Journeyman Electrician Practice Exam

Which type of circuit is prohibited from relying on receptacle devices for the continuity of the grounded conductor?

1. Single-phase circuits

2. Multi-wire circuits

3. Three-phase circuits

4. Separate branch circuits

The correct answer is: Multi-wire circuits

The prohibition against relying on receptacle devices for the continuity of the grounded conductor primarily applies to multi-wire circuits. In a multi-wire circuit, multiple hot conductors share a common neutral, and if the receptacles were to rely on the continuity of the grounded conductor, it could lead to hazardous conditions. If one section of the circuit becomes disconnected, it could create a situation where the neutral carries an unbalanced load, increasing the risk of electrical shock or fire. This requirement is defined in the National Electrical Code (NEC) to ensure safety and reliability in electrical systems. By ensuring the grounded conductor's integrity via dedicated wiring methods that do not depend on receptacles, the risk of potential faults that could compromise the entire circuit is minimized. Other types of circuits, such as single-phase and three-phase circuits, have different configurations and are less prone to the complexities introduced by multi-wire setups. Separate branch circuits are also designed to operate independently, making them less susceptible to issues related to shared grounded conductors. This highlights the unique safety considerations for multi-wire circuits and clarifies why adherence to these guidelines is critical in electrical installations.