rough wiring Flashcards
What is the minimum clearance required around electrical panelboards for safety?
36 inches (3 feet) of clear space in front of the panel.
Which type of wiring method is typically used in residential construction for rough wiring?
Non-metallic sheathed cable (Type NM or Romex).
What is the purpose of a junction box in rough wiring?
To enclose and protect wire connections and splices.
What is the maximum number of 12 AWG wires that can be placed in a standard 4-inch square electrical box without a device?
Nine wires.
What is the standard height for electrical outlets above the finished floor in residential rough wiring?
12 to 18 inches.
What tool is commonly used to strip insulation from electrical wires during rough wiring?
Wire stripper.
What does NEC stand for and why is it important in rough wiring?
National Electrical Code; it sets the standards for safe electrical installations.
How should electrical cables be secured within a wall cavity during rough wiring?
Cables should be stapled or secured within 12 inches of a box and at intervals not exceeding 4.5 feet.
What is the purpose of using a fish tape in rough wiring?
To pull wires through conduits or wall cavities.
When rough wiring an attic, how should cables be run to ensure they are protected from physical damage?
Cables should be run along the side of rafters or secured to avoid walking paths.
What is the minimum size grounding electrode conductor required for a 200-amp service?
4 AWG copper.
What is the purpose of a pigtail in rough wiring?
To connect multiple wires to a single terminal screw or wire nut.
How are wires grouped together in a main service panel to ensure neatness and organization?
By using wire ties or clamps to bundle similar circuits together.
What is a staple’s role in rough wiring?
To secure cables to framing members.
How far should electrical cables be kept from the edge of framing members to prevent damage from nails or screws?
At least 1.25 inches.
What is the purpose of a rough-in inspection by an electrical inspector?
To ensure that all wiring is installed correctly and meets code requirements before walls are closed up.
What color is typically used for hot wires in rough wiring?
Black or red.
What is the purpose of using electrical tape during rough wiring?
To insulate wire connections and provide additional protection.
How should cables be routed through studs in a wall to maintain proper spacing and avoid potential hazards?
Cables should be run through drilled holes in the center of studs.
What is the recommended method for connecting a new electrical circuit to an existing breaker panel?
Turn off the main power, install the new circuit breaker, and connect the wires following proper safety protocols.
What is the minimum wire size required for a 15-amp circuit?
14 AWG
How far should electrical outlets be spaced apart in a residential setting?
No more than 12 feet apart
What is the purpose of a grounding rod in an electrical system?
To provide a path to ground for electrical currents in the event of a fault
What is the NEC’s requirement for tamper-resistant receptacles in new residential construction?
All 125-volt, 15- and 20-ampere receptacles must be tamper-resistant
When drilling holes for wiring through wooden studs, what is the recommended diameter for the holes?
Typically, holes should not exceed 40% of the stud’s width
What is the standard color for neutral wires in rough wiring?
White or gray
How should unused openings in electrical boxes be sealed?
With knockout seals or plugs
What type of conduit is commonly used for outdoor rough wiring?
PVC conduit or rigid metal conduit (RMC)
What is the purpose of a circuit breaker in an electrical system?
To protect the circuit from overcurrent and prevent electrical fires
How should cables be protected when running through metal framing members?
Using bushings, grommets, or conduit
What is the minimum depth for burying direct-burial cable in a residential yard?
24 inches
What is the primary purpose of a load center in an electrical system?
To distribute electrical power to various circuits within the building
What is the typical height for mounting wall switches in a residential home?
48 inches from the floor
What type of wire is typically used for grounding purposes?
Bare copper wire or green-insulated wire
How should splices be made in a rough wiring setup?
Using wire nuts or other approved connectors
What is the NEC requirement for securing cables within an electrical box?
Cables must be secured within 12 inches of the box
What is a common method for routing cables through wall studs?
Drilling holes through the center of the studs
What is the function of a wire nut in electrical wiring?
To securely connect and insulate two or more electrical wires
What type of cable is often used for running power to outbuildings or detached garages?
Underground feeder (UF) cable
What is the purpose of a voltage tester in rough wiring?
To check for the presence of voltage in electrical circuits
How should cables be secured when running vertically in a wall cavity?
Using cable staples or clips at intervals not exceeding 4.5 feet
What is the standard wire gauge for residential lighting circuits?
14 AWG
What is the purpose of a grounding bus bar in an electrical panel?
To provide a common point for grounding connections
How should cables be protected when running through brick or concrete walls?
By using conduit or other protective measures
What is the NEC requirement for the separation of low-voltage and high-voltage cables?
They must be separated by at least 2 inches or run in separate conduits
What tool is commonly used to cut metal conduit?
A hacksaw or a conduit cutter
How should cables be identified in a multi-wire branch circuit?
By using colored or labeled tape to mark the neutral conductor
What is the purpose of an electrical subpanel?
To distribute power to a specific area or set of circuits within a building
How are cables protected when running under a concrete slab?
By placing them in conduit
What is the minimum required bending radius for NM cable?
Five times the cable diameter
How should cables be routed through a floor opening?
Protected with a conduit sleeve or bushing
What type of outlet is required in bathrooms according to the NEC?
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlet
How are cable sheaths stripped for connection?
Using a cable stripper or utility knife, careful not to damage the conductors inside
What is the function of a breaker panel’s main breaker?
To shut off power to the entire panel
What is the NEC’s requirement for outdoor receptacles?
They must be weatherproof and equipped with a weather-resistant cover
How are wires labeled in an electrical panel for identification?
Using wire labels, tags, or a marker to indicate circuit number and function
What is the maximum distance that a cable can be unsupported in an attic?
4.5 feet
What is the purpose of a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)?
To protect against electrical shock by quickly disconnecting power in the event of a ground fault
How should cables be routed when passing through fire-rated walls?
Using fire-rated sleeves or sealing methods to maintain the wall’s fire resistance
What is the standard color for wires used for travelers in a three-way switch configuration?
Usually red or black, but colors may vary
How should unused conductors in a cable be handled?
They should be capped with wire nuts or insulated and secured
What is the typical spacing for securing cables to framing members?
Every 4.5 feet and within 12 inches of every box or fitting
What type of cable is used for telephone wiring in a residential setup?
Category 5e (Cat5e) or Category 6 (Cat6) cable
How should cables be handled when running parallel to framing members?
They should be secured with staples or clips to prevent movement
What is the primary function of a circuit breaker?
To protect electrical circuits by automatically opening in the event of an overload or short circuit
How should cables be installed in a crawl space to avoid damage?
Supported on running boards or secured to the structure
What is the purpose of using a conduit bender?
To make precise bends in conduit without damaging it
How are cables labeled for identification in a large project?
Using wire markers, labels, or tags that correspond to a labeling scheme
What is the standard height for mounting a ceiling light fixture box?
Typically, 7 to 8 feet from the floor, but may vary based on fixture design
What type of wire is typically used for lighting fixtures in rough wiring?
14 AWG or 12 AWG depending on the circuit requirements
How should cables be routed through existing walls?
Using fishing tools or rods to pull cables through wall cavities
What is the recommended method for protecting cables when running through metal framing?
Using bushings, grommets, or conduit
What is the primary purpose of an electrical service entrance?
To connect the utility company’s supply lines to the building’s electrical system
How is a ground wire connected in an electrical box?
It is secured to a grounding screw or clip in the box
What type of receptacle is required for outdoor locations?
Weather-resistant GFCI receptacles
