Exam Cheat Sheet · Quick Reference

Kansas Master Electrician Exam (ICC KGD, 2017 NEC)

Kansas  ·  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
100
Passing score
75%
Exam time
300 min
Administered by
Pearson Vue
Format
Reference materials allowed

Kansas State Portion 100 questions

General Knowledge 6 Q · 6%
Electrical Theory and General Electrical Load CalculationsCode Definitions and TermsPlan ReadingNEC Purpose, Scope, and Code ArrangementEquipment Approval, Listing, and Labeling RequirementsGeneral Installation Requirements (Article 110)Working Space and Clearances Around Electrical EquipmentConductor Materials, Sizes, and Temperature RatingsElectrical Symbols and Wiring DiagramsUnits of Measurement, Conversions, and Math FundamentalsAC Circuit Properties (Impedance, Reactance, Inductance, Capacitance, Power Factor)
Services and Service Equipment 11 Q · 11%
Services and Fault CurrentService Load CalculationsService Equipment & Service ConductorsTransformersSystem Grounding and BondingTemporary Service WiringService entrance conductor installation methods and clearancesService disconnecting means requirements and ratingsOvercurrent protection for services and transformersGrounding electrode system types and installationEquipment grounding conductor sizing and identificationSurge arresters and surge-protective devices (SPDs) +1 more
Feeders 4 Q · 4%
Load CalculationsEquipment GroundingFeeder conductor sizing and ampacity requirementsOvercurrent protection for feedersFeeder neutral load calculations and demand factorsOutside feeders: clearances, conductor sizing, and disconnecting meansDemand factors for dwelling and non-dwelling feeder loadsGround-fault protection of equipment for feedersFeeder conductor identification requirements
Branch Circuits and Conductors 19 Q · 19%
Branch Circuit CalculationOvercurrent ProtectionConductorsRequired Outlets & GFCI/AFCI ProtectionEquipment GroundingVoltage Drop Calculations (Single-Phase and Three-Phase)Conductor Insulation Types and Application EnvironmentsAmpacity Correction and Adjustment FactorsGrounded Conductor Identification and UseMultiwire Branch CircuitsBranch-Circuit Voltage LimitationsArticle 210 - Branch Circuits +2 more
Wiring Methods and Materials 26 Q · 26%
Raceway InstallationsUnderground Wiring MethodsBoxes and EnclosuresCabinets, Panelboards, & SwitchboardsClearance and GuardingFlexible Cords and CablesCable Wiring Methods (NM, AC, MC, MI, SE, UF, TC, MV, FCC, FC, IGS cable types)Conduit and Tubing Types (RMC, IMC, EMT, FMC, LFMC, PVC, HDPE, RTRC, ENT, LFNC, FMT)Conductor Fill and Conduit Sizing (percent fill, conductor area tables, conduit dimensions)Conduit Bending Methods (90° bends, offsets, saddle bends, back-to-back, multi-shot)Wireways, Auxiliary Gutters, Busways, and Cable TraysGeneral Wiring Requirements (physical protection, conductor grouping, fire spread, temperature limitations) +2 more
Equipment and Devices 13 Q · 13%
LuminairesReceptacles, Switches and Other DevicesAppliances and Other EquipmentOther Utilization EquipmentHeating and Cooling EquipmentFixture Wire Types, Ampacity, and Installation RequirementsNEMA Receptacle and Plug ConfigurationsLighting Track Installation and Construction RequirementsLow-Voltage Lighting Systems (Article 411)Disconnect Requirements for Fixed Electric Heating EquipmentOvercurrent Protection for Resistance Heating ElementsGround-Fault Protection for Deicing, Snow-Melting, and Pipeline Heating Equipment +5 more
Control Devices 4 Q · 4%
Switches, Disconnects and ControllersMotor controller ratings and markings (horsepower, voltage, short-circuit current)Motor control circuit overcurrent protection and wiring (Article 430 Part VI)Motor disconnecting means types, location, and ampere ratingsMotor control center construction, overcurrent protection, and groundingClass 1, Class 2, and Class 3 remote-control circuit classifications and power source requirementsStop-start station wiring and control relay circuits (jogging, hand-off-automatic)Industrial control panel overcurrent protection, short-circuit current rating, and disconnecting meansElectronic lighting control switches and dimmer switch ratings (Article 404)
Motors and Generators 6 Q · 6%
MotorsGeneratorsMotor branch-circuit conductor sizing (125% FLC rule)Motor branch-circuit short-circuit and ground-fault protection (Table 430.52)Motor overload protection (sizing and placement of overload devices)Motor disconnecting means (type, location, and rating requirements)Motor controllers (ratings, types, and design requirements)Motor control centers (overcurrent protection, grounding, and busbar requirements)Capacitors in motor circuits (conductor sizing, discharge requirements, and effect on overload device settings)Phase converters (conductor ampacity, overcurrent protection, and disconnecting means)
Special Occupancies, Equipment, and Conditions 11 Q · 11%
Special OccupanciesSwimming Pools and Similar InstallationsMobile Home and RV ParksData Processing EquipmentMiscellaneous Special EquipmentEmergency SystemsSignaling and Fire Alarm SystemsHazardous (Classified) Locations — Class I, II, and III Division and Zone ClassificationProtection Techniques for Hazardous Locations (explosionproof, intrinsically safe, dust-ignitionproof, pressurized)Specific Hazardous Occupancies (commercial garages, aircraft hangars, motor fuel dispensing, bulk storage, spray finishing)Health Care Facilities — Essential Electrical Systems and Patient Care WiringStandby and Emergency Power Systems (legally required standby, optional standby, critical operations power systems, fire pumps) +3 more

Key Distinctions

Main bonding jumpervsSystem bonding jumper

Per NEC Article 100, the main bonding jumper is the connection between the grounded circuit conductor and the equipment grounding conductor at the service, while the system bonding jumper makes that same connection (to the supply-side bonding jumper, the equipment grounding conductor, or both) at a separately derived system.

NEC 2017 Article 100 (Definition: Bonding Jumper, Main)
NEC Chapter 9, Table 4vsNEC Chapter 9, Table 5

Table 4 gives the usable area within the selected conduit or tubing, while Table 5 gives the required area for each individual conductor; when conductors are of different sizes or insulation types both tables are used together instead of Informative Annex C.

NEC 2017 Chapter 9, Table 5
Single-phase voltage-drop factor (2)vsThree-phase voltage-drop factor (1.73)

Where inductance is negligible, single-phase voltage drop uses Vd = (2K × L × I) ÷ Cm (the 2 accounts for round-trip distance), while three-phase substitutes 1.73 (square root of 3) for the 2.

Ugly's Electrical References 2020, Voltage Drop Calculations
Nontime-delay fuse for a single-phase motorvsDual-element (time-delay) fuse for a single-phase motor

Table 430.52 allows a maximum of 300% of full-load current for a nontime-delay fuse but a maximum of 175% of full-load current for a dual-element (time-delay) fuse.

Ugly's Electrical References 2020, Page 38
Instantaneous trip breaker on a DC constant-voltage motorvsInstantaneous trip breaker on AC polyphase/single-phase motors

Table 430.52 limits the instantaneous trip breaker to a maximum 250% of full-load current for a direct-current constant-voltage motor, versus the 800% allowed for AC polyphase and single-phase motors.

Ugly's Electrical References 2020, Page 38, Table 430.52
Wye-start, delta-run motor conductors (430.22(C))vsPart-winding connected motor conductors (430.22(D))

Conductors between controller and motor shall be not less than 72% of motor full-load current for a wye-start/delta-run motor, but not less than 62.5% (50% × 1.25) for a part-winding connected motor.

NEC 2017 Section 430.22(C)
Motor branch-circuit conductor sizingvsMotor feeder conductor sizing

Branch-circuit conductors are sized at 125% of the single motor's full-load current (430.22(A)), while feeder conductors are sized at 125% of the largest motor's full-load current plus the sum of the remaining motors' full-load currents.

Ugly's Electrical References 2020, Pages 41-42
GEC to rod, pipe, or plate electrode (250.66(A))vsGEC to concrete-encased electrode (250.66(B))

A grounding electrode conductor that is the sole connection to rod, pipe, or plate electrode(s) is not required to be larger than 6 AWG copper, while the portion that is the sole connection to a concrete-encased electrode is not required to be larger than 4 AWG copper.

NEC 2017 Section 250.66(A)
Type AC cable bend radius (320.24)vsType MC cable (interlocked armor) bend radius (330.24(B))

Type AC cable bends shall have an inner-edge radius not less than five times the cable diameter, while Type MC cable with interlocked-type armor or corrugated sheath requires a minimum radius of seven times the external diameter of the metallic sheath.

NEC 2017 Section 320.24
Ambient temperature correction factorsvsConductor-count adjustment factors

Correction factors apply where ambient temperature is other than the 30°C (86°F) baseline of the standard ampacity tables (e.g., 0.88 for 75°C conductors at 40°C), while adjustment factors reduce ampacity for the number of current-carrying conductors in a raceway (e.g., 80% for 4 through 6).

NEC 2017 Section 310.15(B)
16 AWG copper control-circuit protection (240.4(D)(2))vs18 AWG copper protection (240.4(D)(1))

16 AWG copper may be protected at 10 amperes only where continuous loads do not exceed 8 amperes (with a listed/marked branch-circuit-rated breaker or fuse, or Class CC, J, or T fuse), while 5.6 amperes is the companion continuous-load limit for 18 AWG copper.

NEC 2017 Section 240.4(D)(2)
Hermetic compressor OCPD in NEC 2017/2020vsHermetic compressor OCPD in NEC 2023/2026

NEC 2017 and 2020 have no next-higher-size exception in 440.22(A), so a device sized from 175% of RLA may not exceed that calculated value, while NEC 2023/2026 (440.22(A) Exception No. 1) permit the next higher standard rating; in every edition the rating may be increased to not more than 225% of RLA if needed for starting current.

NEC 2017 Section 440.22(A), 440.32

Key Terms

Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) NEC 2017 Article 100 (Definitions)
Per NEC Article 100, an organization, office, or individual responsible for enforcing the requirements of a code or standard, or for approving equipment, materials, an installation, or a procedure; per 90.4 the AHJ has the responsibility for interpreting the rules, approving equipment and materials, and granting special permission.
Tap conductor NEC 2017 Section 240.2
Per NEC 240.2, a conductor, other than a service conductor, that has overcurrent protection ahead of its point of supply exceeding the value permitted for similar conductors protected as described elsewhere in 240.4.
Main bonding jumper NEC 2017 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 2017 Article 100 (Definition: Bonding Jumper, System)
Per NEC Article 100, the connection between the grounded circuit conductor and the supply-side bonding jumper, or the equipment grounding conductor, or both, at a separately derived system.
Pull point (for EMT bend limits) NEC 2017 Section 358.26
A point such as a conduit body between which bends are limited to 360 degrees, so adding a conduit body in a run permits each section between pull points to contain up to 360 degrees of bends (NEC 2017/2020: 358.26; NEC 2023/2026: 358.24(B)).
Class 1 remote-control and signaling circuit NEC 2017 Section 725.41(B)
Per Article 725 commentary, a circuit that is not permitted to exceed 600 volts.
Type IGS (Integrated Gas Spacer) cable NEC 2017 Section 326.104
Per NEC 326.104, cable whose conductors are solid aluminum rods laid parallel, consisting of one to nineteen 12.7 mm (1/2 in.) diameter rods, with a minimum conductor size of 250 kcmil and a maximum of 4750 kcmil.
Grounded conductor identification (6 AWG or smaller) NEC 2017 Section 200.6(A)
Per NEC 200.6(A), an insulated grounded conductor 6 AWG or smaller shall be identified by a continuous white outer finish, a continuous gray outer finish, or three continuous white or gray stripes along its entire length on other than green insulation.
Continuity of the grounded conductor NEC 2017 Section 200.2(B)
Per NEC 200.2(B), the continuity of a grounded conductor shall not depend on a connection to a metallic enclosure, raceway, or cable armor.
Objectionable current (250.6(D)) NEC 2017 Section 250.6(D)
Per NEC 250.6(D), currents that introduce noise or data errors in electronic equipment shall NOT be considered the objectionable currents addressed in 250.6, so they do not justify alterations to the grounding system.
Damp location receptacle (406.9(A)) NEC 2017 Section 406.9(A)
Per NEC 406.9(A), a receptacle in a damp location, such as under a roofed open porch not subject to beating rain, must have an enclosure that is weatherproof when the receptacle is covered, and 15- and 20-ampere, 125- and 250-volt nonlocking receptacles there must be a listed weather-resistant type.
Installations not covered by the NEC (90.2(B)(1)) NEC 2017 Section 90.2(B)(1)
The Code does not cover installations in ships, watercraft other than floating buildings, railway rolling stock, aircraft, or automotive vehicles other than mobile homes and recreational vehicles.
Industrial control panel supply conductors (409.21(B)) NEC 2017 Section 409.21(B)
Where the required overcurrent protection for each incoming supply circuit is a single main overcurrent protective device located within the industrial control panel, the supply conductors are considered either feeders or taps as covered by 240.21.
Ground-fault protection of equipment (240.13) NEC 2017 Section 240.13
Required for solidly grounded wye systems of more than 150 volts to ground but not exceeding 1000 volts phase-to-phase, for each individual device used as a building or structure main disconnecting means rated 1000 amperes or more.
Next higher standard overcurrent device rating (240.4(B)) NEC 2017 Section 240.4(B)
Permits the next higher standard rating above conductor ampacity provided stated conditions are met, including that the next higher standard rating selected does not exceed 800 amperes and the conductors are not part of a branch circuit supplying more than one receptacle for cord-and-plug-connected portable loads; standard ratings are listed in Table 240.6(A) (45, 70, and 110 amperes are standard; 85 amperes is not).
Common neutral for feeders (215.4(A)) NEC 2017 Section 215.4(A)
Up to three sets of 3-wire feeders, or two sets of 4-wire or 5-wire feeders, shall be permitted to utilize a common neutral.

Formulas to Know

Ohm's Law and power relationshipsI = W ÷ E (1500 W ÷ 120 V = 12.5 A); R = E ÷ I (240 V ÷ 8 A = 30 ohms); E = I × R (10 A × 12 ohms = 120 V); P = E × I; P = E² ÷ R (240² ÷ 20 = 2880 W); R = E² ÷ P (14,400 ÷ 1200 = 12 ohms)
Three-phase power and current (1.73 multiplier = square root of 3)KW = (E × I × PF × 1.73) ÷ 1000 — example: (460 × 52 × 0.80 × 1.73) ÷ 1000 ≈ 33 kW; I = (KW × 1000) ÷ (E × PF × 1.73)
Feeder conductor ampacity and feeder OCPD rating for continuous plus noncontinuous loadsMinimum = noncontinuous load + 125% of continuous load — 215.2(A)(1)(a) example: 120 A + (80 A × 1.25) = 220 A conductor ampacity; 215.3 example: 40 A + (80 A × 1.25) = 140 A overcurrent device
Voltage drop (inductance negligible)Single-phase: Vd = (2K × L × I) ÷ Cm, where K = 12.9 for copper at 75°C, L = one-way length in feet, I = amperes, Cm = circular mils; three-phase: Vd = (1.73 × K × L × I) ÷ Cm. Voltage drop is proportional to length (a 20% longer run raises a 3% drop to 3.6%), and each standard AWG step up adds about 26% circular mils, cutting drop about 20%.
Motor conductor sizingBranch circuit (430.22(A)): 125% × motor full-load current — example 125% × 65 A = 81.25 A. Feeder: 125% of the largest motor's full-load current + sum of the remaining motors' full-load currents. Wye-start/delta-run (430.22(C)): not less than 72% of FLC. Part-winding (430.22(D)): not less than 62.5% of FLC.
Motor branch-circuit short-circuit and ground-fault protection (Table 430.52 maximums)Single-phase motor: nontime-delay fuse max 300% of FLC; dual-element time-delay fuse max 175% of FLC. Wound rotor motor: inverse time breaker max 150% of FLC. DC constant-voltage motor: instantaneous trip breaker max 250% of FLC (AC polyphase and single-phase: 800%). Example: 300% × 65 A = 195 A; per 430.52(C)(1) Exception No. 1 the next standard size from Table 240.6(A), a 200 A fuse, is permitted. Part-winding start induction motor (430.4): each winding connection protected at not more than one-half that specified by 430.52.
Hermetic refrigerant motor-compressor branch circuit (no branch-circuit selection current marked)Conductors (440.32): not less than 125% × RLA — 30 A × 1.25 = 37.5 A; 20 A × 1.25 = 25 A. OCPD (440.22(A)): not more than 175% × RLA — 30 A × 1.75 = 52.5 A; 20 A × 1.75 = 35 A. If the device will not carry starting current, it may be increased to not more than 225% of RLA (30 A × 2.25 = 67.5 A, so 60 A).
PV backfed breaker — 120 percent rule (705.12(B)(3)(b))125% of power source output circuit current + rating of the main overcurrent device shall not exceed 120% of busbar ampacity — example: 200 A busbar × 120% = 240 A; 240 A − 200 A main = 40 A maximum backfed breaker
Ampacity correction and adjustmentApply correction factors where ambient is other than 30°C (86°F) — at 40°C (104°F) with 75°C conductors the factor is 0.88; apply 80% adjustment for 4 through 6 current-carrying conductors in a raceway — 100 A × 0.80 = 80 A. Conductor DC resistance for temperature (Chapter 9, Table 8): R2 = R1[1 + α(T2 − 75)], with α(copper) = 0.00323 at 75°C.
Dwelling service/feeder conductor allowance (310.15(B)(7))For a 3-wire, single-phase dwelling unit service, conductors are permitted to have an ampacity of 83% of the service rating — a 200 A service permits 2/0 AWG THW copper rather than 3/0 AWG
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