MICHIGAN ELECTRICAL SIGN CONTRACTOR LICENSE Exam

MICHIGAN ELECTRICAL SIGN
CONTRACTOR LICENSE Exam | 250
MCQs | Questions, Answers & rationales |
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1. What is the maximum voltage permitted for signs installed in dwelling occupancies?

 A) 480V
 B) 277V
 C) 120V (correct answer)
 D) 208V

Rationale: NEC 600.2 and Michigan rules limit sign voltage in dwelling units to 120V to
minimize shock hazard in residential settings.



2. According to the NEC, what is the minimum clearance required between a sign and a readily
climbable structure?

 A) 6 feet
 B) 8 feet (correct answer)
 C) 10 feet
 D) 12 feet

Rationale: NEC 600.9(A) requires a minimum of 8 feet clearance from readily climbable
structures to prevent unauthorized access and electrocution.



3. Which article of the NEC governs electric signs and outline lighting?

 A) Article 410
 B) Article 500
 C) Article 600 (correct answer)
 D) Article 680

,Rationale: NEC Article 600 specifically covers electric signs, outline lighting, and
associated wiring and equipment.



4. A sign branch circuit must be rated at no more than:

 A) 15 amperes
 B) 20 amperes (correct answer)
 C) 30 amperes
 D) 50 amperes

Rationale: NEC 600.5(A) requires each sign to be supplied by a circuit rated not more than
20 amperes.



5. In Michigan, who issues the Electrical Sign Contractor License?

 A) The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth (correct answer)
 B) The Michigan Department of Transportation
 C) The local municipality
 D) The National Electrical Contractors Association

Rationale: Michigan's Bureau of Construction Codes under DLEG oversees and issues
electrical sign contractor licenses.



6. What type of wiring method is acceptable inside a sign enclosure?

 A) NM cable only
 B) Any wiring method suitable for the location (correct answer)
 C) Open conductors only
 D) Armored cable only

Rationale: NEC 600.32 allows any wiring method suitable for the conditions inside sign
enclosures, including environment and wet/dry location classification.



7. What is the minimum wire gauge permitted for sign branch circuits?

 A) 16 AWG
 B) 14 AWG (correct answer)
 C) 12 AWG

,  D) 10 AWG

Rationale: NEC 600.5(B)(2) specifies that branch circuit conductors for signs must be a
minimum of 14 AWG copper.



8. A neon sign transformer is also known as a:

 A) Step-down transformer
 B) High-leakage reactance transformer (correct answer)
 C) Isolation transformer
 D) Auto-transformer

Rationale: Neon sign transformers are high-leakage reactance (also called high-impedance)
transformers designed to limit current and provide a high-voltage, low-current output.



9. What is the maximum open-circuit voltage for a neon sign transformer used outdoors?

 A) 7,500V
 B) 10,000V
 C) 15,000V (correct answer)
 D) 30,000V

Rationale: NEC 600.23(A) permits neon sign secondary circuit voltages up to 15,000V open
circuit for outdoor applications.



10. Which of the following locations requires a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) for sign
circuits?

 A) Dry indoor locations
 B) Wet or damp outdoor locations (correct answer)
 C) All sign locations
 D) Rooftop signs only

Rationale: NEC 600.10(C)(2) requires GFCI protection for signs in wet or damp locations
to prevent shock hazards.



11. What is the minimum height above a pedestrian walkway for a sign?

,  A) 6 feet
 B) 7 feet
 C) 8 feet (correct answer)
 D) 10 feet

Rationale: NEC 600.9(A) requires signs to be at least 8 feet above grade or pedestrian
walkways.



12. When must a disconnecting means be within sight of a sign?

 A) Never required
 B) Always (correct answer)
 C) Only for signs over 600V
 D) Only for exterior signs

Rationale: NEC 600.6(A)(1) requires that a disconnect be within sight of the sign or be
capable of being locked in the open position.



13. What is the minimum ampere rating for a sign disconnecting means?

 A) 15A
 B) 20A (correct answer)
 C) 30A
 D) 50A

Rationale: NEC 600.6(A) requires that the disconnect for a sign must have a rating of at
least 20 amperes.



14. What is the maximum length of secondary circuit conductors for a neon sign installed
indoors?

 A) 15 feet
 B) 20 feet (correct answer)
 C) 30 feet
 D) 50 feet

Rationale: NEC 600.32(A) limits secondary neon conductor length indoors to 20 feet to
minimize exposure to high-voltage conductors.