The electrician career path
Apprentice hours, journeyman and master licenses, and how open-book NEC exams work.
Continue in the app →Grounding and bonding essentials
Fault paths, EGC vs GEC, and the exam’s highest-weight domain.
Continue in the app →Article 100 definitions
Grounded, grounding, bonding, and OCPD terms that appear on every NEC exam.
Continue in the app →General installation requirements
Working space, access, and listing requirements that apply to every installation.
Continue in the app →Branch circuits and outlets
Receptacle spacing, GFCI/AFCI, and dedicated circuits for kitchens and laundry.
Continue in the app →Overcurrent protection
Breaker sizing, tap rules, and coordination basics for conductors and equipment.
Continue in the app →Conductors and ampacity
Table 310.16, adjustment factors, and termination temperature limits.
Continue in the app →Load calculations
Standard and optional dwelling calculations, demand factors, and service sizing.
Continue in the app →Motors and controllers
FLC tables, branch-circuit and feeder sizing, and disconnect requirements.
Continue in the app →NEC structure and navigation
How chapters, articles, parts, and fine print notes fit together for open-book exams.
Continue in the app →NEC
National Electrical Code (NFPA 70). The adopted edition and local amendments control the installation rules in your jurisdiction.
AHJ
Authority Having Jurisdiction. The local body that enforces adopted codes and issues permits.
GFCI
Ground-fault circuit interrupter. Opens a circuit when current to ground exceeds a defined threshold.
AFCI
Arc-fault circuit interrupter. Detects hazardous arcing conditions on branch circuits where required.
OCPD
Overcurrent protective device. Fuses or breakers sized per NEC Article 240 and manufacturer listings.
EGC
Equipment grounding conductor. Provides a low-impedance path for fault current—not the same as a grounded conductor.
Grounded conductor
Intentionally grounded circuit conductor, often identified white or gray. Carries normal current on some circuits.
Bonding
Connecting metal parts to establish electrical continuity and fault-current path. Distinct from grounding electrodes.
Service
Conductors and equipment delivering utility power to the premises wiring system.
Feeder
Circuit conductors between the service equipment and the final overcurrent device ahead of branch circuits.
Branch circuit
Conductors between the final OCPD and outlet(s).
Ampacity
Maximum current a conductor can carry continuously under defined conditions without exceeding temperature rating.
Demand factor
A multiplier applied to connected load to estimate actual simultaneous usage.
Continuous load
A load expected to operate for three hours or more. Affects conductor and OCPD sizing.
Working space
Clear area around electrical equipment required by NEC 110.26 for safe access and maintenance.
Lockout/tagout
Procedures that isolate energy sources before work. OSHA 29 CFR 1910.147 and 1926 Subpart K apply on many jobs.
Arc flash
Explosive release of energy from an arcing fault. NFPA 70E defines approach boundaries and PPE categories.
Conduit fill
Limit on the number and size of conductors inside a raceway per NEC Chapter 9 tables.
Box fill
Calculation of conductor volume, devices, and clamps inside outlet boxes per NEC 314.16.
Voltage drop
Loss along a conductor run. Excessive drop can affect equipment performance and may fail exam or AHJ review.
Motor FLA
Full-load amperes from motor nameplate or NEC tables—starting point for branch-circuit and conductor sizing.
Disconnect
Means to open all ungrounded conductors to a motor or other utilization equipment.
Neutral
Grounded conductor in a system. On a single-phase 120/240 V service, the center tap of the utility transformer.
Receptacle
Contact device for attachment of a plug. GFCI and AFCI requirements vary by location and NEC edition.
Panelboard
Assembly of overcurrent devices and buses in an enclosure. Working clearance and labeling matter for inspection.
Service disconnect
Main means to shut off all ungrounded service conductors at or near the service entrance.
Separately derived system
A premises wiring system with no direct connection to a utility supply—transformers are a common example.
Special occupancy
Locations with additional NEC rules—wet, hazardous, health care, and similar Chapters 5–7 material.
Limited energy
Systems such as fire alarm, communications, and Class 2 circuits under NEC Chapter 7 and 8.
Listing
Equipment evaluated by a recognized testing laboratory for a specific use. Unlisted substitutions can fail inspection.
Torque
Proper terminal tightening per manufacturer instructions. Under-torqued connections are a common failure point.
Knockout
Removed section of a box or enclosure for raceway entry. Must be properly closed if unused.
Continuity
Unbroken electrical path verified with a tester before energizing or after repair.
Pass the exam. Keep the Field Guide close.
Download the app to drill these notes with rapid-fire questions. Pick your exam state in Settings.