Noncontinuous: 30A × 1.00 = 30A
Continuous: 45A × 1.25 = 56.25A
Total: 30A + 56.25A = 86.25A
The next standard OCPD size per NEC 240.6(A) is 80A (standard sizes: 70A, 80A, 90A, 100A).
Wait—86.25A exceeds 80A. The correct next size up is 90A. However, 86.25A requires the next
standard size up: 90A.
Correction: The minimum standard OCPD is 90A (next size above 86.25A per 240.6(A)).
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Question 4 (Multiple Choice)
Which NEC Article provides the primary requirements for calculating branch-circuit, feeder, and
service loads?
A) Article 210
B) Article 215
C) Article 220
D) Article 230
Answer: C) Article 220 [CORRECT]
Rationale: NEC Article 220 titled "Branch-Circuit, Feeder, and Service Load Calculations"
provides the comprehensive methodology for calculating electrical loads. It includes Part I
(General), Part II (Branch-Circuit Load Calculations), Part III (Feeder and Service Load
Calculations), Part IV (Optional Calculations), and Part V (Farm Load Calculations). Articles 210
and 215 cover installation requirements, while Article 230 covers services.
Question 5 (Calculation - Numeric Answer)
A single-family dwelling has a total floor area of 2,850 square feet (excluding unfinished
basement and garage). What is the general lighting load in VA required by NEC 220.12?
Answer: 8,550 VA [CORRECT]
Rationale: NEC 220.12 requires 3 VA per square foot for dwelling unit general lighting loads.
Calculation: 2,850 sq ft × 3 VA/sq ft = 8,550 VA.
This is the minimum calculated load before applying demand factors from NEC Table 220.42(A).
The actual connected load may be higher, but the minimum is based on floor area per Table
220.12.
Electrical Level 3 Module 1 – Load Calculations and
Branch Feeder Circuits Quiz | 2026/2027 NEC-
Compliant Questions and Verified Answers .
DOMAIN 1: NEC General Requirements & Definitions (6 Questions)
Question 1 (Multiple Choice)
According to NEC Article 100 definitions, which of the following best describes a continuous
load?
A) A load that operates continuously without interruption for 24 hours
B) A load where the maximum current is expected to continue for 3 hours or more
C) Any load connected to a dedicated branch circuit serving only that equipment
D) A load that draws current at a constant rate without fluctuation
Answer: B) A load where the maximum current is expected to continue for 3 hours or more
[CORRECT]
Rationale: NEC Article 100 defines a continuous load as one where the maximum current is
expected to continue for 3 hours or more. This definition is critical because continuous loads
require 125% sizing for branch circuits and feeders per NEC 210.19(A)(1) and 215.2(A)(1).
Examples include parking garage lighting, office lighting, and HVAC equipment that runs
continuously during occupied hours.
Question 2 (Multiple Choice)
A commercial lighting circuit serves fluorescent fixtures that operate 12 hours daily. The actual
, 2
connected load is 1,200 VA. What is the minimum branch circuit conductor ampacity required by
NEC 210.19(A)(1)?
A) 1,200 VA
B) 1,440 VA
C) 1,500 VA
D) 1,560 VA
Answer: C) 1,500 VA [CORRECT]
Rationale: Per NEC 210.19(A)(1), continuous loads must be calculated at 125% of the actual
load. Calculation: 1,200 VA × 1.25 = 1,500 VA. The conductor must have an ampacity of at least
1,500 VA ÷ 120 V = 12.5 A. A 14 AWG conductor (20A ampacity at 60°C) would satisfy this,
though 15A branch circuits are standard for this load.
Question 3 (Calculation - Numeric Answer)
A 208V single-phase feeder serves a continuous load of 45A and a noncontinuous load of 30A.
What is the minimum standard overcurrent protective device (OCPD) rating required per NEC
215.3? (Answer in amperes)
Answer: 80 Amperes [CORRECT]
Rationale: Per NEC 215.3, the OCPD must be sized for the sum of noncontinuous loads at 100%
plus continuous loads at 125%.
Calculation:
Noncontinuous: 30A × 1.00 = 30A
Continuous: 45A × 1.25 = 56.25A
Total: 30A + 56.25A = 86.25A
The next standard OCPD size per NEC 240.6(A) is 80A (standard sizes: 70A, 80A, 90A, 100A).
Wait—86.25A exceeds 80A. The correct next size up is 90A. However, 86.25A requires the next
standard size up: 90A.
Correction: The minimum standard OCPD is 90A (next size above 86.25A per 240.6(A)).
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Question 4 (Multiple Choice)
Which NEC Article provides the primary requirements for calculating branch-circuit, feeder, and
service loads?
A) Article 210
B) Article 215
C) Article 220
D) Article 230
Answer: C) Article 220 [CORRECT]
Rationale: NEC Article 220 titled "Branch-Circuit, Feeder, and Service Load Calculations"
provides the comprehensive methodology for calculating electrical loads. It includes Part I
(General), Part II (Branch-Circuit Load Calculations), Part III (Feeder and Service Load
Calculations), Part IV (Optional Calculations), and Part V (Farm Load Calculations). Articles 210
and 215 cover installation requirements, while Article 230 covers services.
Question 5 (Calculation - Numeric Answer)
A single-family dwelling has a total floor area of 2,850 square feet (excluding unfinished
basement and garage). What is the general lighting load in VA required by NEC 220.12?
Answer: 8,550 VA [CORRECT]
Rationale: NEC 220.12 requires 3 VA per square foot for dwelling unit general lighting loads.
Calculation: 2,850 sq ft × 3 VA/sq ft = 8,550 VA.
This is the minimum calculated load before applying demand factors from NEC Table 220.42(A).
The actual connected load may be higher, but the minimum is based on floor area per Table
220.12.
