Texas Journeyman Electrician Course Notes

This section develops practical decisions for 1. Definitions, Calculations, Theory, and Plans (7.5%). Focus on Calculate single-phase and three-phase current; Size for continuous load; Distinguish service feeder and branch circuit; Distinguish grounded grounding and bonding conductors, then apply the governing rule to the facts in each scenario.

• Single-Phase vs. Three-Phase: The formulas are distinct. Use the single-phase formula for resistive loads and the three-phase formula for balanced three-phase loads.

• Double-check your calculations for arithmetic errors.

This section develops practical decisions for 2. Services, Service Equipment, and Separately Derived Systems (11.5%). Focus on Locate the service disconnect; Apply service-disconnect grouping rules; Bond the grounded conductor at service equipment; Size and connect the grounding electrode conductor, then apply the governing rule to the facts in each scenario.

• Interior vs. Exterior Runs: Interior runs defeat the principle of accessibility; disconnects must be located outside or inside at the entrance point.

• Prioritize Accessibility: The primary factor is whether the disconnect is readily accessible.

This section develops practical decisions for 3. Feeders (4%). Focus on Size feeder conductors; Calculate feeder neutral load; Protect feeder conductors from overcurrent; Supply a separate building with a feeder, then apply the governing rule to the facts in each scenario.

• The 125% load factor applies to the continuous load, not the noncontinuous load.

• Carefully identify the continuous and noncontinuous load components in each scenario.

This section develops practical decisions for 4. Branch Circuits, Calculations, and Conductors (19%). Focus on Size branch-circuit conductors and protection; Calculate general lighting load; Apply dwelling small-appliance circuit rules; Apply dwelling laundry circuit rules, then apply the governing rule to the facts in each scenario.

• Terminal ratings and adjustment factors can reduce the allowable ampacity of a conductor, requiring a larger conductor size.

• Always start with the total load, including the continuous load's 125% adjustment.

This section develops practical decisions for 5. Wiring Methods and Materials (22.5%). Focus on Calculate box fill; Calculate raceway fill; Size raceway for conductor pulling; Support nonmetallic-sheathed cable, then apply the governing rule to the facts in each scenario.

• 314.16 rules vs. General conductor volume: 314.16 focuses on *counting* conductors, while general volume allowance considers conductor *size* and its occupied space.

• Carefully identify all conductors within the box – including those in pigtails and loops.

This section develops practical decisions for 6. Equipment and Devices (12.5%). Focus on Install receptacles with correct grounding and polarity; Switch ungrounded conductors; Install luminaires near combustible storage; Provide appliance disconnecting means, then apply the governing rule to the facts in each scenario.

• Grounding Contact vs. Receptacle Grounding Terminal: The grounding contact connects to the EGC; the receptacle grounding terminal is solely for the enclosure’s grounding.

• Carefully examine the receptacle labeling and markings to confirm the circuit type and grounding configuration.

This section develops practical decisions for 7. Motors and Generators (6%). Focus on Size motor branch-circuit conductors; Select motor short-circuit and ground-fault protection; Set motor overload protection; Provide a motor disconnect, then apply the governing rule to the facts in each scenario.

• Using nameplate current for conductor sizing is incorrect; always use the table full-load current.

• Always start with the table full-load current provided in the scenario.

This section develops practical decisions for 8. Control Devices and Disconnecting Means (3.5%). Focus on Classify remote-control and signaling circuits; Use a disconnect within sight; Use a lockable disconnecting means; Identify control-circuit conductors and functions, then apply the governing rule to the facts in each scenario.

• Class 1 vs. Class 2: Class 1 circuits rely on a listed source with specific power limitations. Class 2 circuits are classified based on the source's limitations.

• Carefully analyze the source listing and its associated power limitations when determining circuit class.

This section develops practical decisions for 9. Special Occupancies, Equipment, and Conditions (11%). Focus on Classify hazardous locations; Select equipment for a classified location; Apply healthcare patient-care wiring rules; Install emergency systems, then apply the governing rule to the facts in each scenario.

• Class I vs. Class II vs. Class III: Class I hazards involve flammable gases/vapors, Class II involves combustible dust, and Class III involves ignitible fibers/flyings.

• Focus on the *exact* classification criteria – class, group, division, and temperature – when selecting equipment and wiring.

This section develops practical decisions for 10. Renewable Energy Systems (2.5%). Focus on Size and protect photovoltaic circuits; Provide PV disconnects rapid shutdown and marking; Interconnect distributed energy resources, then apply the governing rule to the facts in each scenario.

• 690 vs. Inverter Output: 690 defines maximum current, while inverter output is a dynamic value. Always use 690 for sizing.

• Focus on the 'maximum current' principle. Always start with Article 690 calculations.