Electrician's Licensing Practice Exam

According to NEC 225.14, how must open conductors belonging to separate circuits be separated?

1. By 2 inches

2. By 4 inches

3. By 6 inches

4. By 12 inches

The correct answer is: By 4 inches

The National Electrical Code (NEC) 225.14 specifies that open conductors belonging to separate circuits must be separated by at least 4 inches. This separation requirement is crucial to ensure safety and prevent unintentional contact or interference between conductors that carry different circuit potentials. Adequate spacing between conductors helps to minimize the risk of electrical arcing, short circuits, and other hazards that can arise from overcrowding or physical interaction. Conductors carrying different voltages or circuits could potentially induce voltage into one another if they are placed too close together, leading to dangerous conditions. This regulation is a part of the NEC's broader goal of ensuring safe electrical installations and protecting both personnel and property from electrical hazards. The other options, which suggest separations of 2, 6, or 12 inches, do not meet the NEC requirements and could potentially compromise safety standards if followed instead of the correct 4 inches.