What are some of the most challenging questions you’ll face on the master and journeyman electrical exam?
Some of the most challenging questions will be those which require you to use key words or phrases in questions in conjunction with the NFPA 70 code index to find the code article that answers the question.
In order to use key words or phrases in questions to find answers in the code, you have to be able to identify them when reading test questions.
Example:
What is the neutral feeder demand percentage that must be applied to determine neutral feeder load for a 12 kW 240v/120v single phase range installed in a dwelling unit?
Solution:
It’s easy to get lost in the weeds and focus on extraneous information that can throw you off tract. Don’t be deceived! For example the voltage and phase information provided would not be considered a useful key word or phrase.
What is the key word(s) or phrase you should be focusing on?
#1 Neutral
#2 Feeder load
By looking in the index of NFPA 70 for the key word heading “neutral” and then under that heading for “feeder load” you will be referred to Article 220-61. Article 220.61(B) provides a demand factor of 70% and paragraph (1) indicates that this percentage demand would be applied to a feeder or service supplying household electric ranges. It is important not to read more into the question than necessary. Even though the question provides
the information required to determine the neutral feeder demand in kW for a 12 kW range, that is not the answer the question required you to provide. All that is required is to provide the neutral demand percentage that must be applied which is 70%, therefore no calculation is required to answer this question.
The answer is 70%.
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