Understanding how to answer the following electrical exam question requires that you make the connection between terms used in the field verses terms used on the electrical exam.
Question:
How many 20 amps branch circuits are required to supply 500 ft. of plug mold installed in an electronics store?
A. 15 circuits
B. 37 circuits
C. 38 circuits
D. None of the above
Solution:
C. 38 circuits
In order to answer this question correctly apply the following steps:
Step #1
Recognize that plug-mold is the term used in the field for fixed multi-outlet assembly.
Step #2
NFPA 70 of the National Electrical Code indicates that where plug mold or fixed multi-outlet assembly is supplying appliances that are likely to be used simultaneously each foot shall be considered to be equivalent to an outlet of not less than 180 volt-amps.
Step #3
Determine the number of equivalent outlets.
500 ft. fixed multi-outlet assembly/1 ft. = 500 outlets
Step #4
Recognize that the capacity per circuit is 2400 volt-amps. Standard voltage for these circuits is 120 volts. The circuit rating in amps is given in the text of the question.
Step #5
Use the correct formula to solve for the minimum number of circuits required.
500 outlets x 180 volt-amps = 90,000 volt-amps
90,000 volt-amps/120 volts x 20 amps = 37.5 or 38 circuits
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