Exam Cheat Sheet · Quick Reference
Kansas Journeyman Electrician Exam (ICC KGH, 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
80
Passing score
75%
Exam time
240 min
Administered by
Pearson Vue
Format
Reference materials allowed
Kansas State Portion 80 questions
General Knowledge
5 Q · 6%
Electrical Theory and General Electrical Load CalculationsCode Definitions and TermsPlan ReadingNEC Code Structure, Scope, and Enforcement (Article 90)Equipment Approval, Listing, Labeling, and IdentificationWorking Space and Clearances Around Electrical Equipment (Article 110)Electrical Connections, Terminations, and Temperature RatingsArc-Flash Hazard Warnings, Equipment Markings, and Disconnecting Means IdentificationAC/DC Distribution System Configurations and Conductor Color CodingPower Factor, Impedance, Reactance, and Capacitance CalculationsApplied Math for Electricians (Fractions, Equations, Trigonometry, and Unit Conversions)
Services and Service Equipment
9 Q · 11%
Services and Fault CurrentService Load CalculationsService Equipment & Service ConductorsTransformersSystem Grounding and BondingTemporary Service WiringNumber of services permitted and service configurationsOverhead and underground service conductor requirements and clearancesService disconnecting means requirements and ratingsService overcurrent protection requirementsArc-flash hazard warning labels for service equipmentSurge arresters and surge-protective devices (SPDs) at services
+1 more
Feeders
3 Q · 4%
Load CalculationsEquipment GroundingMinimum feeder conductor ampacity and sizing (Article 215)Overcurrent protection requirements for feedersFeeder conductor identification (grounded, ungrounded, and EGC)Ground-fault protection of equipment for feeders rated 1000A or moreOutside feeder installation requirements (clearances, wiring methods, disconnecting means)Neutral load calculations and demand factors for feedersDemand factors for dwelling and non-dwelling feeder loads (lighting, appliances, cooking equipment, dryers)
Branch Circuits and Conductors
15 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 Factors (Temperature and Conduit Fill)Multiwire Branch Circuit RequirementsGrounded Conductor Identification and UseBranch-Circuit Voltage LimitationsFeeder and Service Load Demand Factors
Wiring Methods and Materials
21 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)Conductor Fill Calculations and Conduit SizingPhysical Protection of Cables and RacewaysConduit Bending Techniques and CalculationsWireways, Auxiliary Gutters, and BuswaysCable Trays and Cablebus Systems
+2 more
Equipment and Devices
10 Q · 13%
LuminairesReceptacles, Switches and Other DevicesAppliances and Other EquipmentOther Utilization EquipmentHeating and Cooling EquipmentFixture Wire Types, Ampacity, and Installation RequirementsNEMA Receptacle and Attachment Plug ConfigurationsLighting Track Installation and Construction RequirementsLow-Voltage Lighting System RequirementsRecessed Luminaire Installation and Clearance RequirementsDisconnecting Means for Fixed Electric Space-Heating EquipmentDisconnecting Means for Air-Conditioning and Refrigerating Equipment
+1 more
Control Devices
3 Q · 4%
Switches, Disconnects and ControllersMotor controller ratings and marking requirements (NEC Article 430)Motor control circuit overcurrent protection and wiring (Article 430 Part VI)Motor disconnecting means types, location, and ratings (Article 430 Part IX)Stop-start station control circuits and jogging/inching circuitsHand-off-automatic (HOA) control schemesClass 1, Class 2, and Class 3 remote-control circuit classifications and power limitationsMotor control centers: overcurrent protection, grounding, and busbar requirementsIndustrial control panel overcurrent protection, short-circuit ratings, and disconnecting means
Motors and Generators
5 Q · 6%
MotorsGeneratorsMotor branch-circuit conductor sizing (125% FLC rule)Motor branch-circuit short-circuit and ground-fault protection (Table 430.52 ratings)Motor overload protection (overload device selection and trip settings)Motor disconnecting means (types, ratings, and location requirements)Motor controllers (ratings, types, and marking requirements)Motor control centers (overcurrent protection, grounding, and marking)Locked-rotor current and code lettersCapacitors in motor circuits (conductor sizing, disconnecting means, and overload device adjustment)
Special Occupancies, Equipment, and Conditions
9 Q · 11%
Special OccupanciesSwimming Pools and Similar InstallationsMobile Home and RV ParksData Processing EquipmentMiscellaneous Special EquipmentEmergency SystemsSignaling and Fire Alarm SystemsHazardous Location Classification (Classes I, II, III; Divisions 1 and 2; Zones 0, 1, 2, 20, 21, 22)Wiring Methods and Equipment for Hazardous LocationsSpecific Hazardous Occupancies (Commercial Garages, Aircraft Hangars, Motor Fuel Dispensing, Bulk Storage, Spray Application)Health Care Facilities Wiring and Essential Electrical SystemsStandby and Backup Power Systems (Legally Required Standby, Optional Standby, Critical Operations Power Systems, Fire Pumps)
+3 more
Key Distinctions
Chapter 9, Table 5vsChapter 9, Table 4
Table 5 gives the required area for each individual conductor while Table 4 gives the usable area within the selected conduit or tubing; when conductors are of different sizes or insulation types both tables are used together rather than the Informative Annex C tables.
NEC 2017 Chapter 9, Table 5NEC 250.66(A) cap — rod, pipe, or plate electrodevsNEC 250.66(B) cap — concrete-encased electrode
A grounding electrode conductor connected solely to rod/pipe/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)Single-phase voltage-drop multiplier (2)vsThree-phase voltage-drop multiplier (1.73)
Single-phase (inductance negligible) uses Vd = (2K × L × I) ÷ Cm because the factor 2 accounts for the round-trip distance, while three-phase substitutes 1.73 (√3) for the 2.
Ugly's Electrical References 2020, Voltage Drop CalculationsNontime-delay fuse for a single-phase motorvsDual-element (time-delay) fuse for a single-phase motor
Per Table 430.52, the nontime-delay fuse maximum is 300% of full-load current while the dual-element (time-delay) fuse maximum is 175% of full-load current.
Ugly's Electrical References 2020, Page 38Instantaneous trip breaker on a DC constant-voltage motorvsInstantaneous trip breaker on AC polyphase/single-phase motors
Table 430.52 allows a maximum of 250% of full-load current for a DC constant-voltage motor, significantly lower than the 800% allowed for AC polyphase and single-phase motors.
Ugly's Electrical References 2020, Page 38, Table 430.52Inverse time circuit breaker — wound rotor motorvsInverse time circuit breaker — single-phase motor
Table 430.52 sets a maximum of 150% of full-load current for a wound rotor motor, while a single-phase motor is allowed up to 250% of full-load current.
Ugly's Electrical References 2020, Page 38Motor branch-circuit conductor sizingvsMotor feeder conductor sizing
Branch-circuit conductors are sized at 125% of that motor's full-load current (430.22(A)), while feeder conductors use 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 41-42Hermetic motor-compressor OCPD — NEC 2017/2020vsHermetic motor-compressor OCPD — NEC 2023/2026
NEC 2017 and 2020 have no next-higher-standard-rating exception in 440.22(A), so the device may not exceed 175% of RLA, while NEC 2023/2026 (440.22(A) Exception No. 1) permit the next higher standard rating; all editions allow an increase to not more than 225% of RLA if the device cannot carry starting current.
NEC 2017 Section 440.22(A), 440.32Damp location receptacle (covered patio, open sides, no beating rain)vsWet location receptacle
Per 406.9(A), a damp location such as a roofed open porch not subjected to beating rain requires an enclosure weatherproof when the receptacle is covered (plug not inserted, covers closed) plus listed weather-resistant 15/20-A, 125/250-V nonlocking receptacles — it does not qualify as a wet location.
NEC 2017 Section 406.9(A)Real power in a three-phase systemvsApparent power in a three-phase system
With voltage and current held constant, increasing power factor increases real power (P = √3 × V × I × cos θ) but apparent power, the vector sum of real and reactive power, remains unchanged.
Grounded (neutral) conductor color, 120/240-V single-phase three-wirevsUngrounded conductor colors, 120/240-V single-phase three-wire
The grounded neutral is white or gray (per NEC 200.6(A)), while line one is black and line two is red.
Ugly's Electrical References, 2023 ed., Common Electrical Distribution Systems, Page 13 (2020 ed.: Common Electrical Distribution Systems)Open overhead span 50 ft or less (225.6(A), 1000 V or less)vsOpen overhead span longer than 50 ft
Open individual conductors must be not smaller than 10 AWG copper for spans up to 50 ft, but not smaller than 8 AWG copper for longer spans unless supported by a messenger wire.
NEC 2017 Section 225.6(A)Common neutral with 3-wire feedersvsCommon neutral with 4-wire or 5-wire feeders
Per 215.4(A), up to three sets of 3-wire feeders are permitted to use a common neutral, but only two sets of 4-wire or 5-wire feeders.
NEC 2017 Section 215.4(A)Panelboard plan symbolvsJunction box plan symbol
A panelboard is a solid filled rectangle, while a junction box is a circle with the letter J inside.
Key Terms
Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) NEC 2017 Section 90.4
Per NEC 90.4, the authority having jurisdiction for enforcement has the responsibility for making interpretations of the rules, deciding on approval of equipment and materials, and granting special permission contemplated in a number of the rules.
NEC scope exclusions (90.2(B)) 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.
Ampacity correction factor (temperature) NEC 2017 Section 310.15(B)
Per NEC 310.15(B) and the notes to Table 310.16, correction factors are applied where the ambient temperature is other than the 30°C (86°F) baseline of the standard ampacity tables.
Ampacity adjustment factor (number of conductors) NEC 2017 Section 310.15(B)(3)(a) and Table 310.15(B)(3)(a)
Where 4 through 6 current-carrying conductors share a raceway, the table ampacity must be adjusted to 80% of its value.
Next higher standard rating rule (240.4(B)) NEC 2017 Section 240.4(B)
The next higher standard overcurrent device rating above the conductor ampacity is permitted when the stated conditions are met, provided the 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 ampere ratings (Table 240.6(A)) NEC 2017 Table 240.6(A)
The listed standard ratings for fuses and inverse time circuit breakers include values such as 45, 70, and 110 amperes; 85 amperes is not a standard rating.
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.
System of coordination (240.12) NEC 2017 Section 240.12
Where an orderly shutdown is required to minimize hazards, coordination based on (1) coordinated short-circuit protection and (2) overload indication based on monitoring systems or devices shall be permitted.
Part-winding start induction motor (430.4) NEC 2017 Section 430.4
A standard part-winding start induction motor in which each motor-winding connection shall have branch-circuit short-circuit and ground-fault protection rated at not more than one-half that specified by 430.52.
Motor full-load current values (430.6(A)(1)) NEC 2017 Section 430.6(A)(1)
For general motor applications the values in Tables 430.247 through 430.250 — not the motor nameplate current — are used to determine conductor ampacity and the ampere ratings of switches and branch-circuit short-circuit and ground-fault protection.
Grounded conductor identification (200.6(A)) NEC 2017 Section 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 (200.2(B)) NEC 2017 Section 200.2(B)
The continuity of a grounded conductor shall not depend on a connection to a metallic enclosure, raceway, or cable armor.
Conductors permitted in service raceways (230.7 Exception No. 1) NEC 2017 Section 230.7, Exception No. 1
Although 230.7 generally prohibits other conductors in service raceways, Exception No. 1 permits grounding electrode conductors or supply-side bonding jumpers or conductors within service raceways.
Type AC cable bending radius (320.24) NEC 2017 Section 320.24
Bends must be made so the cable is not damaged, and the radius of the curve of the inner edge of any bend shall not be less than five times the diameter of the Type AC cable.
Type MC cable bending radius, interlocked armor or corrugated sheath (330.24(B)) NEC 2017 Section 330.24(B)
The minimum bending radius is seven times the external diameter of the metallic sheath.
Class 1 remote-control and signaling circuits (725.41(B)) NEC 2017 Section 725.41(B)
Class 1 circuits are not permitted to exceed 600 volts, a key characteristic distinguishing them from other circuit classifications.
Low-voltage lighting secondary circuits (411.6(A)) NEC 2017 Section 411.6(A)
Secondary circuits of low-voltage lighting systems covered by Article 411 shall not be grounded.
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.
Delta high-leg system (120/240-V, three-phase, four-wire) Ugly's Electrical References, 2023 ed., Common Electrical Distribution Systems, Page 13 (2020 ed.: Common Electrical Distribution Systems)
The distribution system whose B phase (high leg) must be colored orange or tagged, with caution noted for 208 volts orange to white.
Open conductor separation (225.14(C)) NEC 2017 Section 225.14(C)
Open conductors shall be separated from open conductors of other circuits or systems by not less than 100 mm (4 in.).
Formulas to Know
Ohm's Law and power relationships
I = W ÷ E (1500 W ÷ 120 V = 12.5 A); R = E ÷ I (240 V ÷ 8 A = 30 Ω); E = I × R (10 A × 12 Ω = 120 V); P = E × I; P = E² ÷ R (240² ÷ 20 = 2880 W); R = E² ÷ P (14,400 ÷ 1200 = 12 Ω)Three-phase kilowatts, amperes from kW, and amperes from horsepower (1.73 = √3 multiplier)
KW = (E × I × PF × 1.73) ÷ 1000 — example: (460 × 52 × 0.80 × 1.73) ÷ 1000 ≈ 33 kW; I = (KW × 1000) ÷ (E × PF × 1.73); I = (HP × 746) ÷ (E × %EFF × PF × 1.73)Voltage drop (inductance negligible)
Single-phase: Vd = (2K × L × I) ÷ Cm; Three-phase: Vd = (1.73 × K × L × I) ÷ Cm, where K = 12.9 for copper at 75°C, L = one-way length in feet, I = amperes, Cm = circular mils. VD is proportional to length; each standard AWG step up adds ~26% circular mils and cuts VD by ~20%.Feeder conductor ampacity with continuous and noncontinuous loads (215.2(A)(1)(a))
Minimum ampacity = noncontinuous load + 125% of continuous load — example: 120 A + (80 A × 1.25) = 220 AFeeder overcurrent device rating (215.3)
Rating not less than noncontinuous load + 125% of continuous load — example: 40 A + (1.25 × 80 A) = 140 ADwelling-unit general lighting and circuit loads (Article 220 / Table 220.12)
General lighting = 3 VA per sq ft for dwelling units; add 1500 VA per small-appliance circuit and 1500 VA for the laundry circuit — examples: 2000 sq ft × 3 + (2 × 1500) + 1500 = 10,500 VA; 1200 sq ft unit = 8100 VA, × 4 units = 32,400 VA before demand factorsMotor branch-circuit conductors and feeder conductors
Branch circuit (430.22(A)): 125% × motor FLC — example 125% × 65 A = 81.25 A; Feeder: 125% of the largest motor's FLC plus the sum of the remaining motors' FLCsMotor branch-circuit short-circuit/ground-fault device sizing (Table 430.52 and exceptions)
Apply the Table 430.52 percentage to FLC (e.g., nontime-delay fuse 300% × 65 A = 195 A, then per 430.52(C)(1) Ex. No. 1 the next standard size from Table 240.6(A) = 200 A fuse). For an inverse time breaker that fails to start the motor, 430.52(C)(1) Ex. No. 2 permits an increase but in no case over 400% of FLC for motors of 100 A or less (50 A × 4 = 200 A) or 300% above 100 A.Hermetic refrigerant motor-compressor branch circuit (440.32 / 440.22(A))
Conductors ≥ 125% of RLA (30 A × 1.25 = 37.5 A; 20 A × 1.25 = 25 A); OCPD not more than 175% of RLA (30 A × 1.75 = 52.5 A; 20 A × 1.75 = 35 A); if that device cannot carry starting current, increase to not more than 225% of RLA (30 A × 2.25 = 67.5 A → 60 A device)Adjusted/corrected and parallel conductor ampacity
Adjusted ampacity = base ampacity × 0.80 for 4–6 current-carrying conductors (100 A × 0.80 = 80 A at 30°C base); temperature-corrected ampacity = base ampacity × 0.88 for 40°C (104°F) ambient with 75°C conductors; parallel sets: 350 kcmil copper at 90°C = 350 A, × 2 sets = 700 ADC resistance corrected for temperature (Chapter 9, Table 8 notes)
R2 = R1[1 + α(T2 − 75)], where α(copper) = 0.00323 at 75°C (167°F)Series circuit current rule
IT = I1 = I2 = I3 … (total current equals the current in any other part of the circuit)