Tennessee Limited Licensed Electrician (LLE) — Questions and Answers

Question 1: According to NEC 334.30, what is the maximum interval for securing and supporting Type NM cable in exposed locations?

3 feet
6 feet
2.5 feet
4.5 feet (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 4.5 feet

NEC 334.30 requires NM cable to be secured and supported at intervals not exceeding 4.5 feet in exposed locations.

Question 2: Per OSHA 1910.333, what is the minimum approach distance for an unqualified person near exposed energized parts at 300 volts to ground?

No specific distance, just 'stay away'
10 feet (Correct answer)
42 inches
3 feet

Correct answer: 10 feet

OSHA 1910.333(c)(3) Table S-5 specifies that unqualified persons must maintain at least 10 feet from exposed energized parts operating at 300V to 750V.

Question 3: The general rule in NEC 240.21 requires that overcurrent protection for a conductor be located:

At the midpoint of the circuit run.
Within a readily accessible junction box.
At the point where the conductor receives its supply. (Correct answer)
At the load end, nearest the equipment.

Correct answer: At the point where the conductor receives its supply.

NEC 240.21(A) establishes the fundamental rule for overcurrent protection. It states that protection shall be provided in each ungrounded conductor at the point where the conductors receive their supply, preventing the entire length of the conductor from being overloaded.

Question 4: Per NEC 250.118, which of the following is recognized as an equipment grounding conductor?

Duct tape wrapped around a conductor
PVC conduit
A copper conductor, EMT, IMC, RMC, or listed flexible metal conduit under specific conditions (Correct answer)
NM cable outer sheath

Correct answer: A copper conductor, EMT, IMC, RMC, or listed flexible metal conduit under specific conditions

NEC 250.118 lists approved equipment grounding conductors including copper/aluminum wire, EMT, IMC, RMC, and certain listed flexible conduits and cable assemblies.

Question 5: A residential service is supplied by 2/0 AWG copper service-entrance conductors. What is the minimum size copper Grounding Electrode Conductor (GEC) required for a connection to a ground rod?

6 AWG (Correct answer)
8 AWG
4 AWG
2 AWG

Correct answer: 6 AWG

According to NEC Article 250.66(A), the grounding electrode conductor connected to a rod, pipe, or plate electrode is not required to be larger than 6 AWG copper unless it continues on to bond other electrodes. Even though Table 250.66 would require a larger conductor based on the 2/0 service conductors for other types of electrodes, the connection to a ground rod has this specific exception.

Question 6: Per NEC 310.15(B)(7), what ampacity method applies to 120/240V, single-phase dwelling service conductors?

Standard Table 310.16 values apply
83% of the standard ampacity
Conductors may be sized one trade size smaller
A special table with higher ampacities for service entrance conductors (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A special table with higher ampacities for service entrance conductors

NEC 310.15(B)(7) provides a special table with higher ampacities specifically for dwelling unit service and feeder conductors because of the diversity of residential loads.

Question 7: When are supplemental ground rods required in addition to a single ground rod per NEC 250.53(A)(2)?

Always — a single rod is never sufficient
Only in commercial installations
When the single rod does not achieve 25 ohms or less to ground (Correct answer)
Only when the soil is sandy

Correct answer: When the single rod does not achieve 25 ohms or less to ground

NEC 250.53(A)(2) requires a supplemental electrode when a single ground rod cannot be shown to have a resistance of 25 ohms or less to ground.

Question 8: Per NEC 430.24, how is a feeder sized when supplying multiple motors?

Sum of all motor FLCs
Based on the largest motor only
125% of the largest motor FLC plus 100% of all other motor FLCs (Correct answer)
150% of the total motor load

Correct answer: 125% of the largest motor FLC plus 100% of all other motor FLCs

NEC 430.24 requires feeder conductors to have ampacity not less than 125% of the highest-rated motor FLC plus the sum of the FLCs of all other motors on the feeder.

Question 9: What is the maximum voltage rating for Type NM cable per NEC 334.116?

150 volts
1000 volts
600 volts (Correct answer)
300 volts

Correct answer: 600 volts

NEC 334.116 states that NM cable shall be rated at 600 volts.

Question 10: What is the minimum size copper grounding electrode conductor for a 200-ampere service per NEC Table 250.66?

4 AWG (Correct answer)
1/0 AWG
6 AWG
2 AWG

Correct answer: 4 AWG

Per NEC Table 250.66, a 200A service with copper service-entrance conductors of 2/0 AWG requires a minimum 4 AWG copper grounding electrode conductor.

Question 11: Per NEC 210.8(F), GFCI protection is required for dishwasher branch circuits in dwelling units. What is the voltage and ampere range?

All voltages and amperages
240V, 30A only
120V through 250V, 50A or less (Correct answer)
120V, 15A only

Correct answer: 120V through 250V, 50A or less

NEC 210.8(F) requires GFCI protection for dishwasher branch circuits rated 125V through 250V, 50 amperes or less in dwelling units.

Question 12: What is the demand factor applied to the first 10 kW of commercial kitchen equipment loads per NEC Table 220.56?

100%
65%
80%
Demand factor depends on number of equipment units, not a fixed kW threshold (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Demand factor depends on number of equipment units, not a fixed kW threshold

NEC Table 220.56 provides demand factors for commercial kitchen equipment based on the number of units, not a fixed kW threshold.

Question 13: What is the minimum number of 20-ampere small-appliance branch circuits required for the kitchen in a dwelling unit per NEC 210.11(C)(1)?

3
4
1
2 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 2

NEC 210.11(C)(1) requires a minimum of two 20-ampere small-appliance branch circuits serving the kitchen and dining areas.

Question 14: Per NEC 240.15, what requirement applies when a circuit breaker is used as a switch for normal load control?

Only 20A breakers can be used as switches
Breakers cannot be used as switches
Any breaker can be used as a switch
The breaker must be listed as suitable for switching duty (SWD or HID rated) (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The breaker must be listed as suitable for switching duty (SWD or HID rated)

NEC 240.15 requires circuit breakers used for switching 120V or 277V fluorescent lighting circuits to be listed and marked SWD or HID.

Question 15: According to NEC 314.28(A)(1), the minimum dimension of a pull box used for straight pulls must be at least:

10 times the trade diameter of the largest conduit entering the box
6 times the trade diameter of the largest conduit entering the box
8 times the trade diameter of the largest conduit entering the box (Correct answer)
4 times the trade diameter of the largest conduit entering the box

Correct answer: 8 times the trade diameter of the largest conduit entering the box

NEC 314.28(A)(1) requires that for straight pulls the minimum box dimension must be at least 8 times the trade size of the largest raceway entering the box.

Question 16: For a commercial building with 30 kW of general lighting load, what demand factor reduction is permitted per NEC Table 220.42?

80% of all 30 kW
50% of all 30 kW
100% of first 12,500 VA plus 50% of remainder (Correct answer)
100% of all 30 kW

Correct answer: 100% of first 12,500 VA plus 50% of remainder

Per NEC Table 220.42, commercial occupancies use 100% of the first 12,500 VA and 50% of the remainder for general lighting demand calculations.

Question 17: What is the minimum depth of a 4-inch square metal box commonly used at junction points?

2-1/8 inches (Correct answer)
1-1/2 inches
1-5/8 inches
1-1/4 inches

Correct answer: 2-1/8 inches

A standard 4-inch square (4S) box commonly used at junction points is 2-1/8 inches deep, providing 30.3 cubic inches of volume.

Question 18: Per NEC 240.21(B), what is the maximum length for a feeder tap conductor that is at least 1/3 the ampacity of the feeder OCPD?

10 feet
No length limit
15 feet
25 feet (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 25 feet

NEC 240.21(B)(2) permits tap conductors up to 25 feet in length if they have ampacity not less than 1/3 of the feeder OCPD rating and terminate in a single OCPD.

Question 19: Per NEC 230.70, where must the service disconnecting means be located?

At the nearest point of entrance of the service conductors, readily accessible inside or outside the building (Correct answer)
In the basement only
At the utility meter only
Anywhere the homeowner prefers

Correct answer: At the nearest point of entrance of the service conductors, readily accessible inside or outside the building

NEC 230.70(A)(1) requires the service disconnect to be installed at a readily accessible location nearest the point of entrance of the service conductors.

Question 20: Which of the following BEST describes an 'effective ground-fault current path'?

An intentionally constructed, low-impedance conductive path designed to carry current under fault conditions from the point of a ground fault to the electrical supply source. (Correct answer)
A path that utilizes the grounded (neutral) conductor to clear a fault.
A connection to the earth through a grounding electrode with a resistance of 25 ohms or less.
The structural steel frame of a building that is in direct contact with the earth.

Correct answer: An intentionally constructed, low-impedance conductive path designed to carry current under fault conditions from the point of a ground fault to the electrical supply source.

An effective ground-fault current path is a core concept in Article 250. It is an intentionally created, permanent, and electrically continuous path of low impedance designed to safely carry fault current back to the source, which allows the overcurrent protective device to operate. It is composed of equipment grounding conductors, raceways, and enclosures.

Question 21: According to NEC 110.12, what general standard applies to the workmanship of all electrical installations?

Work must pass visual inspection only
Only licensed electricians may perform installations
Any method is acceptable if it functions properly
Installations must be neat and workmanlike (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Installations must be neat and workmanlike

NEC 110.12 requires that electrical equipment be installed in a neat and workmanlike manner, which is a subjective but enforceable standard.

Question 22: According to NEC Table 300.5, what is the minimum direct burial depth for Rigid Metal Conduit (RMC) installed underground (not encased in concrete)?

0 inches
12 inches
6 inches (Correct answer)
24 inches

Correct answer: 6 inches

NEC Table 300.5 requires RMC installed as direct burial to have a minimum cover of 6 inches.

Question 23: An A/C unit's nameplate lists the rated-load current as 24A and specifies a "Maximum Fuse Size" of 40A. What is the maximum size inverse-time circuit breaker that can be used for branch-circuit protection?

30A
45A
40A (Correct answer)
50A

Correct answer: 40A

NEC 440.4(B) states that equipment shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations included in the listing or labeling. If the nameplate specifies a maximum fuse or HACR circuit breaker size, that value must not be exceeded.

Question 24: What is the frequency of standard AC power in the United States?

120 Hz
50 Hz
240 Hz
60 Hz (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 60 Hz

The standard power frequency in the United States is 60 Hz (60 cycles per second).

Question 25: What is the typical available fault current at a residential 200A service panel?

100,000+ amperes
1,000-5,000 amperes
10,000-22,000 amperes (Correct answer)
200 amperes

Correct answer: 10,000-22,000 amperes

Typical residential services see available fault currents of 10,000-22,000 amperes depending on transformer size and distance.

Question 26: What type of short-circuit and ground-fault protection is typically required for a hermetic motor-compressor branch circuit?

Standard inverse-time circuit breaker rated at 125% of RLA
Fuses or HACR-type breaker not exceeding 175% of rated-load current (Correct answer)
Any breaker rated at 100% of the locked-rotor current
Time-delay fuses rated at 200% of FLA

Correct answer: Fuses or HACR-type breaker not exceeding 175% of rated-load current

NEC 440.22(A) generally limits the OCPD to not exceed 175% of the rated-load current, though specific equipment nameplate values may allow different sizing.

Question 27: What happens to the total circuit current when you add a load in parallel to an existing circuit?

Total current decreases
Total current increases (Correct answer)
Total current becomes zero
Total current stays the same

Correct answer: Total current increases

Adding a parallel load creates an additional current path, reducing total resistance and increasing total circuit current.

Question 28: Per NEC 300.17, what percentage of a conduit's internal cross-sectional area can be filled when installing 3 or more conductors?

40% (Correct answer)
53%
31%
60%

Correct answer: 40%

NEC Chapter 9, Table 1 limits conduit fill to 40% of the cross-sectional area when 3 or more conductors are installed.

Question 29: In a residential dwelling, an electrician is installing a new subpanel in a detached garage fed from the main service panel at the house. Which of the following is a critical requirement for grounding and bonding at the subpanel?

A separate grounding electrode, such as a ground rod, must be installed at the detached garage. (Correct answer)
The neutral bus and the equipment grounding bus must be connected together by a main bonding jumper.
The equipment grounding conductor must be oversized by 25% to account for voltage drop.
The grounded (neutral) conductor can be used to ground the subpanel enclosure.

Correct answer: A separate grounding electrode, such as a ground rod, must be installed at the detached garage.

NEC Section 250.32(A) requires a separate building or structure supplied by a feeder or branch circuit to have a grounding electrode system. This means a detached structure like a garage must have its own grounding electrode (e.g., ground rod). The neutral and ground buses must be kept separate at a subpanel to prevent objectionable current from flowing on the equipment grounding conductors.

Question 30: What is the minimum service size required for a single-family dwelling per NEC 230.79(C)?

150 amperes
200 amperes
60 amperes
100 amperes (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 100 amperes

NEC 230.79(C) requires that a single-family dwelling service have a minimum rating of 100 amperes, 3-wire.

Question 31: What color wire is typically used for grounding in residential wiring?

White
Green or bare copper (Correct answer)
Black
Red

Correct answer: Green or bare copper

In residential wiring, the color green or bare copper is typically used for grounding wires. The grounding wire provides a safe path for fault currents to return to the electrical panel and then to the earth, preventing dangerous voltage buildup on metal parts of appliances or fixtures. This is a critical safety feature to protect against electrical shock.

Question 32: An electrical enclosure is to be installed outdoors, exposed to rain and sleet. Which NEMA enclosure type is the minimum requirement for this location?

Type 3R (Correct answer)
Type 2
Type 12
Type 1

Correct answer: Type 3R

A NEMA Type 3R enclosure is constructed for either indoor or outdoor use to provide a degree of protection against ingress of solid foreign objects (falling dirt) and water (rain, sleet, snow). It is a common choice for residential service equipment and outdoor disconnects.

Question 33: When calculating the load for a branch circuit supplying a fixed multioutlet assembly (e.g., plugmold) in a commercial building where appliances are not likely to be used simultaneously, what is the standard load allowance per section?

600 VA for the first 10 feet and 180 VA for each additional 5 feet
1500 VA for the entire assembly
180 VA for every 5-foot section or fraction thereof (Correct answer)
180 VA for every 1-foot section

Correct answer: 180 VA for every 5-foot section or fraction thereof

NEC 220.14(H)(1) specifies that for a fixed multioutlet assembly where simultaneous use is unlikely, each 5-foot section (or any fraction of a 5-foot section) is calculated at 180 volt-amperes.

Question 34: Per NEC 358.26, what is the maximum total degrees of bends permitted in a single run of EMT between pull points?

270 degrees
180 degrees
450 degrees
360 degrees (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 360 degrees

NEC 358.26 limits bends in any EMT run between pull points to not more than 360 degrees total, equivalent to four 90-degree bends.

Question 35: What is the minimum gauge of wire typically used for 20-amp circuits in residential wiring?

14-gauge
16-gauge
12-gauge (Correct answer)
10-gauge

Correct answer: 12-gauge

For 20-amp circuits in residential wiring, the minimum gauge of wire typically used is 12-gauge. Wire gauge refers to the thickness of the wire, with a lower number indicating a thicker wire. A 12-gauge wire is sufficiently thick to safely carry the 20 amps of current without overheating, preventing fire hazards.

Question 36: According to NEC Table 300.5, what is the minimum burial depth for Type UF cable used for a 120/240V residential branch circuit?

18 inches
6 inches
24 inches
12 inches (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 12 inches

NEC Table 300.5 requires Type UF cable to be buried a minimum of 12 inches deep for residential branch circuits.

Question 37: What is the relationship between voltage, current, and resistance known as?

Faraday's law
Watt's law
Ohm's law (Correct answer)
Kirchhoff's law

Correct answer: Ohm's law

Ohm's law (V = I x R) describes the fundamental relationship between voltage, current, and resistance.

Question 38: In the NEC, what does the term "Readily Accessible" mean?

Capable of being reached for operation, but may require a portable ladder.
Capable of being reached quickly for operation, renewal, or inspections without requiring tools to open doors or climbing over obstacles. (Correct answer)
Visible and not more than 50 feet distant from the equipment.
Admitting close approach; not guarded by locked doors or elevation.

Correct answer: Capable of being reached quickly for operation, renewal, or inspections without requiring tools to open doors or climbing over obstacles.

Article 100 defines "Readily Accessible" as capable of being reached quickly for operation or inspection without requiring tools to open doors, climbing over obstacles, or using a portable ladder. This is a higher level of accessibility than just "Accessible."

Question 39: An air-conditioning unit has a rated-load current of 18A and a locked-rotor current of 90A. What is the minimum ampere rating for the required disconnecting means?

30A (Correct answer)
25A
18A
20A

Correct answer: 30A

As per NEC 440.12(A)(1), the disconnecting means must have an ampere rating of at least 115% of the motor-compressor's rated-load current. In this case, 18A * 1.15 = 20.7A. A standard 30A non-fused disconnect is the minimum standard size that meets this requirement.

Question 40: What is Ohm's Law?

V = IR (Correct answer)
𝑉 = 𝐼2𝑅
P = IV
E = mc2

Correct answer: V = IR

Ohm's Law describes the fundamental relationship between voltage (V), current (I), and resistance (R) in an electrical circuit. The correct formula, V = IR, states that the voltage across a conductor is directly proportional to the current flowing through it, given a constant resistance. This law is essential for analyzing and designing electrical circuits.

Tennessee Limited Licensed Electrician (LLE)

The TN LLE exam certifies electricians to perform limited electrical work in Tennessee, testing knowledge of the National Electrical Code, wiring methods, grounding, overcurrent protection, and load calculations.

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120 min

Time Limit

73%

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