Exam Cheat Sheet · Quick Reference
Arizona R-11 Electrical Residential
Arizona · PSI Services Contractor
Verified, not estimated. Every figure below is drawn from the official exam structure we maintain — question counts, passing standard and topic weighting. Practice questions are grounded in the source law with statute citations. We omit any figure we can't verify rather than guess at it.
Total questions
110
Passing score
70%
Exam time
240 min
Administered by
PSI Services Contractor
Format
Reference materials allowed
Arizona State Portion 110 questions
General Electrical Knowledge
6 Q · 5%
Ohm's Law formulas and calculations (voltage, current, resistance, power)Series, parallel, and combination circuit analysisElectrical formulas for amperes, horsepower, kilowatts, and kVA (single-phase and three-phase)Conductor ampacity, temperature ratings, and correction/adjustment factorsGrounding and bonding requirements for systems, equipment, and conductorsGround-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) requirements and assured equipment grounding conductor programsWorking clearances and guarding of live parts for electrical equipmentCommon electrical distribution systems and conductor color coding
Service Feeders and Branch Circuits
18 Q · 16%
Branch circuit conductor sizing and ampacity requirementsBranch circuit overcurrent protection ratings and settingsFeeder conductor sizing using 125% of largest motor plus sum of remaining loadsFeeder overcurrent protection device sizing for multiple loadsGFCI protection requirements for dwelling unit branch circuitsAFCI protection requirements for dwelling unit branch circuitsVoltage drop calculations for single-phase and three-phase circuitsAmpacity correction and adjustment factors for temperature and conductor fill
Grounding and Bonding
16 Q · 15%
Equipment grounding conductor sizing (NEC Table 250.122)Grounding electrode conductor sizing for AC systems (NEC Table 250.66)Main bonding jumper and system bonding jumper sizing (NEC Table 250.102)Systems required to be grounded (AC and DC systems)Grounding connections and grounding path requirementsMade electrodes and resistance to ground requirementsBonding jumper capacity and electrical continuity requirementsIdentification and use of grounded versus grounding conductors
Conductors and Cables
12 Q · 11%
Ampacity tables for insulated conductors in raceways, cables, and free airAmpacity correction factors for ambient temperature deviationsAdjustment factors for more than three current-carrying conductors in a racewayConductor insulation types, trade names, maximum temperature ratings, and permitted locationsConductor and equipment termination temperature rating limitationsDC resistance and physical properties of conductors by AWG and kcmil sizeAC resistance and reactance for conductors in conduitDimensions and cross-sectional areas of insulated conductors by type and size
Raceways and Boxes
15 Q · 14%
Conduit fill calculations for mixed conductor types and sizesMaximum number of conductors by conduit type (EMT, RMC, IMC, PVC, FMC, LFMC)Box fill calculations and volume requirements per conductor sizeMetal box dimensions and maximum conductor counts by AWGConduit securing and supporting requirements by raceway typeUnderground installation minimum cover requirements by wiring methodSupporting conductors in vertical raceways spacing intervalsPull and junction box sizing for straight and angle pulls
Special Occupancies and Equipment
3 Q · 3%
Residential smoke alarm placement and location requirementsPower supply requirements for smoke and heat alarmsInterconnection of multiple-station alarmsResidential fire alarm system equipment performance and testingGeneral lighting loads for non-dwelling occupancies (Table 220.12)Demand factors for household electric clothes dryers and kitchen equipmentHazardous (classified) locations Class I, II, and III definitions and requirementsSpecial equipment disconnecting means for cranes, welders, elevators, and X-ray equipment
Electrical Devices
2 Q · 2%
Electrical symbols for outlets, switches, and wiring devicesNEMA receptacle configurations and wiring diagramsNEMA enclosure types and environmental protection ratingsReceptacle ratings and branch circuit compatibilitySwitch types and applications (single-pole, double-pole, three-way, four-way)Grounding terminals and grounding-type devices on receptaclesReceptacle installation in damp and wet locationsContact symbols and terminology (SPST, SPDT, DPST, DPDT, N.O., N.C.)
Motors
3 Q · 3%
Motor branch-circuit conductor sizing (125% of full-load current per NEC 430.22)Branch-circuit short-circuit and ground-fault protective device maximum ratings (NEC Table 430.52 percentages by motor type)Motor full-load current tables for DC, single-phase, and three-phase AC motors (NEC Tables 430.247–430.250)Motor overload protection requirements and sizing based on nameplate current (NEC 430.32)Motor feeder conductor sizing and feeder overcurrent protection (NEC 430.24 and 430.62)Motor disconnecting means requirements, types, location, and ampere rating (NEC 430.102–430.110)Running overload unit placement by motor type and supply system (NEC Table 430.37)Single-phase motor types, terminal markings, and direction of rotation reversal
Low Voltage
2 Q · 2%
Fire alarm circuit classifications: Class A, B, C, D, E, N, and X pathway designationsPower-limited fire alarm (PLFA) circuit wiring methods and cable types (FPL, FPLR, FPLP)Non-power-limited fire alarm (NPLFA) circuit wiring methods and cable types (NPLF, NPLFR, NPLFP)Class 2 and Class 3 remote-control and signaling circuit requirements and cable typesSmoke detector and heat detector installation location and spacing requirementsNotification appliance requirements: audible and visible signaling characteristicsLow-voltage lighting systems (Article 411): voltage limits, isolation, secondary circuit requirementsInspection, testing, and maintenance of fire alarm systems and record-keeping requirements
Lighting
6 Q · 5%
Luminaire installation requirements by location (wet, damp, closets, bathtubs, shower areas)Lighting load calculations for specified occupancies (VA per square foot, Table 220.12)Lighting load demand factors for feeders and services (Table 220.42)Required lighting outlets in dwelling units (habitable rooms, hallways, garages, storage spaces)Recessed luminaire requirements (Type IC vs. non-IC, thermal protection, clearances, wiring)Lighting track installation and load calculation (connected load, prohibited locations, support)Energy cost calculations for lighting (operating cost, payback period for energy-saving lamps)Luminaire grounding, support methods, and wiring requirements (Article 410)
Fire Detection and Alarm Systems
5 Q · 5%
Types and classification of initiating devices (heat, smoke, radiant energy, manual pull stations)Smoke detector location, spacing, and mounting requirements for various ceiling typesHeat detector temperature ratings, color coding, and spacing based on ceiling height and constructionNotification appliance requirements: audible signal levels, temporal evacuation pattern, and visible strobe spacingPathway class designations (Class A, B, C, N, X) and circuit survivability levelsPower supply requirements: primary, secondary, and battery capacity calculationsInspection, testing, and maintenance requirements including recordkeeping and notificationResidential smoke alarm placement, interconnection, and power supply requirements (Chapter 29)
Safety
5 Q · 5%
Employer and contractor accident prevention responsibilities (OSHA 29 CFR 1926.20)Personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements and employer payment obligationsElectrical safety work practices and lockout/tagout proceduresFall protection systems and duty to provide fall protection (6-foot rule)Safety training and employee instruction requirementsFire protection and prevention program requirementsGround-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) and assured equipment grounding conductor programEmergency action plans and means of egress
Overcurrent Protection
7 Q · 6%
Motor branch-circuit overcurrent protective device maximum ratings by motor type (NEC Table 430.52)Branch-circuit conductor sizing at 125% of motor full-load currentRunning overload unit number and placement by motor phase and supply system (NEC Table 430.37)Feeder conductor sizing and feeder overcurrent device selection for multiple motorsStandard fuse and circuit breaker ratings and next-size-up rule (NEC 240.6 and 430.52 exceptions)Current-limiting fuse let-through characteristics and short-circuit calculationsAccessibility and location requirements for overcurrent devices (600V or less)Circuit breaker operational and labeling requirements (open/closed indication, SWD marking)
Photovoltaics
10 Q · 9%
PV system components and configurations (arrays, inverters, charge controllers, batteries, BOS)PV cell types, semiconductor materials, and the photovoltaic effectCurrent-voltage (I-V) curve parameters and PV device electrical characteristicsSolar radiation concepts (irradiance, insolation, peak sun hours, air mass)Array orientation, tilt angle, and azimuth angle optimizationUtility-interactive, stand-alone, bimodal, and hybrid system configurationsSite survey procedures including shading analysis and array location assessmentNEC Article 690 requirements for PV wiring, overcurrent protection, disconnects, and grounding
Key Distinctions
Main Bonding JumpervsSystem Bonding Jumper
The main bonding jumper connects the grounded circuit conductor to the equipment grounding conductor at the service, while the system bonding jumper makes the same connection at a separately derived system (e.g., a transformer).
NEC Handbook, Article 100 (Definition: Bonding Jumper, Main)Overload Protection Sizing (Motor Nameplate Amps)vsBranch-Circuit Conductor / OCPD Sizing (FLC Table Values)
Overload heaters must be sized from the motor's actual nameplate ampere rating to protect the specific motor, whereas branch-circuit conductors and overcurrent protective devices are sized using the full-load current tables (NEC 430.248/430.250).
NEC Handbook, Section 430.32Feeder Conductor Ampacity (Multiple Motors)vsFeeder Overcurrent Protective Device Rating (Multiple Motors)
Feeder conductors are sized at 125% of the largest motor's FLC plus the sum of all other motors' FLCs, while the feeder OCPD is sized by taking the largest branch-circuit OCPD rating for any motor and adding the FLC of all other motors.
NEC Handbook, Section 430.24GFCI ProtectionvsAssured Equipment Grounding Conductor Program
On construction sites, employers may use either GFCIs or an assured equipment grounding conductor program to protect employees from ground faults on branch circuits; they are alternative compliance methods.
29 CFR 1926, §1926.404(b)(1)(i)Fixed Cord Sets / Receptacles (Not Exposed to Damage)vsNon-Fixed Cord Sets / Receptacles (Exposed to Damage)
Under an assured equipment grounding conductor program, fixed cord sets and receptacles not exposed to damage must be tested at intervals not exceeding 6 months, while those exposed to damage must be tested every 3 months.
29 CFR 1926, §1926.404(b)(1)(iii)(E)(4)Type NM CablevsType USE Cable
Type NM cable is permitted for interior use in one- and two-family dwellings including attached/detached garages and storage buildings, whereas Type USE cable is identified for underground use only and shall not be used for interior wiring.
NEC Handbook, Section 334.10(1)Grounded Conductor Identification ≤6 AWGvsGrounded Conductor Identification ≥4 AWG
For 6 AWG or smaller, the grounded conductor must have a continuous white/gray outer finish or factory-applied stripes (field tape alone is not permitted), while for 4 AWG or larger, identification may be made at the time of installation by a distinctive white or gray marking or tape at its terminations.
NEC Handbook, Section 200.6(A)Equipment Grounding Conductor (EGC) SizingvsGrounding Electrode Conductor (GEC) Sizing
The EGC is sized based on the rating or setting of the automatic overcurrent device ahead of the equipment (NEC Table 250.122), while the GEC is sized based on the largest ungrounded service conductor (NEC Table 250.66).
NEC Handbook, Section 250.122 / Table 250.122Single-Phase Ampere FormulavsThree-Phase Ampere Formula
For single-phase circuits, I = (kW × 1000) ÷ (E × PF); for three-phase circuits, I = (kW × 1000) ÷ (E × PF × 1.73), where 1.73 (√3) accounts for the three-phase power relationship.
NEC Handbook, Section 220.5(A)Multiwire Branch Circuit DisconnectvsStandard Branch Circuit Disconnect
A multiwire branch circuit requires a means that simultaneously disconnects all ungrounded conductors at the point of origin (e.g., a 2-pole breaker or handle-tied single-pole breakers), whereas a standard branch circuit may use an individual single-pole breaker.
NEC Handbook, Section 210.4(B)120/240V Single-Phase Three-Wire Color Codevs277/480V Three-Phase Four-Wire Color Code
In a 120/208V three-phase system, phases are black (A), red (B), blue (C), neutral white/gray; in a 277/480V three-phase system, phases are brown (A), orange (B), yellow (C), neutral gray.
NEC Handbook, Section 210.5(C)Ampacity Adjustment for 4–6 Conductors in RacewayvsBase Ampacity (≤3 Conductors)
When 4 to 6 current-carrying conductors are in a raceway, ampacity must be reduced to 80% of the table value; with 3 or fewer current-carrying conductors, no adjustment factor is applied.
NEC Handbook, Table 310.15(C)(1)Key Terms
Main Bonding Jumper NEC Handbook, Article 100 (Definition: Bonding Jumper, Main)
Per NEC Article 100, the connection between the grounded circuit conductor and the equipment grounding conductor at the service.
System Bonding Jumper NEC Handbook, Article 100 (Definition: Bonding Jumper, System)
Per NEC Article 100, the connection between the grounded circuit conductor and the equipment grounding conductor at a separately derived system (not at the service).
Assured Equipment Grounding Conductor Program (OSHA) 29 CFR 1926, §1926.404(b)(1)(i)
Per 29 CFR 1926.404(b)(1)(i), an employer-established program on construction sites that requires documented testing of cord sets, receptacles, and equipment as an alternative to GFCI protection.
Working Space Minimum Headroom (Construction – OSHA) 29 CFR 1926, §1926.403(i)(1)(v)
Per 29 CFR 1926.403(i)(1)(v), the minimum headroom for working spaces about service equipment, switchboards, panelboards, or motor control centers on a construction jobsite is 6 feet 3 inches.
Conductor Splicing Requirements (OSHA Construction) 29 CFR 1926, §1926.403(e)
Per 29 CFR 1926.403(e), conductors on construction sites shall be spliced with splicing devices designed for the use, or by brazing, welding, or soldering with a fusible metal or alloy.
Daily Visual Inspection of Cord Sets (OSHA) 29 CFR 1926, §1926.404(b)(1)(iii)(C)
Per 29 CFR 1926.404(b)(1)(iii)(C), cord sets, attachment caps, plugs, and receptacles must be visually inspected before each day's use for external defects or indications of internal damage.
Pre-Work Determination for Power Lines (OSHA) 29 CFR 1926, §1926.950(d)
Per 29 CFR 1926.950(d), existing characteristics and conditions of electric lines and equipment (including nominal voltages and circuit locations) must be determined before work near them begins.
Rescue Response Time – Fixed Work Locations (OSHA) 29 CFR 1926, §1926.951(b)(2)
Per 29 CFR 1926.951(b)(2), at fixed work locations such as substations, a trained person capable of providing rescue must be able to reach each employee exposed to electric shock within 4 minutes.
Ampacity Base Ambient Temperature NEC Handbook, Section 310.15(B), Table 310.16 notes
Per NEC 310.15(B) and Table 310.16 notes, conductor ampacity values are based on a standard ambient temperature of 30°C (86°F); correction factors apply when ambient differs.
Minimum Service Disconnecting Means Rating (Dwelling) NEC Handbook, Section 230.79(C)
Per NEC 230.79(C), the service disconnecting means for a one-family dwelling shall have a rating of not less than 100 amperes, 3-wire.
Motor Branch-Circuit Conductor Sizing NEC Handbook, Section 430.22(A)
Per NEC 430.22(A), motor branch-circuit conductors must have an ampacity not less than 125% of the motor's full-load current from the applicable NEC table.
Type NM Cable Permitted Uses NEC Handbook, Section 334.10(1)
Per NEC 334.10(1), Type NM cable is permitted in one- and two-family dwellings and their attached or detached garages and storage buildings.
Maximum OCPD for 14 AWG Copper NEC Handbook, Section 240.4(D)
Per NEC 240.4(D), the maximum overcurrent protection permitted for 14 AWG copper conductors is 15 amperes.
Formulas to Know
Single-Phase Amperes (kW known)
I = (kW × 1000) ÷ (E × PF)Three-Phase Amperes (kW known)
I = (kW × 1000) ÷ (E × PF × 1.73)Motor Branch-Circuit Conductor Ampacity
Conductor ampacity = FLC (from NEC table) × 1.25Feeder Conductor Ampacity (Multiple Motors)
Feeder ampacity = (Largest motor FLC × 1.25) + Sum of all other motors' FLCFeeder OCPD Rating (Multiple Motors)
Feeder OCPD = Largest motor branch-circuit OCPD rating + Sum of all other motors' FLCAmpacity Adjustment – Conductors in Raceway (4–6 conductors)
Adjusted ampacity = Table ampacity × 0.80Energy Saved by Lamp Replacement
Energy saved (watts) = Old lamp wattage − New lamp wattageVoltage Drop (DC or single-phase AC, inductance negligible)
VD = (K × I × L) ÷ CM [K = 12.9 for copper at 75°C; K = 21.2 for aluminum at 75°C]Feeder Continuous Load Conductor Sizing
Min conductor ampacity = Noncontinuous load + (Continuous load × 1.25)Grounded Conductor / Bonding Jumper Minimum Area (supply conductors > 1100 kcmil Cu)
Min area = Largest ungrounded supply conductor area × 0.125 (12.5%)