National Home Inspector Examination (NHIE) — Practice Exam
Electrical: practice questions
Our Home Inspector (NHIE) bank has 30 questions on this topic. Here are 5 of them with answers; the full mock exam draws from every topic, like the real one.
Question 1
What should an inspector check about smoke and CO detectors under InterNACHI's standards?
- Their alarm loudness in decibels
- Their presence, reporting any absence
- Their color
- Their battery voltage and the date code with a meter
Show the answer
B. Their presence, reporting any absence — SOP 3.7 requires reporting the absence; testing them is not required.
Question 2
Why is an open splice (wires joined outside a junction box) a defect?
- It is required in attics
- It only affects appearance
- Connections must be enclosed to contain heat, sparks and accidental contact
- It improves cooling of the connection by exposing it to open air in the attic
Show the answer
C. Connections must be enclosed to contain heat, sparks and accidental contact — Listed as a common safety issue.
Question 3
How does InterNACHI's standard say GFCIs should be tested?
- By the main breaker
- By removing the panel cover
- By shorting the receptacle with a jumper
- With a GFCI tester, where possible
Show the answer
D. With a GFCI tester, where possible — SOP 3.7.I.
Question 4
What is the minimum clearance for service drop conductors above a residential driveway, generally?
- 3 feet
- 8 feet
- 12 feet
- 20 feet
Show the answer
C. 12 feet — NEC 230.24(B) (higher over public streets); clearances from grade are reportable.
Question 5
What service size is common in modern homes?
- 100 to 200 amps at 120/240 V
- 400 amps at 480 V three-phase, as in factories
- 15 amps at 120 V
- 30 amps at 240 V
Show the answer
A. 100 to 200 amps at 120/240 V — Service amperage is an outline topic.