Exam Cheat Sheet · Quick Reference
ICC F49 Electrical Contractor Exam (2014 NEC)
National · Pearson Vue
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
80
Passing score
70%
Exam time
210 min
Administered by
Pearson Vue
Format
Reference materials allowed
National State Portion 80 questions
General Requirements
8 Q · 10%
Purpose, scope, and arrangement of the NEC (Article 90)Key NEC definitions (Article 100 terms)Equipment approval, examination, and listing requirements (110.2–110.3)Conductor materials, sizing, and wiring integrity (110.5–110.8)Electrical connections: terminals, splices, and temperature limitations (110.14)Working space and clearance requirements for electrical equipment (110.26–110.27, 110.32–110.34)Equipment marking requirements including arc-flash, disconnecting means, and fault current labels (110.16, 110.21–110.24)Enclosure type selection and environmental ratings (110.28)Article 110 - Requirements for Electrical InstallationsArticle 100 - Definitions
Services
14 Q · 17%
Number of services permitted and exceptions (230.2)Overhead service conductor clearances from grade, roofs, and building openings (230.24, 230.9)Service-entrance conductor wiring methods and minimum size/ampacity requirements (230.42, 230.43)Service disconnecting means location, rating, and maximum number of disconnects (230.70, 230.71, 230.79)Overcurrent protection for service conductors and ground-fault protection of equipment (230.90, 230.95)Equipment permitted on the supply side of the service disconnect (230.82)Underground service conductor installation and wiring methods (230.30, 230.31)Services exceeding 1000 volts — disconnecting means, overcurrent protection, and isolating switch requirements (230.200–230.212)
Branch Circuit and Feeder Calculations
15 Q · 19%
General lighting load calculations by occupancy type (Table 220.12 VA/sq ft)Demand factors for dwelling unit feeders and services (Tables 220.42, 220.54, 220.55)Minimum branch-circuit conductor ampacity for continuous and noncontinuous loadsOvercurrent protection sizing for branch circuits and feeders (continuous vs. noncontinuous loads)Feeder conductor minimum size and ampacity requirements (Article 215)Optional load calculation methods for dwelling units, multifamily dwellings, and schools (Part IV of Article 220)Small-appliance, laundry, and appliance load calculations for dwelling units (220.52, 220.53)Feeder and service neutral load calculation (220.61)Article 210 - Branch CircuitsTablesArticle 220 - Branch-Circuit, Feeder, and Service CalculationsArticle 215 - Feeders
Wiring Methods and Distribution Systems
15 Q · 19%
Conductor ampacity tables and temperature ratings (Art. 310)Ampacity correction and adjustment factors (ambient temperature, bundling, rooftop exposure)Conductors in parallel — requirements and limitationsUnderground installation requirements and minimum burial depths (Table 300.5)Protection of conductors and raceways from physical damageMetallic conduit systems — uses, installation, and support (RMC, IMC, EMT)Nonmetallic conduit systems — uses, installation, and support (PVC, RTRC, HDPE, ENT, LFNC)Flexible conduit and tubing — uses, securing, grounding (FMC, LFMC, FMT)Article 310 - Conductors for General WiringArticle 300 - General Requirements for Wiring Methods and MaterialsArticle 314 - Outlet, Device, Pull, and Junction Boxes; Conduit Bodies; Fittings; AndArticle 392 - Cable Trays
+4 more
General Use Equipment
10 Q · 12%
Motor branch-circuit conductor sizing and ampacity requirements (Article 430)Motor overload protection selection and settingsMotor branch-circuit short-circuit and ground-fault protective device ratings (Table 430.52)Motor controller ratings, marking, and disconnecting means requirementsLuminaire installation locations, supports, and grounding (Article 410)Receptacle ratings, installation, grounding, and GFCI/AFCI replacement requirements (Article 406)Switch types, ratings, connections, and installation requirements (Article 404)Fixed electric space-heating equipment branch circuits, disconnecting means, and overcurrent protection (Article 424)Article 430 - Motors, Motor Circuits, and ControllersArticle 410 - Luminaires, Lampholders, and LampsArticle 424 - Fixed Electric Space-Heating EquipmentArticle 450 - Transformers and Transformer Vaults (Including Secondary Ties)
+1 more
Special Occupancies
7 Q · 9%
Classification of hazardous locations (Classes I, II, III; Divisions 1 and 2; Zones 0/1/2 and 20/21/22)Wiring methods and sealing requirements in hazardous classified locationsEquipment protection techniques for hazardous locations (explosionproof, dust-ignitionproof, intrinsically safe, purged/pressurized, encapsulation, etc.)Health care facility essential electrical systems (life safety, critical, and equipment branches)Health care facility wiring and grounding requirements in patient care areasSpecific hazardous occupancies (commercial garages, aircraft hangars, motor fuel dispensing, bulk storage, spray/dip/coating operations)Mobile homes, manufactured homes, recreational vehicles, and park trailers electrical installation requirementsAssembly occupancies, theaters, motion picture studios, and temporary installations wiring requirementsArticle 517 - Health Care FacilitiesArticle 505 - Zone 0, 1, and 2 LocationsArticle 551 - Recreational Vehicles and Recreational Vehicle ParksArticle 501 - Class I Locations
Special Equipment
6 Q · 7%
Swimming pools, spas, and hot tubs — GFCI protection, bonding, and equipotential requirementsSolar photovoltaic (PV) systems — disconnecting means, overcurrent protection, and wiring methodsElectric signs and outline lighting — branch circuits, disconnecting means, and groundingElevators, escalators, and similar equipment — wiring methods, branch circuits, and disconnecting meansElectric vehicle charging systems — equipment ratings, installation, and overcurrent protectionFire pumps — power sources, continuity of power, and wiring requirementsCranes and hoists — conductor ampacity, contact conductors, and disconnecting meansElectric welders — supply conductor ampacity and overcurrent protectionArticle 680 - Swimming Pools, Fountains, and Similar InstallationsArticle 690 - Solar Photovoltaic (PV) SystemsArticle 620 - Elevators, Dumbwaiters, Escalators, Moving Walks, Platform Lifts, and
Special Systems
5 Q · 7%
Emergency system wiring requirements and circuit separation (Article 700)Emergency power sources: storage batteries, generators, UPS, and fuel cellsTransfer equipment for emergency, legally required standby, and optional standby systemsLegally required standby vs. optional standby system requirements and distinctionsInterconnected electric power production sources and utility-interactive inverter connections (Article 705)Fire alarm system wiring: NPLFA and PLFA circuits, cable types, and separation requirements (Article 760)Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 remote-control and signaling circuit classifications and wiring methods (Article 725)Communications circuit cable types, installation locations, and grounding/bonding requirements (Articles 800, 820, 830, 840)Article 800 - Communications CircuitsArticle 830 - Network-Powered Broadband Communications SystemsArticle 725 - Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 Remote-Control, Signaling, and PowerLimited Circuits
Key Distinctions
Cutout boxvsCabinet
A cutout box is designed for surface mounting with swinging doors/covers secured directly to and telescoping with the walls of the box proper, while a cabinet is designed for surface or flush mounting and has a frame, mat, or trim in which the swinging door(s) are or can be hung.
NEC 2014 Article 100 — definitions of Cutout Box, Cabinet, Conduit Body, and Handhole EnclosureConduit bodyvsHandhole enclosure
A conduit body gives access through removable covers to the interior of a conduit system at a junction or terminal point, whereas a handhole enclosure is used in underground systems and is sized so personnel can reach into but not enter it.
NEC 2014 Article 100 — definitions of Cutout Box, Cabinet, Conduit Body, and Handhole EnclosureDwelling unitvsGuest room / guest suite
A dwelling unit has permanent provisions for living, sleeping, cooking, and sanitation; a guest room combines living, sleeping, sanitary, and storage facilities in one compartment without permanent cooking provisions, and a guest suite requires two or more contiguous rooms.
NEC 2014 Article 100 — definitions of Dwelling Unit, Guest Room, and Guest SuiteInterrupting ratingvsShort-circuit current rating
Interrupting rating is the highest current at rated voltage a device is identified to interrupt (and per 110.9 must be sufficient for the available fault current, e.g., at least 42,000 A where 42,000 A is available), while short-circuit current rating applies to apparatus or systems withstanding fault current without damage.
NEC 2014 Article 100 — definitions of Interrupting Rating and Short-Circuit Current Rating; Section 110.9Terminations rated 100 A or less / marked 14–1 AWG (110.14(C)(1)(a))vsTerminations rated over 100 A / marked larger than 1 AWG (110.14(C)(1)(b))
Unless listed and identified for higher temperatures, the first group must use 60°C conductors or the 60°C ampacity of higher-rated conductors, while the second group uses 75°C conductors or an ampacity not exceeding the 75°C value; in both cases the 90°C rating may still be used for ampacity adjustment/correction.
NEC 2014 Section 110.14(C)(1)(a)Single-phase voltage-drop factor (2)vsThree-phase voltage-drop factor (1.732)
Single-phase drop uses 2 to account for the out-and-back length of both conductors, while balanced three-phase uses 1.732 (√3); using 2 on a three-phase circuit overstates the drop.
Copper K = 12.9vsAluminum K = 21.2
Aluminum has roughly 1.6 times the resistance of copper, so its K constant is higher; using the copper K for an aluminum run understates voltage drop.
Table 430.52(C)(1) maximum inverse time breaker (250% of motor FLC)vs430.52(C)(1) Exception No. 2 increase for starting
The table value (250% for an inverse time breaker) is the normal maximum, but where the motor will not start, the rating may be increased to a cap of 400% of FLC for motors of 100 A or less (300% above 100 A) — not simply to the next standard size.
NEC Section 430.52(C)(1), Exception No. 2; Table 430.52(C)(1)Hermetic motor-compressor protection at 175% of rated-load currentvsIncrease to not more than 225%
440.22(A) normally permits a device rated not more than 175% of rated-load current; only where that is insufficient for starting may it be increased, and it shall not exceed 225%, with the installed device being a standard rating at or below that ceiling.
NEC 2014 Section 440.22(A)General roof clearance for overhead service conductors (8 ft)vs230.24(A) Exception No. 5 reduction (3 ft)
The general rule requires not less than 2.5 m (8 ft) above the roof maintained 900 mm (3 ft) in all directions from the roof edge; the reduction to 900 mm (3 ft) applies only where voltage between conductors does not exceed 300 volts and the roof is guarded or isolated, so it is unavailable at 480 volts.
NEC 2014 Section 230.24(A)Chapter 8 (communications systems)vsChapters 1 through 7
Per 90.3, communications systems in Chapter 8 are not subject to Chapters 1 through 7 except where those requirements are specifically referenced in Chapter 8.
NEC 2014 Section 90.3Recessed luminaire with completely enclosed light source in a clothes closet (6 in.)vsSurface-mounted incandescent/LED luminaire with completely enclosed light source (12 in.)
410.16(C)(3) requires 150 mm (6 in.) clearance to closet storage space for recessed incandescent/LED luminaires with completely enclosed light sources, while 410.16(C)(1) requires 300 mm (12 in.) for the surface-mounted type.
NEC 2014 Section 410.16(C)Key Terms
Cutout Box (Article 100) NEC 2014 Article 100 — definitions of Cutout Box, Cabinet, Conduit Body, and Handhole Enclosure
An enclosure designed for surface mounting having swinging doors or covers secured directly to and telescoping with the walls of the box proper.
In Sight From (Within Sight) NEC 2014 Article 100 — definition of In Sight From (Within Sight From, Within Sight)
Equipment that is visible from and not more than 15 m (50 ft) distant from the other equipment — both conditions must be met.
Continuous Load NEC 2014 Article 100 — definition of Continuous Load
A load where the maximum current is expected to continue for 3 hours or more, which drives the 125 percent sizing rules elsewhere in the Code.
Copper-Clad Aluminum Conductors NEC 2014 Article 100 — definition of Copper-Clad Aluminum Conductors
Conductors in which copper metallurgically bonded to an aluminum core forms a minimum of 10 percent of the cross-sectional area of a solid conductor or of each strand of a stranded conductor.
Overcurrent Protective Device, Branch-Circuit NEC 2014 Article 100 — definition of Overcurrent Protective Device, Branch-Circuit
A device capable of protecting service, feeder, and branch circuits over the full range of overcurrents between its rated current and its interrupting rating, provided with an interrupting rating no less than 5000 amperes.
Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI), Class A NEC 2014 Article 100 — definition of Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI)
A personnel-protection device that trips when current to ground is 6 mA or higher and does not trip when current to ground is less than 4 mA (UL 943).
Surge-Protective Device (SPD) Type 4 NEC 2014 Article 100 — definition of Surge-Protective Device (SPD)
Component SPDs, including discrete components and assemblies, intended to be incorporated into other equipment (Type 1 is line side of the service disconnect, Type 2 load side, Type 3 point of utilization).
Working space width (110.26(A)(2)) NEC 2014 Section 110.26(A)(2)
The width of working space in front of equipment must be the width of the equipment or 762 mm (30 in.), whichever is greater, and must always permit at least a 90-degree opening of doors or hinged panels.
Dedicated electrical space (110.26(E)(1)(a)) NEC 2014 Section 110.26(E)(1)(a)
The space equal to the width and depth of the equipment extending from the floor to 1.8 m (6 ft) above the equipment, or to the structural ceiling if lower, dedicated to the electrical installation; a dropped or suspended ceiling that adds no structural strength is not a structural ceiling.
Entrance and egress for large equipment (110.26(C)(2)) NEC 2014 Section 110.26(C)(2)
Equipment rated 1200 amperes or more and over 1.8 m (6 ft) wide containing overcurrent, switching, or control devices requires an entrance to and egress from working space not less than 610 mm (24 in.) wide and 2.0 m (6-1/2 ft) high at each end, unless the continuous-unobstructed-egress or double-depth allowances apply.
Reduced working-space height for existing dwellings (110.26(A)(3) Exc. 1) NEC 2014 Section 110.26(A)(3), Exception No. 1
Service equipment or panelboards not exceeding 200 amperes in existing dwelling units are permitted where working-space height is less than 2.0 m (6-1/2 ft).
Guarding by elevation (110.27(A)(4)) NEC 2014 Section 110.27(A)(4)
Exposed live parts may be guarded by elevation of not less than 2.5 m (8 ft) for 50 to 300 volts and not less than 2.6 m (8-1/2 ft) for 301 to 600 volts.
Multiwire branch circuit line-to-line loading (210.4(C)) NEC 2014 Section 210.4(C)
Multiwire branch circuits must supply only line-to-neutral loads; Exception No. 1 permits other loads where the circuit supplies only one utilization equipment, and Exception No. 2 where all ungrounded conductors are opened simultaneously by the branch-circuit overcurrent device.
Room air conditioner as a single motor unit (440.62(A)) NEC 2014 Section 440.62(A)
A cord- and attachment-plug-connected room air conditioner rated not more than 40 amperes, 250 volts, single phase, with total rated-load current shown on the nameplate and a branch-circuit protective device not exceeding the conductor ampacity or receptacle rating.
Show window receptacle outlets (210.62) NEC 2014 Section 210.62
At least one 125-volt, single-phase, 15- or 20-ampere receptacle outlet within 450 mm (18 in.) of the top of a show window for each 3.7 m (12 ft) or major fraction thereof, measured horizontally at the window's maximum width.
Recognized branch-circuit ratings (210.3) NEC 2014 Section 210.3
Branch circuits other than individual branch circuits shall be rated 15, 20, 30, 40, and 50 amperes; 25 amperes is not a recognized branch-circuit rating even though it is a standard overcurrent device size under 240.6(A).
Formulas to Know
Voltage drop (one-way run length L, K constant, circular mils CM)
Single-phase: VD = (2 × K × I × L) / CM; balanced three-phase: VD = (1.732 × K × I × L) / CM. Use K = 12.9 for copper, K = 21.2 for aluminum. Example: (2 × 12.9 × 16 A × 60 ft) / 6,530 cmil = 3.79 V on a 120-V circuit (≈3.2%).Conductor size or maximum load from a voltage-drop limit (single-phase)
Allowable VD = system volts × 0.03 for a 3% limit; required CM = (2 × K × I × L) / VD; maximum current I = (VD × CM) / (2 × K × L). Example: 120 V, 20 A, 80 ft → CM = (2 × 12.9 × 20 × 80)/3.6 = 11,466 cmil, so 8 AWG (16,510 cmil); 120 V, 10 AWG, 75 ft → I = (3.6 × 10,380)/(2 × 12.9 × 75) = 19.3 A.Effective impedance at a power factor other than the tabulated 0.85 (Chapter 9, Table 9, Note 2)
Effective Z = R cos θ + X sin θ; for another circuit power factor, Ze = R × PF + XL sin[arccos(PF)] using the tabulated R and XL values.Minimum branch-circuit overcurrent device rating (210.20(A))
Rating ≥ noncontinuous load + 125% of continuous load, then take a standard rating from 240.6(A). Example: (16 A × 1.25) + 5 A = 25 A (assembly not listed for 100% rating).Inverse time circuit breaker for a single motor
Table 430.52(C)(1) maximum = 250% of motor FLC; where the motor fails to start, 430.52(C)(1) Exception No. 2 permits an increase that shall in no case exceed 400% of FLC for motors of 100 A or less (300% above 100 A). Examples: 50 A × 2.5 = 125 A, increased cap 50 A × 4 = 200 A; 60 A × 400% = 240 A.Branch-circuit short-circuit/ground-fault protection for a hermetic refrigerant motor-compressor (440.22(A))
Device rated not more than 175% of rated-load current; if insufficient for starting, may be increased but shall not exceed 225%, and the installed device is the next standard 240.6(A) rating at or below that ceiling. Example: 28 A × 1.75 = 49 A; 28 A × 2.25 = 63 A ceiling → install 60 A.Disconnecting means for fixed electric space-heating equipment (424.19)
Ampere rating not less than 125% of the total load of the motors and the heaters; disconnect must also be lockable per 110.25. Example: (44 A heaters + 4 A motor) × 1.25 = 60 A, a standard rating.Dwelling general load components (Article 220 worked examples)
General lighting = 3 VA/sq ft of living area; each small-appliance circuit = 1,500 VA; laundry circuit = 1,500 VA; sum for the total before demand factors. Examples: 2,000 sq ft + 2 small-appliance + laundry = 6,000 + 3,000 + 1,500 = 10,500 VA; 1,200 sq ft unit = 8,100 VA each, × 4 units = 32,400 VA; 2,500 sq ft + 3 small-appliance + laundry = 13,500 VA.EMT offset bends: distance between marks and shrink (Ugly's chart)
Distance between bend marks = multiplier × offset depth (30° multiplier 2.0; e.g., 2.0 × 4 in. = 8 in.). Shrink = chart shrink per inch × offset depth (1/4 in./in. for a 30° offset: 1/4 × 4 = 1 in.; 3/8 in./in. in the figures using that chart value: 3/8 × 5 = 1-7/8 in., 3/8 × 4 = 1-1/2 in.). Add the shrink to the measured distance to locate the first mark (42 + 1-7/8 = 43-7/8 in.; 48 + 1-1/2 = 49-1/2 in.; 36 + 4-1/2 = 40-1/2 in.).EMT 90° stub-up and 3-point saddle layout (Ugly's)
Stub-up bend mark (bender arrow) = stub height − take-up: 18 − 5 = 13 in. for ½" EMT; 12 − 6 = 6 in. for ¾" EMT. 3-point saddle: side marks = 2.5 × obstruction height each side of the center mark (2.5 × 5 in. = 12-1/2 in.), center bent 45° and sides 22-1/2°, shrink = 3/16 × 5 = 15/16 in.