National Electric Code (NEC) & Wiring Methods

Question 1

Ampacity

Answer 1

The current, in amperes, a conductor can carry continuously under the conditions of use without exceeding its temperature rating.

Question 2

AWG

Answer 2

American Wire Gauge

Question 3

Branch Circuit

Answer 3

The circuit conductors between the final over-current device protecting the circuit and the outlet(s).

Question 4

CMA

Answer 4

Circular Mil Area

Question 5

Circular Mil Area (CMA)

Answer 5

A method of sizing the cross sectional area of wire arrived at by determining the diameter in thousandths of an inch and then squaring that value.

Question 6

Color Code

Answer 6

A standardized method of conductor identification.

Question 7

EMT

Answer 7

Electrical Metallic Tubing

Question 8

Electrical Metallic Tubing (EMT)

Answer 8

A thin wall conduit that is easily bent and does not use threaded fittings.

Question 9

Feeder

Answer 9

All circuit conductors between the service equipment or the source of a separately derived system and the final branch circuit overcurrent device.

Question 10

Galvanic Action

Answer 10

The chemical reaction between dissimilar metals, actually electrolysis.

Question 11

Grounded Conductor

Answer 11

A system or circuit conductor that is intentionally grounded.

Question 12

Grounding Conductor

Answer 12

A conductor used to connect equipment or the grounded circuit of a wiring system to a grounding electrode or electrodes.

Question 13

Hot wire

Answer 13

Slang term for ungrounded conductor.

Question 14

Insulation Type Letter

Answer 14

A coded letter found on insulation that defines its type.

Question 15

Kcmil

Answer 15

Abbreviation for one thousand circular mils (previously known as MCM).

Question 16

Mil

Answer 16

Unit of measurement equal to .001 inch that is used to measure wire diameter.

Question 17

National Electrical Code (NEC)

Answer 17

The safety standard for electrical installations in buildings and other structures.

Question 18

NFPA

Answer 18

The National Fire Protection Association. The organization that sponsors and writes the NEC.

Question 19

Resistivity

Answer 19

The resistance in a wire per mil-foot.

Question 20

Raceway

Answer 20

An enclosed channel of metal or nonmetallic materials designed expressly for holding wires, cables, or busbars, with additional functions as permitted in this (NEC) code.

Question 21

Service

Answer 21

The conductors and equipment for delivering energy from the electrical supply system to the wiring system of the premises served.

Question 22

Ungrounded conductor or “hot” wire

Answer 22

A system or circuit conductor that is not grounded but rather has a potential to ground.

Question 23

Circuit protection devices and switches are located in the ungrounded conductors. True or false?

Answer 23

True

Question 24

Resistance of a wire is directly proportional to its length and inversely proportional to its ___.

Answer 24

cross-sectional area

Question 25

Resistance of a wire also depends on the kind or type of ___.

Answer 25

material

Question 26

What are important factors when selecting the proper size wire?

Answer 26

length, type, and cross-sectional area