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Master Electrician Practice Exams
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Based on the 2020 NEC
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________________________
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Published by Tests.com LLC
P.O. Box 232
Lititz, PA 17543
www.Tests.com
ISBN: 978-1-938967-62-7
Copyright © 2017-2022 Ray Holder
Copyright © 2017-2022 Tests.com LLC, Test Tips
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed or transmitted in any
form or by any means without the prior written permission of Ray Holder or Tests.com LLC. Published in
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electronic format in the United States of America.
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About the Author
Ray Holder has worked in the electrical industry for over fifty years as an apprentice, journeyman,
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master, field engineer, estimator, business manager, contractor, inspector, consultant and instructor.
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Mr. Holder is a graduate of Texas State University and holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in
Occupational Education. He also holds a lifetime teaching certificate from the Texas Education Agency,
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in the field of Vocational Education.
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He is a certified instructor of electrical trades. His classes are presented in a simplified, easy-to-
understand format for electricians.
Mr. Holder has taught over 30,000 students at Austin Community College, the University of Texas at
Austin, Odessa College, at Odessa Texas, Howard College at San Angelo, Texas, the Technical-Vocational
Institute of Albuquerque, New Mexico, and in the public school systems in Ft. Worth and San Antonio,
Texas. He is currently the Director of Education for Electrical Seminars, Inc. of Belen, New Mexico.
Mr. Holder is a former member of the National Fire Protection Association, International Association of
Electrical Inspectors, and retired member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. He is
from of Belen, New Mexico.
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Table of Contents
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Introduction to Electrician Exams ................................................................................................................. 1
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Useful Formulas ............................................................................................................................................ 6
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Commonly Used NEC Tables and Articles ................................................................................................... 10
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Practice Exams
Master Electrician Practice Exam 1 ................................................................................................ 11
Master Electrician Practice Exam 2 ................................................................................................ 33
Master Electrician Practice Exam 3 ................................................................................................ 56
Practice Exam Answers
Master Electrician Practice Exam Answers 1 ................................................................................. 77
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Master Electrician Practice Exam Answers 2 ................................................................................. 93
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Master Electrician Practice Exam Answers 3 ............................................................................... 109
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Questions with Answers
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Master Electrician Practice Exam 1 .............................................................................................. 126
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Master Electrician Practice Exam 2 .............................................................................................. 164
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Master Electrician Practice Exam 3 .............................................................................................. 202
Test Preparation and Test Taking Tips..................................................................................................... 242
Other Publications by Mr. Holder ............................................................................................................. 245
Bubble Sheets ........................................................................................................................................... 246
50 State Electrician Licensing Exam Guide................................................................................................ 248
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Introduction to Electrician Exams
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HOW TO PREPARE FOR THE EXAM
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The following tests help to prepare students for the electricians' licensing exam. It will not make you a
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competent electrician, nor teach you the electrical trade, but it will give you an idea of the type of questions
asked on most electricians' licensing examinations and how to answer them correctly.
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Most electrical exams consist of multiple-choice questions and this is the type of questions reflected in these
tests. The questions will give you a feel for how many of the examinations nationwide are structured. The
questions are an example of the many questions the author has encountered when taking numerous licensing
exams in recent years.
Begin your pre-exam preparation with two important points in mind.
* Opportunities in life will arise - be prepared for them.
* The more you LEARN - the more you EARN.
Attempting to take an exam without preparation is a complete waste of time. Attend classes at your local
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community college. Attend seminars, electrical code updates, and company sponsored programs. Many
major electrical suppliers and local unions sponsor classes of this type at no cost. Take advantage of them.
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Become familiar with the National Electrical Code; the NEC has a LANGUAGE all its own. Understanding this
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language will help you to better interpret the NEC. Do not become intimidated by its length. Become
thoroughly familiar with the definitions in Chapter One; if you don't, the remainder of the NEC will be difficult
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to comprehend. Remember, on the job we use different "lingo" and phrases compared to the way the NEC is
written and to the way many test questions are expressed.
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THE ELECTRICAL LICENSE PROCESS
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Generally, electrician license candidates may not sit for an examination without submitting a completed
license application (with all required documentations and applicable fees) to the state agency in which they
are applying to take the examination. If the candidate is approved, they will be notified that they can schedule
their examination.
Applicants will also be informed if their application is incomplete or does not satisfy the required criteria.
Most states require an applicant for the journeyman electrician license to have 8,000 hours (4 years) of on-
the-job training under the supervision of a master or journeyman electrician and pass a journeyman
electrician examination. The examination is usually a 4 hour, 80 question, multiple choice test.
Generally, an applicant for the master electrician license must have 12,000 hours (6 years) of on-the-job
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training under the supervision of a master or journeyman electrician, hold a journeyman electrician license for
2 years, and pass a master electrician examination. Many states do require this criteria if one has a degree in
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electrical engineering. The examination is usually a 5 hour, 100 question multiple choice test.
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Please be advised, it is recommended that you first contact the state where you are applying for you license,
because their specific requirements and criteria may vary.
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HOW TO STUDY
When studying, get into the right frame of mind, and relax. Study in a quiet place that is conducive to learning.
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If such a place is not available, go to your local library. It is important that you have the right atmosphere in
which to study.
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It is much better to study many short lengths of time than attempt to study fewer, longer lengths of time. Try
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to study a little while, say about an hour, every evening. You will need the support and understanding of your
family to set aside this much needed time.
As you study these licensing exam preparation tests, the NEC and other references, always highlight the
important points. This makes it easier to locate the NEC references when taking the actual exam.
Use a straight edge, such as a six-inch ruler when using the NEC tables and charts. A very common mistake is
to get on the wrong line when using these tables; when that happens, the result is an incorrect answer.
Use tabs on the major sections of your NEC, so they are faster and easier to locate when taking the exam.
The national average allowed per question is less than three minutes, you cannot waste time.
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WHAT TO STUDY
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A common reason for one to be unsuccessful when attempting to pass electrical licensing exams is not
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knowing what to study.
The subject matter covered in most electrical licensing examinations is:
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* Grounding and bonding
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* Overcurrent protection l l
* Wiring methods and installation
* Boxes and fittings
* Services and equipment
* Motors
* Special occupancies
* Load calculations
* Lighting
* Appliances
* Box and raceway fill
* Hazardous locations
* Trade knowledge
* Electrical theory
Become very familiar with questions on the above. Knowing what to study is a major step toward passing your
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exam. The above related subject matter will be addressed in the following tests.
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HELPFUL HINTS ON TAKING THE EXAM
* Complete the easy questions first. On most tests, all questions are valued the same. If you become too
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frustrated on any one question, it may reflect upon your entire test.
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* Keep track of time. Do not spend too much time on one question. If a question is difficult for you, mark the
answer sheet the answer you think is correct and place a check ( ) by that question in the examination
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booklet. Then go on to the next question; if you have time after finishing the rest of the exam, you can go back
to the questions you have checked. If you simply do not know the answer to a question, take a guess. Choose
the answer that is most familiar to you. In most cases, the answer is B or C.
* Only change answers if you know you are right. - Usually, your first answer is your best answer.
* Relax - Do not get uptight and stressed out when testing.
* Tab your Code Book. - References are easier and faster to find.
* Use a straightedge. - Prevent getting on the wrong line when referring to the tables in the NEC.
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* Get a good nights rest before the exam. - Do not attempt to drive several hours to an exam site; be rested
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and alert.
* Understand the question. - One key word in a question can make a difference in what the question is asking.
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Underlining key words will help you to understand the meaning of the question.
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* Use a dependable calculator. - Use a solar-powered calculator that has a battery back-up. Since many test
sites are not well lighted, this type of calculator will prepare you for such a situation. If possible, bring along a
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spare calculator.
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* Show up at least 30 minutes prior to your exam time. – Be sure to allow yourself time for traffic, etc. when
planning your route to the exam location.
TYPICAL REGULATIONS AT THE PLACE OF EXAMINATION
To ensure that all examinees are examined under equally favorable conditions, the following regulations and
procedures are observed at most examination sites:
* Each examinee must present proper photo identification, preferably your driver's license before you will be
permitted to take the examination.
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* No cameras, notes, tape recorders, pagers, or cellular phones are allowed in the examination room.
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* No one will be permitted to work beyond the established time limits.
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* Examinees are not permitted any reference material EXCEPT the National Electrical Code.
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* Examinees will be permitted to use noiseless calculators during the examination. Calculators which provide
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programmable ability or pre-programmed calculators are prohibited.
* Permission of an examination proctor must be obtained before leaving the room while the examination is in
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progress.
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* Each examinee is assigned to a seat specifically designated by name and/or number when admitted to the
examination room.
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TYPICAL EXAMINATION QUESTIONS
The following examples are intended to illustrate typical questions that appear on electricians' licensing
exams.
EXAMPLE 1
An equipment grounding conductor of a branch circuit shall be identified by which of the following colors?
A. gray
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B. white
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C. black
D. green
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Here you are asked to select from the listed colors the one that is to be used to identify the equipment
grounding conductor of a branch circuit. Since Section 250.119 of the NEC requires that green or green with
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yellow stripes be the color of insulation used on a grounding conductor (when it is not bare), the answer is D.
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EXAMPLE 2
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The emergency electrical disconnects or shutoff devices for motor fuel dispensing devices shall disconnect
power to all fuel dispensing devices and pumps. Such devices or disconnects shall be installed in approved
locations but NOT more than _____ from the fuel dispensing devices they serve.
A. 100 feet
B. 50 feet
C. 75 feet
D. 20 feet
Here the "question" is in the form of a fill-in-the blank statement. Your task is to select the choice that best
completes the statement. In this case, you should have selected A since Section 514.11(A) of the NEC
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specifies that such an emergency disconnect shall disconnect power to all fuel dispensing devices in approved
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locations not less than 20 ft. and not more than 100 ft. from the fuel dispensing devices they serve.
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EXAMPLE 3
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A building or other structure served shall be supplied by only one service
EXCEPT one where the capacity requirements are in excess of _____.
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A. 800 amperes at a supply voltage of 1000 volts or less
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B. 1000 amperes at a supply voltage of 1000 volts or less
C. 1500 amperes at a supply voltage of 1000 volts or less
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D. 2000 amperes at a supply voltage of 1000 volts or less
This "question" is in the form of an incomplete statement and your task is to select the choice that best
completes the statement. In this case, you are to find an exception. You have to select the condition that has
to be met when supplying a building or structure by more than one service. You should have selected D
because Section 230.2(C)(1) requires the conditions listed in D but does not require or permit the conditions
listed in A, B, or C.
EXAMPLE 4
When exceptions are not a consideration, the MINIMUM size overhead service-drop conductors shall be
_____ copper.
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A. 6 AWG
B. 8 AWG
C. 12 AWG
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D. 14 AWG
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Here the "question" is in the form of fill in the blank and your task is to select the choice that best completes
the statement. In this case, exceptions are not applicable. You have to select the minimum size conductor
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required for overhead service-drop conductors. You should have selected B because Section 230.23(B)
specifies that the conductors shall not be smaller than 8 AWG copper.
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HOW TO USE THESE TESTS
To get the most out of these tests you should answer every question and highlight your NEC for future
reference. If you have difficulty with a question and cannot come up with the answer that is familiar to you,
make note of the question and come back to it after completing the remainder of the questions. Review your
answers with the ANSWER KEY after completing the test. This will help you identify your strengths and
weaknesses. When you discover you are weaker in some areas than others, you will know that further study
is necessary in those areas.
Do not try to study for too long a period of time, if you do, you may get fatigued and get burned out.
This also helps you develop good study habits. GOOD LUCK!
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Useful Formulas
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Single
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To Find Three Phase Direct Current
Phase
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Amperes when kVA x 1,000 kVA x 1,000 not applicable
kVA is known E E x 1.732
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Amperes when
HP x 746___ HP x 746_ ____ HP x 746
horsepower is
E x %Eff. x PF. E x 1.732 x %Eff. x PF. E x %Eff.
known
Amperes when kW x 1,000 kW x 1,000__ kW x 1,000
Kilowatts are known E x PF. E x 1.732 x PF. E
I x E x PF. I x E x 1.732 x PF. I x E_
Kilowatts
1,000 1,000 1,000
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I x E_ I x E x 1.732
Kilovolt Amperes not applicable
1,000 1,000
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I x E x %Eff. x PF. I x E x 1.732 x %Eff. x PF. I x E x %Eff.
Horsepower
746 746 746
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Watts E x I x PF. E x I x 1.732 x PF. ExI
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I = Amperes HP = Horsepower
E = Volt %Eff. = Percent Efficiency
kW = Kilowatts PF = Power Factor
kVA = Kilovolt-Amperes
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Power – “Pie” Circle Formulas
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Ohms Law Circle Formulas
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