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Michigan Electrical Sign Contractor License Exam
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT DETAILED SOLUTIONS WITH
RATIONALES LATEST THIS YEAR (2026-2027)
Exam Coverage Summary: This exam evaluates competency in NEC Article 600 (Electric Signs
and Outline Lighting), Michigan Skilled Trades Regulation Act (PA 407 of 2016), wiring methods
(EMT, RMC, MC), grounding and bonding, overcurrent protection, disconnect requirements,
neon secondary wiring (GTO), LED systems, load calculations, voltage drop, working clearances,
and safety practices for signage installation.
1. A contractor is installing a large LED sign on the exterior of a retail store. According to NEC
600.5(A), what is the maximum ampere rating permitted for the branch circuit supplying this
sign?
A) 15 amperes
B) 20 amperes
C) 30 amperes
D) 50 amperes
Correct Answer: B
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Rationale: NEC 600.5(A) specifically limits sign and outline lighting branch circuits to a maximum
rating of 20 amperes to prevent overheating and ensure safe disconnect capabilities.
2. A business owner wants to install a small illuminated "OPEN" sign inside a dwelling unit
window. What is the maximum voltage permitted for this sign?
A) 480V
B) 277V
C) 120V
D) 240V
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: NEC 600.2 and Michigan amendments restrict the voltage in dwelling units to 120V to
minimize the risk of severe shock in residential environments.
3. A sign is being installed on a wall 7 feet above a pedestrian walkway. The inspector cites a
violation. What is the minimum required clearance?
A) 6 feet
B) 8 feet
C) 10 feet
D) 12 feet
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Correct Answer: B
Rationale: NEC 600.9(A) mandates a minimum height of 8 feet above finished grade or
pedestrian traffic areas to prevent head hazards and unauthorized contact.
4. A technician is wiring a neon sign. What specific type of insulated cable is required for the
high-voltage secondary circuit connections to the electrodes?
A) THHN
B) XHHW
C) UF-B
D) GTO
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: NEC 600.32(B) requires Gas Tube Output (GTO) cable for neon secondary wiring
because it is rated for the high voltages (5,000V to 15,000V) generated by the transformer.
5. A sign contractor is about to energize a new sign. What must be obtained prior to this action
to comply with Michigan regulations?
A) A Certificate of Occupancy
B) A letter from the manufacturer
C) Approval from the electrical inspector
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D) A final invoice
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: According to Michigan Electrical Code and general safety practices, electrical
equipment cannot be energized until the Authority Having Jurisdiction (inspector) grants
approval.
6. A metal pole supporting an illuminated sign shows signs of corrosion at the base. If not
corrected, what is the primary hazard?
A) Reduced brightness of the sign
B) Loss of proper equipment grounding path
C) Increased voltage to the sign
D) Flickering of LED modules
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A broken or corroded metal pole compromises the bonding path to ground,
potentially leaving the metal structure energized during a ground fault without tripping the
breaker.
7. A contractor is running conduit to a sign on an island in a parking lot. Conduit is run directly
from the building panel to the sign base. What specific requirement applies to the disconnect
Michigan Electrical Sign Contractor License Exam
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT DETAILED SOLUTIONS WITH
RATIONALES LATEST THIS YEAR (2026-2027)
Exam Coverage Summary: This exam evaluates competency in NEC Article 600 (Electric Signs
and Outline Lighting), Michigan Skilled Trades Regulation Act (PA 407 of 2016), wiring methods
(EMT, RMC, MC), grounding and bonding, overcurrent protection, disconnect requirements,
neon secondary wiring (GTO), LED systems, load calculations, voltage drop, working clearances,
and safety practices for signage installation.
1. A contractor is installing a large LED sign on the exterior of a retail store. According to NEC
600.5(A), what is the maximum ampere rating permitted for the branch circuit supplying this
sign?
A) 15 amperes
B) 20 amperes
C) 30 amperes
D) 50 amperes
Correct Answer: B
, Page 2 of 136
Rationale: NEC 600.5(A) specifically limits sign and outline lighting branch circuits to a maximum
rating of 20 amperes to prevent overheating and ensure safe disconnect capabilities.
2. A business owner wants to install a small illuminated "OPEN" sign inside a dwelling unit
window. What is the maximum voltage permitted for this sign?
A) 480V
B) 277V
C) 120V
D) 240V
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: NEC 600.2 and Michigan amendments restrict the voltage in dwelling units to 120V to
minimize the risk of severe shock in residential environments.
3. A sign is being installed on a wall 7 feet above a pedestrian walkway. The inspector cites a
violation. What is the minimum required clearance?
A) 6 feet
B) 8 feet
C) 10 feet
D) 12 feet
, Page 3 of 136
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: NEC 600.9(A) mandates a minimum height of 8 feet above finished grade or
pedestrian traffic areas to prevent head hazards and unauthorized contact.
4. A technician is wiring a neon sign. What specific type of insulated cable is required for the
high-voltage secondary circuit connections to the electrodes?
A) THHN
B) XHHW
C) UF-B
D) GTO
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: NEC 600.32(B) requires Gas Tube Output (GTO) cable for neon secondary wiring
because it is rated for the high voltages (5,000V to 15,000V) generated by the transformer.
5. A sign contractor is about to energize a new sign. What must be obtained prior to this action
to comply with Michigan regulations?
A) A Certificate of Occupancy
B) A letter from the manufacturer
C) Approval from the electrical inspector
, Page 4 of 136
D) A final invoice
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: According to Michigan Electrical Code and general safety practices, electrical
equipment cannot be energized until the Authority Having Jurisdiction (inspector) grants
approval.
6. A metal pole supporting an illuminated sign shows signs of corrosion at the base. If not
corrected, what is the primary hazard?
A) Reduced brightness of the sign
B) Loss of proper equipment grounding path
C) Increased voltage to the sign
D) Flickering of LED modules
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A broken or corroded metal pole compromises the bonding path to ground,
potentially leaving the metal structure energized during a ground fault without tripping the
breaker.
7. A contractor is running conduit to a sign on an island in a parking lot. Conduit is run directly
from the building panel to the sign base. What specific requirement applies to the disconnect
