Home Inspector Exam Questions & Answers 2026 (11–20)

Question 1

A home inspector observes that the metallic water supply piping does not extend at least 10 feet into the earth. According to the NEC, this means:

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

The water pipe alone is not sufficient and a supplemental electrode must also be installed. NEC 250.52(A)(1) allows interior metal water piping as a grounding electrode only when it is electrically continuous and in contact with the earth for at least 10 feet. If it is not, a supplemental electrode is required.

Question 2

What is the maximum number of overcurrent devices (circuit breakers) permitted in a residential panelboard?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

The number listed on the panel's label by the manufacturer. The maximum number of overcurrent devices is determined by the panel's listing and label. Modern NEC editions removed the old '42-circuit' rule; the panel label (e.g., 'Maximum 40 circuits') governs.

Question 3

A home inspector finds a Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) Stab-Lok panel. The correct reporting approach is to:

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Note it as a safety concern and recommend evaluation by a licensed electrician. FPE Stab-Lok panels have documented reliability concerns including failure to trip under overload. Home inspectors should note this as a safety concern and recommend further evaluation by a qualified electrician, without performing electrical testing themselves.

Question 4

Unused knockout openings in an electrical panel must be:

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Sealed with appropriate filler plates. NEC 408.7 requires all unused openings in panelboards to be effectively closed to prevent foreign objects or accidental contact with live parts, using listed closures designed for that purpose.

Question 5

A 240-volt, 2-pole breaker in a panel is supplying a circuit, but the inspector notices the breaker handle is not tied together. What is the concern?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

A fault on one leg may not simultaneously disconnect both legs, leaving one leg energized. Two-pole breakers for 240-volt circuits must have their handles tied so that a fault on either pole trips both simultaneously. An un-tied pair could leave one 120-volt leg energized after a fault, creating a shock hazard.

Question 6

During an inspection, a home inspector observes that the service panel is installed in a bathroom. Under the NEC, this installation is:

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Not permitted — panelboards are prohibited in bathrooms. NEC 240.24(E) prohibits overcurrent devices (including panelboards) from being located in bathrooms due to the risk of shock in a wet environment. This applies to both main panels and subpanels.

Question 7

A standard 15-amp household branch circuit is typically wired with which wire gauge?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

14 AWG. 14 AWG copper wire has an ampacity of 15 amps when protected by a 15-amp breaker. A 20-amp circuit requires 12 AWG, and a 30-amp circuit typically uses 10 AWG.

Question 8

Which of the following is typically a 240-volt dedicated circuit in a home?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Electric clothes dryer circuit. Electric clothes dryers require 240 volts and typically a 30-amp dedicated circuit (NEMA 10-30 or 14-30 outlet). Most kitchen appliances and lighting circuits operate on 120 volts.

Question 9

The National Electrical Code requires at least two 20-amp small appliance branch circuits in a kitchen. These circuits must serve:

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Only the countertop receptacles in the kitchen and dining area. NEC 210.11(C)(1) requires a minimum of two 20-amp small appliance circuits that serve only the receptacles in the kitchen, pantry, breakfast room, and dining room countertop areas—not other areas of the home.

Question 10

A dedicated 20-amp laundry branch circuit is required by the NEC to serve:

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

At least one receptacle in the laundry area, with no other outlets on the circuit. NEC 210.11(C)(2) requires one 20-amp dedicated circuit for laundry receptacles. This circuit must serve only laundry area receptacles to ensure the washer has adequate power without sharing with other loads.

Home Inspector Exam Questions & Answers 2026 (11–20)

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