Journeyman Electrician 26 practice questions and answers 2026. Tap an option to test yourself — you'll see the correct answer and a plain-English explanation for every question. Free, no login.
Q1According to the NEC, what is the definition of a branch circuit?
✓ Correct answer: C. The circuit conductors between the final overcurrent device and the outlets
A branch circuit is defined as the circuit conductors between the final overcurrent device protecting the circuit and the outlet(s). Everything upstream of that last OCPD is considered a feeder or service.
Topic: Branch Circuits, Feeders & Services
Q2Which of the following is a standard branch circuit rating recognized by the NEC?
✓ Correct answer: B. 30 amperes
The NEC recognizes standard branch circuit ratings of 15, 20, 30, 40, and 50 amperes. 25, 35, and 45 amperes are not standard branch circuit ratings.
Topic: Branch Circuits, Feeders & Services
Q3What is the maximum rating for a residential general-purpose branch circuit supplying receptacle outlets?
✓ Correct answer: A. 20 amperes
Residential general-purpose branch circuits for receptacle outlets are limited to a maximum of 20 amperes. Higher ratings are reserved for specific appliance and large-load circuits.
Topic: Branch Circuits, Feeders & Services
Q4How many small-appliance branch circuits are required by the NEC for kitchen receptacle outlets in a dwelling unit?
✓ Correct answer: D. At least two 20-ampere circuits
NEC 210.11(C)(1) requires at least two 20-ampere small-appliance branch circuits for receptacles in kitchens, pantries, breakfast rooms, dining rooms, and similar areas of dwelling units.
Topic: Branch Circuits, Feeders & Services
Q5The NEC requires at least one 20-ampere branch circuit for laundry receptacles in a dwelling unit. This circuit shall supply:
✓ Correct answer: B. No other outlets besides laundry area receptacles
NEC 210.11(C)(2) requires at least one 20-ampere branch circuit for the laundry area. This circuit shall have no other outlets — it is dedicated to laundry receptacles only.
Topic: Branch Circuits, Feeders & Services
Q6What is the minimum conductor size (copper) required for a 20-ampere branch circuit?
✓ Correct answer: A. 12 AWG
A 20-ampere branch circuit requires a minimum of 12 AWG copper conductors. 14 AWG is rated for only 15 amperes, which would be undersized for a 20-ampere circuit.
Topic: Branch Circuits, Feeders & Services
Q7Which minimum copper conductor size is required for a 15-ampere branch circuit?
✓ Correct answer: C. 14 AWG
14 AWG copper conductors are the minimum size for 15-ampere branch circuits. Smaller gauges such as 16 AWG are not permitted for general wiring branch circuits.
Topic: Branch Circuits, Feeders & Services
Q8A multiwire branch circuit must have a means to disconnect all ungrounded conductors simultaneously at the panelboard. This requirement is satisfied by:
✓ Correct answer: D. A two-pole breaker or a handle tie on adjacent single-pole breakers
NEC 210.4(B) requires that multiwire branch circuits have a means to simultaneously disconnect all ungrounded conductors. This can be accomplished with a 2-pole breaker or single-pole breakers equipped with an identified handle tie.
Topic: Branch Circuits, Feeders & Services
Q9In a multiwire branch circuit, the ungrounded conductors must be connected to:
✓ Correct answer: B. Different phases or legs in the panelboard
The ungrounded conductors of a multiwire branch circuit must be connected to different phases (legs) so the neutral carries only the unbalanced current, which prevents overloading the neutral conductor.
Topic: Branch Circuits, Feeders & Services
Q10What is the general lighting load per square foot used for dwelling units in NEC load calculations?
✓ Correct answer: A. 3 VA per square foot
NEC Table 220.12 specifies a general lighting load of 3 VA per square foot for dwelling units. This value is used as the basis for calculating required branch circuits and service sizing.
Topic: Branch Circuits, Feeders & Services
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