Journeyman Electrician Practice Exam

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Get ready for the Journeyman Electrician Exam. Study with flashcards, multiple-choice questions, and detailed explanations. Prepare effectively and ensure success on your certification!

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What terms characterize the mandatory rules of the NEC® that identify required or prohibited actions?

must or must not
shall or shall not
may or may not
is or is not

The correct answer is: shall or shall not

The terms that characterize the mandatory rules of the National Electrical Code (NEC®) are specifically "shall" and "shall not." These terms indicate requirements that must be followed to ensure safety and compliance with electrical standards. Using "shall" establishes an obligation or requirement, making it clear that certain actions are mandatory to meet the NEC® guidelines. Conversely, "shall not" explicitly prohibits certain actions, indicating that they cannot be performed under any circumstances outlined by the code. Other terms such as "must" or "must not" can convey similar meanings in casual usage, but "shall" and "shall not" are the officially recognized terms within the NEC®. On the other hand, ambiguous terms like "may" or "may not" imply permission rather than a requirement, and "is" or "is not" do not denote a clear directive regarding actions to be taken or avoided. Thus, the use of "shall" and "shall not" provides unambiguous guidance crucial for ensuring safety in electrical practices.