Exam Cheat Sheet · Quick Reference
Tennessee CE Electrical Contractor
Tennessee · PROV
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
73%
Exam time
300 min
Administered by
PROV
Format
Reference materials allowed
Tennessee State Portion 100 questions
General Electrical Knowledge
14 Q · 14%
NEC Article 100 key definitions and terminologyNEC code arrangement, scope, and authority having jurisdiction (AHJ)Equipment approval, listing, labeling, and examination requirements (NEC Article 110)Working space and clearance requirements around electrical equipment (≤1000V and >1000V)Grounding and bonding requirements for systems, circuits, and equipmentOvercurrent protection principles and interrupting ratingsGFCI and AFCI protection requirements and applicationsOSHA 1926 Subpart K electrical installation safety requirements for construction sites
Plan Reading
2 Q · 2%
Outlet and receptacle symbols (wall, ceiling, floor, duplex, special purpose)Switch outlet symbols (single-pole, double-pole, three-way, four-way, key-operated, weatherproof)Wiring notation conventions (home runs, number of conductors, concealed vs. exposed, underground)Transformer and motor symbols on electrical drawingsControl device symbols (push buttons, selector switches, limit switches, pilot lights)Contact and coil symbols (N.O., N.C., SPST, SPDT, DPST, DPDT)Miscellaneous electrical symbols (bells, buzzers, annunciators, fuses, thermocouples)
Code Reading
5 Q · 5%
NEC structure and code arrangement (Chapters 1–9, Annexes)Mandatory vs. permissive rules and informational notesDefinitions of key electrical terms (Article 100)Equipment approval, listing, and labeling requirementsWorking space and clearance requirements around electrical equipmentEnclosure type selection and environmental ratings (Table 110.28)Equipment marking and field-applied hazard labelsConductor sizing, ampacity, and temperature limitations
Wiring and Protection
23 Q · 23%
Branch-circuit ratings, conductor sizing, and permissible loadsGFCI and AFCI protection requirements by location and occupancyGrounding and bonding requirements including grounding electrode system, equipment grounding conductors, and bonding jumpersOvercurrent protection for branch circuits, feeders, and servicesService requirements including number of services, conductor sizing, clearances, disconnecting means, and overcurrent protectionLoad calculations for branch circuits, feeders, and servicesMotor branch-circuit and feeder conductor sizing, overload protection, and short-circuit/ground-fault protectionIdentification and use of grounded conductors, ungrounded conductors, and equipment grounding conductors
Wiring Methods and Materials
15 Q · 15%
Conductor ampacity tables and correction/adjustment factors (Articles 310.15, Table 310.15(B)(16)-(21))Conductor insulation types, temperature ratings, and permitted applications by location (dry, damp, wet, sunlight, corrosive)Conductors in parallel — minimum size, installation requirements, and characteristicsCable wiring methods — uses permitted and not permitted for Types NM/NMC/NMS, AC, MC, MI, MV, IGS, FC, FCCRaceway wiring methods — installation requirements for RMC, IMC, EMT, FMC, LFMC, PVC, and ENTBox and enclosure fill calculations, sizing, and installation requirements (Article 314)General wiring requirements — protection from physical damage, underground installations, securing and supporting, and fire stopping (Article 300)Grounded conductor identification — color coding, marking, and terminal identification (Article 200)
Equipment for General Use
6 Q · 6%
Motor circuit conductors, branch-circuit sizing, and feeder calculations (Article 430)Motor overload protection, short-circuit and ground-fault protection, and controller requirementsDisconnecting means for motors, generators, and transformersTransformer overcurrent protection, installation, and transformer vaults (Article 450)Luminaire installation requirements, supports, grounding, and wiring (Article 410)Receptacles, switches, and attachment plugs — ratings, installation, and GFCI/AFCI requirements (Articles 404, 406)Flexible cords and cables — permitted uses, ampacity, and construction (Article 400)Switchboards, switchgear, and panelboards — installation, overcurrent protection, and grounding (Article 408)
Motors and Controls
10 Q · 10%
Motor branch-circuit conductor sizing (125% FLC rule, NEC Article 430 tables vs. nameplate)Branch-circuit short-circuit and ground-fault protection ratings (Table 430.52 percentages by motor and device type)Motor overload protection requirements (trip current percentages, service factor, thermal protectors)Disconnecting means requirements for motors and controllers (type, location, ampere rating)Motor controller ratings and types (horsepower ratings, autotransformers, rheostats, combination controllers)Motor control centers (overcurrent protection, grounding, busbar arrangement, marking)Full-load current tables for DC, single-phase, and three-phase AC motorsGenerator installation requirements (overcurrent protection, conductor ampacity, disconnecting means, marking)
Communication Systems
7 Q · 7%
Communications circuit grounding and bonding methods (Article 800, primary protector bonding conductor size, electrode connections, intersystem bonding termination)Cable types and applications for communications wiring (CMP, CMR, CMG, CM, CMX, CMUC — plenum, riser, and general-purpose installations)Primary and secondary protector requirements for communications circuits (location, fuseless vs. fused types, lightning exposure)CATV/coaxial cable installation and grounding (Article 820 — overhead clearances, underground separation, outer shield grounding, bonding conductor requirements)Radio and television antenna systems (Article 810 — antenna materials, sizes, clearances, discharge units, grounding of masts and lead-in conductors)Fire alarm system circuit wiring methods (Article 760 — NPLFA and PLFA circuit types, cable types FPLP/FPLR/FPL, power source requirements, separation from other circuits)Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 remote-control and signaling circuit installation (Article 725 — power source limitations, wiring methods, separation requirements, cable types CL2/CL3/PLTC)Network-powered and premises-powered broadband communications systems (Articles 830 and 840 — power classifications, overhead and underground cable requirements, NIU grounding)
Special Occupancy
4 Q · 4%
Classification of hazardous locations (Class I, II, and III; Division 1 and 2)Material groups for Class I (Groups A, B, C, D) and Class II (Groups E, F, G) locationsProtection techniques for hazardous locations (explosionproof, dust-ignitionproof, intrinsic safety, purged/pressurized, nonincendive, dusttight, hermetically sealed)Wiring methods and sealing requirements for Class I, II, and III locationsEquipment requirements (motors, luminaires, switches, transformers, receptacles) in classified locationsZone classification system (Zone 0, 1, 2 and Zone 20, 21, 22) as alternative to Division systemIntrinsically safe systems installation, wiring separation, and identification (Article 504)Commercial garages area classification and electrical requirements (Article 511)
Special Equipment
4 Q · 4%
Hazardous (classified) location classification — Class I, II, and III Divisions and ZonesProtection techniques for hazardous locations (explosionproof, dust-ignitionproof, intrinsic safety, purged and pressurized, nonincendive)Wiring methods and sealing requirements for Class I, II, and III locationsEquipment marking, temperature classification (T-codes), and material group requirementsGrounding and bonding requirements in hazardous locationsElectric signs and outline lighting — branch circuits, disconnects, wiring, and transformer requirementsCranes, hoists, and elevators — wiring, conductor sizing, disconnecting means, and overcurrent protectionIntrinsically safe systems — installation, separation, wiring, and identification requirements
Hazardous Locations
4 Q · 4%
Classification of hazardous locations (Class I, II, III and Divisions 1 and 2)Material groups for Class I (Groups A, B, C, D) and Class II (Groups E, F, G) locationsProtection techniques for hazardous locations (explosionproof, dust-ignitionproof, dusttight, purged/pressurized, intrinsic safety, nonincendive, hermetically sealed)Equipment marking requirements (class, division, group, temperature class/T-codes)Wiring methods for Class I, II, and III Division 1 and 2 locationsSealing and drainage requirements for conduit and cable systems in classified locationsZone classification system (Zone 0, 1, 2 and Zone 20, 21, 22) as alternative to Division systemGrounding and bonding requirements in hazardous classified locations
OSHA Safety
6 Q · 6%
Lockout/tagout procedures and establishing an electrically safe work conditionElectrical PPE selection and arc flash protection categoriesShock protection boundaries and minimum approach distancesGround-fault circuit interrupter and assured equipment grounding conductor program requirementsGrounding and bonding requirements for electrical systems and equipmentArc-flash hazard assessment and equipment labelingQualified vs. unqualified person requirements for energized workGeneral employer safety and health responsibilities on construction sites
Key Distinctions
Shielded or lead-covered conductors over 1000 V (bending radius)vsNonshielded conductors over 1000 V (bending radius)
Shielded or lead-covered conductors shall not be bent to a radius less than 12 times the overall diameter during or after installation, while nonshielded conductors require not less than 8 times the overall diameter.
NEC 2017 Section 300.34Capacitor-start single-phase motorvsResistance-start split-phase motor
The capacitor-start motor uses a capacitor in series with the starting winding and is employed where high starting torque is required, whereas the resistance-start motor uses a resistance in series with the starting winding.
Ugly's Electrical References 2020, Single-Phase MotorsClass I and Class II locationsvsClass III locations
Class I locations use material Groups A, B, C, and D and Class II locations use Groups E, F, and G, but Class III locations have no material group designations.
NEC 2017 Section 500.6NEC Chapter 9 tablesvsInformative annexes
Per 90.3, Chapter 9 tables are applicable (and enforceable) as referenced elsewhere in the Code, while informative annexes are not part of the requirements.
NEC 2017 Section 90.3Motor full-load current from NEC Tables 430.247–430.250vsMotor nameplate current rating
Per 430.6(A)(1) the table values are used to size branch-circuit conductors and determine ampacity, while the nameplate current is used only for sizing overload protection per 430.6(A)(2).
NEC 2017 Section 430.6(A)(1)NEC 240.4(B) next higher standard OCPD ratingvsNEC 240.4(C) devices rated over 800 A
240.4(B) permits the next higher standard overcurrent device rating above conductor ampacity only where the selected rating does not exceed 800 amperes; where the device is rated over 800 amperes, 240.4(C) requires the conductor ampacity to equal or exceed the device rating.
NEC 2017 Section 240.4(B)Nontime delay fuse for a single-phase motorvsDual element (time-delay) fuse for a single-phase motor
Per Table 430.52, the maximum rating is 300% of full-load current for a nontime delay fuse versus 175% of full-load current for a dual element (time-delay) fuse.
Ugly's Electrical References 2020, Page 38Wye-start, delta-run motor conductors (controller to motor)vsPart-winding connected motor conductors (controller to motor)
Per 430.22(C) wye-start/delta-run conductors must be not less than 72% of motor full-load current (58% × 1.25), while per 430.22(D) part-winding conductors must be not less than 62.5% (50% × 1.25).
NEC 2017 Section 430.22(C)Insulated conductorvsCovered conductor
An insulated conductor is encased in material of composition and thickness recognized by the Code as electrical insulation, whereas a covered conductor is encased in material not recognized as electrical insulation.
NEC 2017 Article 100 (Conductor, Insulated)Supplementary overcurrent protectionvsRequired branch-circuit overcurrent device
Per 240.10, supplementary overcurrent protection shall not be used as a substitute for, or in place of, the required branch-circuit overcurrent device.
NEC 2017 Section 240.10Minimum cover: direct-buried cable over 1000 V AC through 22 kVvsMinimum cover: over 22 kV through 40 kV in rigid metal conduit or IMC
Table 305.15(A) requires 750 mm (30 in.) of cover for direct burial through 22 kV under general conditions, but only 150 mm (6 in.) for over 22 kV through 40 kV installed in RMC/IMC (Column 3).
NEC 2017 Table 300.50Testing interval for fixed cord sets/receptacles not exposed to damagevsTesting interval for other cord sets and receptacles
Under the assured equipment grounding conductor program, fixed cord sets and receptacles not exposed to damage are tested at intervals not exceeding 6 months, while all other cord sets and receptacles are tested at intervals not exceeding 3 months.
29 CFR 1926, Subpart K, §1926.404(b)(1)(iii)(E)(4)Type MV cable support from terminationsvsType MV cable support between supports
Per 315.40, MV cable terminated in equipment, pull boxes, or vaults must be secured within 1.5 m (5 ft) of terminations, with a maximum of 1.8 m (6 ft) between supports.
NEC 2017 Section 328.30Key Terms
Ampacity (Article 100) NEC 2017
The maximum current, in amperes, that a conductor can carry continuously under the conditions of use without exceeding its temperature rating.
Continuous Load (Article 100) NEC 2017 Article 100
A load where the maximum current is expected to continue for 3 hours or more.
Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) (Article 100) NEC 2017 Article 100 (Definitions)
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.
Approved (NEC 110.2) NEC 2017 Section 110.2
Conductors and equipment required or permitted by the Code are acceptable only if approved, meaning acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction—a broader concept than listed, labeled, or certified.
Competent person (29 CFR 1926.32(f)) 29 CFR 1926, Page 31, §1926.32(f)
One capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards in the surroundings or working conditions that are unsanitary, hazardous, or dangerous to employees, and who has authorization to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them.
Qualified person for Type MV cable (NEC 315.30) NEC 2017 Section 328.14
A person with documented training and experience who is required to perform the installation and testing of Type MV cable, including qualified persons trained in MV cable joints for joint installation.
Danger sign for over 1000-volt raceway/cable systems (NEC 305.12) NEC 2017 Section 300.45
A sign conspicuously posted at points of access to conductors in all raceway and cable systems stating: DANGER—HIGH VOLTAGE—KEEP OUT.
Type MV-90 cable (Table 315.10(A)) NEC 2017 Table 310.104(C)
Medium voltage solid dielectric cable with a maximum operating temperature of 90°C, suitable for dry or wet locations (Type MV-105 is rated 105°C).
Article 337 / Type P cable (2020 NEC) Ugly's Electrical References 2020, Page 119
A new article covering use, installation, and construction specifications for up through 2000-volt Type P cable—a factory assembly of one or more insulated flexible tinned copper conductors commonly used in offshore and onshore drilling rig applications.
Class 1 remote-control and signaling circuits (Article 725) NEC 2017 Section 725.41(B)
Circuits that are not permitted to exceed 600 volts.
Multiwire branch circuit disconnect (NEC 210.4(B)) NEC 2017 Section 210.4(B)
Each multiwire branch circuit must be provided with a means that simultaneously disconnects all ungrounded conductors at the point where the branch circuit originates.
Grounded conductor continuity (NEC 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.
Mechanical execution of work — unused openings (NEC 110.12(A)) NEC 2017 Section 110.12(A)
Unused openings in boxes, raceways, and enclosures—other than those for equipment operation, mounting, or permitted as part of listed equipment design—shall be effectively closed to afford protection substantially equivalent to the wall of the equipment.
Restricted access adjustable-trip circuit breaker (NEC 240.6(C)) NEC 2017 Section 240.6(C)
A breaker rated at its adjusted current setting because the adjusting means is behind removable and sealable covers, bolted equipment enclosure doors, or locked doors accessible only to qualified personnel (a warning label is not restricted access).
Ground-fault protection of equipment (NEC 240.13) NEC 2017 Section 240.13
Required on 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.
Construction-site GFCI requirement (29 CFR 1926.404(b)(1)(ii)) OSHA 1926 CFR 29, Subpart K, §1926.404(b)(1)(ii)
All 120-volt, single-phase, 15- and 20-ampere receptacle outlets not part of the permanent wiring and in use by employees shall have approved ground-fault circuit interrupters for personnel protection.
Electrical plan switch symbols Ugly's Electrical References 2020, Page 125
S₃ is a three-way switch (S₂ double-pole, S₄ four-way, Sₑ electrolier), Sₖ is a key-operated switch, and DPDT means double pole double throw.
Formulas to Know
Minimum feeder/branch conductor ampacity with continuous and noncontinuous loads (215.2(A)(1))
Ampacity ≥ noncontinuous load + 125% × continuous load; e.g., 120 A + (80 A × 1.25) = 220 A; 30 A + (100 A × 1.25) = 155 AMotor branch-circuit conductor ampacity (430.22)
Ampacity ≥ 125% × motor table FLC (e.g., 65 A × 1.25 = 81.25 A); wye-start/delta-run controller-to-motor conductors = 72% of FLC (58% × 1.25); part-winding = 62.5% of FLC (50% × 1.25)Feeder ampacity for several motors (430.24)
125% × FLC of the highest-rated motor + sum of FLC of all other motors (at 100%) + non-motor loads; e.g., (1.25 × 15.2) + 15.2 + 15.2 = 49.4 AGenerator output conductor ampacity (445.13)
Ampacity ≥ 115% × generator nameplate current; 80 A × 1.15 = 92 A; 200 A × 1.15 = 230 AMotor overload protection maximum (430.32(A)(1))
Separate overload device ≤ 125% × nameplate FLC for motors with a marked service factor ≥ 1.15 or marked temperature rise ≤ 40°C; ≤ 115% × nameplate FLC for all other motors. These are maximums, not a range: 30 A → 37.5 A max (service factor 1.15) or 34.5 A max (other motors)Motor branch-circuit short-circuit/ground-fault device sizing (Table 430.52 with 430.52(C)(1) exceptions)
Nontime delay fuse = 300% FLC (3-phase example: 300% × 65 A = 195 A → next standard size per Table 240.6(A) = 200 A); dual element fuse (1φ) = 175% FLC; inverse time breaker, wound rotor = 150% FLC; single-phase inverse time breaker = 250% FLC (50 A × 2.5 = 125 A, next standard = 150 A if motor won't start); breaker may be raised to a maximum of 400% FLC for FLC of 100 A or less (60 A × 4 = 240 A)Type MC cable (interlocked armor/corrugated sheath) minimum bending radius (330.24(B))
Radius = 7 × external diameter of the metallic sheath; 7 × 1.5 in. = 10.5 in.Dwelling general load calculation (Article 220)
Total VA = (floor area × 3 VA per sq ft) + (1,500 VA × number of small-appliance circuits) + (1,500 VA × number of laundry circuits); e.g., 2,000 sq ft: 6,000 + 3,000 + 1,500 = 10,500 VA; per-unit totals are multiplied by the number of units before demand factors (8,100 × 4 = 32,400 VA); receptacle outlets are calculated at not less than 180 VA per single or multiple receptacle on one yoke (90 VA per receptacle for assemblies of four or more)Parallel conductor ampacity and grounded conductor sizing
Total ampacity = ampacity per set × number of parallel sets (350 kcmil Cu at 90°C = 350 A; 2 sets = 700 A); grounded conductor size uses combined circular mils (2 × 350 = 700 kcmil → Table 250.102(C)(1), over 600 through 1,100 kcmil = 2/0 AWG copper)Series-parallel DC circuit current through a parallel branch (Ohm's law)
R_T = R_series + R_parallel; I_total = E / R_T; V_parallel = I_total × R_parallel; I_branch = V_parallel / R_branch (e.g., 24 V, 3 Ω + (3 Ω) → 4 A, 12 V across bank, 12/4 = 3 A)