CodeReadyPrep

Daily code practice for electricians, plumbers & HVAC techs. Every answer cited to the code behind it. Independent study prep, not an exam board.

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@ecmmagazine Before treating equipment as deenergized during testing, a qualified person must verify absence of voltage, including induced voltage and backfeed. Opening the disconnect alone is not verification. OSHA 1910.333(b)(2)(iv)(B).

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@MikeHoltNEC A useful detail in NEC 2023 810.21(J): a separate antenna grounding electrode must be bonded to the power grounding electrode system with at least 6 AWG copper or equivalent. A separate rod alone is not the complete grounding arrangement.

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On a pipe-slope question, write the pipe diameter and units before opening the table. Then match the row. Inches per foot and total inches of fall are different quantities. Reference: IPC 2021 Table 704.1.

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Answer: D. 65 A. The 75°C column assigns 65 A to 6 AWG copper. The conductor cannot automatically be protected at any desired breaker rating. Reference: NEC 2023 Table 310.16.

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What is the 75°C table ampacity of 6 AWG copper before adjustment or correction?

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Tight by feel is not the torque requirement. When a numeric terminal torque is indicated, use an approved means to achieve it and follow applicable instructions. A calibrated torque tool is one such means. Reference: NEC 2023 110.14(D).

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Answer: B. 30 A. The two same-leg resistive-load currents are in phase and add in the shared neutral: 15 + 15 = 30 A. This is not a correctly phased multiwire branch circuit. Reference: Electrical theory; 210.4.

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Two purely resistive 15 A loads at unity power factor are accidentally connected to the same leg of a 120/240 V system while sharing a neutral. What neutral current results?

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Read the exception after the general rule. Bathroom receptacle-circuit questions can turn on whether the circuit serves one bathroom or multiple bathrooms. Reference: NEC 2023 210.11(C)(3).

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Answer: D. 6 AWG copper. The 200 A overcurrent-device row specifies 6 AWG copper equipment grounding conductor before any other applicable sizing considerations. Reference: NEC 2023 Table 250.122.

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Can you explain this?
A wire-type equipment grounding conductor serves a 200 A breaker. What is the minimum copper size from the basic table?
A. 4 AWG copper
B. 2 AWG copper
C. 8 AWG copper
D. 6 AWG copper
Answer in replies

[CodeReadyPrep @CodeReadyPrep]

High water pressure is not automatically better. Where building static pressure exceeds 80 psi, the general rule calls for an approved pressure-reducing valve, with strainer, to reduce it to 80 psi or less. Reference: IPC 2021 604.8.

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Answer: D. 3/4 inch. Section 501.3 requires a drain valve at the bottom of the tank. Its inlet is at least 3/4-inch nominal iron pipe size, and its outlet has male garden hose threads. Reference: 2021 IPC 501.3.

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Can you explain this?
Under 2021 IPC 501.3, what is the minimum nominal iron pipe size of the drain-valve inlet on a tank-type water heater?
A. 1/4 inch
B. 3/8 inch
C. 1/2 inch
D. 3/4inch
Answer in replies

[CodeReadyPrep @CodeReadyPrep]

When a motor problem gives several currents, circle the largest before multiplying. Keep the 125% calculation on its own line, then add the remaining loads. Reference: NEC 2023 430.24.

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A trap is not just a bend that holds some water. The general liquid-seal depth is at least 2 inches and no more than 4 inches. Read the section for special-design provisions. Reference: IPC 2021 1002.4.

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Answer: B. Allow isolation for service or emergency action. The appliance shutoff must be installed in the required location and accessible for operation. Concealing it can prevent prompt isolation. Reference: 2021 IFGC 409.5.

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Can you explain this?
Why must a gas appliance shutoff valve remain accessible?
A. Replace every pressure regulator
B. Allow isolation for service or emergency action
C. Allow it to be used as a drain cleanout
D. Increase burner efficiency automatically
Answer in replies

[CodeReadyPrep @CodeReadyPrep]

For working-space depth, mark voltage to ground and the condition across from the equipment before choosing a table value. Do not jump to an answer from panel voltage alone. Reference: NEC 2023 110.26(A)(1), Table 110.26(A)(1).

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Answer: A. 2.00 cubic inches. A 14 AWG conductor allowance is 2.00 cubic inches. Box capacity must cover all counted conductors and applicable fittings. Reference: NEC 2023 Table 314.16(B).

[CodeReadyPrep @CodeReadyPrep]

Can you explain this?
What is the general box-fill volume allowance for one 14 AWG conductor?
A. 2.00 cubic inches
B. 2.25 cubic inches
C. 2.50 cubic inches
D. 1.50 cubic inches
Answer in replies