Page 1 of 45
ICC Commercial Electrical Inspector (E2)
Practice Exam Questions with Answers
and Rationales| Instant Download PDF
1. According to NFPA 70E, the boundary where a person
could be exposed to an arc flash hazard is called the:
A. Limited approach boundary
B. Restricted approach boundary
C. Arc flash boundary
D. Prohibited approach boundary
Answer: C – Arc flash boundary
Rationale: NFPA 70E defines the arc flash boundary as the
distance from exposed live parts where incident energy is 1.2
cal/cm² (second-degree burn risk). Limited approach (A) is shock
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2. An protection.electrical inspector arrives at a site and finds
live parts exposed without guarding. The contractor states
they are “testing.” What should the inspector do first?
A. Issue a stop-work order
B. Ask for a hot work permit
C. Observe from safe distance and request immediate guarding
D. Write a citation for lack of PPE
Answer: C
Rationale: Safety first – request immediate guarding or de-
energization. Stop-work order (A) may follow if refused. Permits
(B) are internal.
3. Which of the following is NOT required to be included in an
electrical permit application per typical adopted codes?
A. Calculated load
B. Number of recessed luminaires
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C. Type of occupancy
D. Contractor’s license number
Answer: B
Rationale: Load calc (A), occupancy type (C), license (D) are
standard. Number of recessed lights is installation detail, not
permit-required in most codes.
DOMAIN 2 – SERVICES & FEEDERS (NEC Article 230)
4. A commercial building has a 400 A continuous load. The
minimum service disconnect rating must be:
A. 400 A
B. 500 A
C. 600 A
D. 320 A
Answer: B – 500 A
Rationale: NEC 230.42(A) – service conductors must be sized for
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125% of continuous load + 100% non-continuous. 400 A × 1.25
= 500 A minimum.
5. Where is it permissible to install a service disconnect?
A. Inside a bathroom
B. Above a commercial kitchen sink
C. On a rooftop within sight of service conductors
D. Within a storage closet with combustibles
Answer: C
Rationale: NEC 230.70(A)(1) – readily accessible, not in
bathrooms (A), not above sinks (B), not near combustibles (D).
Rooftop is allowed if accessible.
6. The minimum clearance for service-drop conductors over a
flat roof that is not subject to vehicular traffic is:
A. 8 ft
ICC Commercial Electrical Inspector (E2)
Practice Exam Questions with Answers
and Rationales| Instant Download PDF
1. According to NFPA 70E, the boundary where a person
could be exposed to an arc flash hazard is called the:
A. Limited approach boundary
B. Restricted approach boundary
C. Arc flash boundary
D. Prohibited approach boundary
Answer: C – Arc flash boundary
Rationale: NFPA 70E defines the arc flash boundary as the
distance from exposed live parts where incident energy is 1.2
cal/cm² (second-degree burn risk). Limited approach (A) is shock
,Page 2 of 45
2. An protection.electrical inspector arrives at a site and finds
live parts exposed without guarding. The contractor states
they are “testing.” What should the inspector do first?
A. Issue a stop-work order
B. Ask for a hot work permit
C. Observe from safe distance and request immediate guarding
D. Write a citation for lack of PPE
Answer: C
Rationale: Safety first – request immediate guarding or de-
energization. Stop-work order (A) may follow if refused. Permits
(B) are internal.
3. Which of the following is NOT required to be included in an
electrical permit application per typical adopted codes?
A. Calculated load
B. Number of recessed luminaires
,Page 3 of 45
C. Type of occupancy
D. Contractor’s license number
Answer: B
Rationale: Load calc (A), occupancy type (C), license (D) are
standard. Number of recessed lights is installation detail, not
permit-required in most codes.
DOMAIN 2 – SERVICES & FEEDERS (NEC Article 230)
4. A commercial building has a 400 A continuous load. The
minimum service disconnect rating must be:
A. 400 A
B. 500 A
C. 600 A
D. 320 A
Answer: B – 500 A
Rationale: NEC 230.42(A) – service conductors must be sized for
, Page 4 of 45
125% of continuous load + 100% non-continuous. 400 A × 1.25
= 500 A minimum.
5. Where is it permissible to install a service disconnect?
A. Inside a bathroom
B. Above a commercial kitchen sink
C. On a rooftop within sight of service conductors
D. Within a storage closet with combustibles
Answer: C
Rationale: NEC 230.70(A)(1) – readily accessible, not in
bathrooms (A), not above sinks (B), not near combustibles (D).
Rooftop is allowed if accessible.
6. The minimum clearance for service-drop conductors over a
flat roof that is not subject to vehicular traffic is:
A. 8 ft
