AK Electrician cheat sheet

Ohm's law: E = I × R; power P = E × I = I²R = E²/R.

Series circuit: total resistance is the sum of resistances; current is the same through all elements.

Parallel circuit: total resistance is less than the smallest branch resistance; 1/RT = 1/R1 + 1/R2 + ...

AC effective (RMS) value equals the DC value producing the same heating; RMS = peak ÷ √2 for a sine wave.

Effective impedance Z = √(R² + X²), where X is net reactance (XL − XC).

Inductive reactance XL = 2πfL; capacitive reactance XC = 1/(2πfC).

Three-phase power: P = √3 × E × I × power factor for a balanced load.

A transformer changes voltage in the ratio of primary to secondary turns; power in equals power out (minus losses).

Conductor resistance varies directly with length and inversely with circular mil area: R = K·L/CM.

Standard branch-circuit ratings include 15, 20, 30, 40, and 50 A; the overcurrent device sets the branch-circuit rating.

General lighting load for dwellings is calculated at 3 VA per square foot of floor area.

Small-appliance branch circuits in a dwelling: two or more 20 A circuits at 1500 VA each.

Laundry branch circuit in a dwelling: one 20 A circuit at 1500 VA minimum.

Demand factors apply to the general lighting and receptacle load above 3000 VA per the standard lighting demand table.

Service/feeder neutral load may be reduced but not below the maximum unbalanced load; certain nonlinear loads limit reduction.

Fixed electric space-heating loads are computed at 100 percent of nameplate rating.

The largest motor load is increased by 25 percent when sizing service and feeder conductors.

Range and appliance loads use the standard demand tables rather than simple summation.

Raceway fill: conductors must not exceed the permitted percentage of interior cross-sectional area (e.g., 40 percent for 3 or more conductors).

The number of conductors permitted in a raceway is found from the conductor dimension tables and the applicable fill percentage.

Boxes must be sized for the number and size of conductors, devices, and equipment grounding conductors present.

Each unspliced conductor passing through a box counts as one conductor volume allowance; spliced conductors count by size.

Raceways must be supported and secured within the required distance of boxes and at intervals set by the wiring method.

Expansion fittings are required where raceways cross building expansion joints or where thermal expansion is expected.

Bends in a single run between boxes or fittings are limited to 360 degrees total.

Metal raceways and enclosures must be bonded and connected to the equipment grounding conductor path.

Ampacity of conductors is taken from the applicable conductor ampacity tables, then adjusted for ambient temperature and number of current-carrying conductors.

The 60°C column is the default ampacity basis unless the terminals and equipment are rated for a higher temperature.

Conductors in parallel must be the same length, same material, same size, and same insulation type.

Receptacle outlets must be spaced so that no point along the floor line is more than 6 feet from an outlet in dwelling unit walls.

Kitchen counter receptacles require ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection and no point along the counter more than 24 inches from a receptacle.

Boxes must be accessible; junction boxes may not be buried in walls or ceilings.

Cable must be secured within the required distance of boxes and supported at intervals specified for the cable type.

Conductor identification: grounded conductor is white or gray; equipment grounding conductor is green, green with yellow stripe, or bare.

Standard overcurrent device ratings: 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100 A, and so on.

The next-higher standard rating may be used where the conductor ampacity does not correspond to a standard device rating, subject to the code limit.

Ground-fault circuit interrupter protection protects people from line-to-ground shock; it does not protect against line-to-line or overload.

Arc-fault circuit interrupter protection detects arcing and is required on specified dwelling branch circuits.

The service disconnecting means must be installed at a readily accessible location nearest the point of entry of the service conductors.

Bonding jumpers around water meters and other interrupting devices maintain continuity of the grounding path.

Equipment grounding conductors provide a low-impedance path to clear faults and must be sized per the equipment grounding conductor table.

Grounding electrode conductor sizing is based on the largest service conductor or the applicable table, whichever governs.

Motor branch-circuit conductors are sized at not less than 125 percent of the motor full-load current from the motor tables.

Motor overload protection protects the motor from overload; branch-circuit short-circuit and ground-fault protection protects the circuit.

The motor disconnecting means must be within sight of the motor and controller, or capable of being locked open.

Motor controller rating must be at least the horsepower rating of the motor it controls.

Motor full-load current is taken from the code motor tables, not from the nameplate, for conductor and protection sizing.

A separate overload device is set according to the motor's service factor and temperature rise, per the code rules.

HVAC equipment disconnects must be within sight of and readily accessible from the equipment.

Hermetic refrigerant motor-compressor branch circuits use the nameplate rated-load current for sizing per the code article.

Class I locations are those where flammable gases or vapors may be present; Class II is combustible dust; Class III is easily ignitable fibers.

Division 1 locations have the hazardous condition present under normal operation; Division 2 only under abnormal conditions.

Equipment in hazardous locations must be marked with the class, division or zone, and group for which it is approved.

Wet locations require weatherproof, gasketed enclosures and listed wet-location fittings.

Bathroom, garage, and outdoor receptacles in dwellings require ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection.

Swimming pool and similar installation rules require equipotential bonding of metallic parts.

Health care facility patient care areas have special grounding and receptacle requirements.

Tempory wiring must be listed and installed so it is protected from physical damage.

The authority having jurisdiction interprets and enforces the adopted electrical code and may require permits and inspections.

Work must be inspected before it is concealed; cover inspection is required before walls or ceilings are closed.

Permits are required for new electrical installations, alterations, and additions as defined by the adopted code and local ordinance.

Lockout/tagout procedures de-energize and isolate circuits before work begins.

Personal protective equipment, including voltage-rated gloves and eye protection, is required for energized work.

Approved plans and specifications must be on site and available to the inspector.

Defective or noncompliant work must be corrected and reinspected before the installation may be energized.

Only listed and labeled equipment may be installed; field modification of listed equipment voids the listing.

Alaska electrical work is regulated by the state through statutes and regulations administered by the Department of Labor and Workforce Development.

An electrician must hold the appropriate state license or be a registered apprentice working under supervision.

Licensing categories include journeyman and master electrician, plus an administrator certificate for electrical contractors.

Continuing education is required to renew an electrician license; the number of hours and cycle are set by regulation.

Electrical contractors must be licensed and must employ a licensed administrator.

Working outside the scope of a license or without a license is subject to civil penalties and disciplinary action.

The Alaska statutes define what electrical work requires a license and list the exemptions.

License renewal, reinstatement, and disciplinary procedures are governed by state regulation and board rules.

Ohm's law: E = I × R; power P = E × I = I²R = E²/R.

Series circuit: total resistance is the sum of resistances; current is the same through all elements.

Parallel circuit: total resistance is less than the smallest branch resistance; 1/RT = 1/R1 + 1/R2 + ...

AC effective (RMS) value equals the DC value producing the same heating; RMS = peak ÷ √2 for a sine wave.

Effective impedance Z = √(R² + X²), where X is net reactance (XL − XC).

Inductive reactance XL = 2πfL; capacitive reactance XC = 1/(2πfC).

Three-phase power: P = √3 × E × I × power factor for a balanced load.

A transformer changes voltage in the ratio of primary to secondary turns; power in equals power out (minus losses).

Conductor resistance varies directly with length and inversely with circular mil area: R = K·L/CM.

Standard branch-circuit ratings include 15, 20, 30, 40, and 50 A; the overcurrent device sets the branch-circuit rating.

General lighting load for dwellings is calculated at 3 VA per square foot of floor area.

Small-appliance branch circuits in a dwelling: two or more 20 A circuits at 1500 VA each.

Laundry branch circuit in a dwelling: one 20 A circuit at 1500 VA minimum.

Demand factors apply to the general lighting and receptacle load above 3000 VA per the standard lighting demand table.

Service/feeder neutral load may be reduced but not below the maximum unbalanced load; certain nonlinear loads limit reduction.

Fixed electric space-heating loads are computed at 100 percent of nameplate rating.

The largest motor load is increased by 25 percent when sizing service and feeder conductors.

Range and appliance loads use the standard demand tables rather than simple summation.

Raceway fill: conductors must not exceed the permitted percentage of interior cross-sectional area (e.g., 40 percent for 3 or more conductors).

The number of conductors permitted in a raceway is found from the conductor dimension tables and the applicable fill percentage.

Boxes must be sized for the number and size of conductors, devices, and equipment grounding conductors present.

Each unspliced conductor passing through a box counts as one conductor volume allowance; spliced conductors count by size.

Raceways must be supported and secured within the required distance of boxes and at intervals set by the wiring method.

Expansion fittings are required where raceways cross building expansion joints or where thermal expansion is expected.

Bends in a single run between boxes or fittings are limited to 360 degrees total.

Metal raceways and enclosures must be bonded and connected to the equipment grounding conductor path.

Ampacity of conductors is taken from the applicable conductor ampacity tables, then adjusted for ambient temperature and number of current-carrying conductors.

The 60°C column is the default ampacity basis unless the terminals and equipment are rated for a higher temperature.

Conductors in parallel must be the same length, same material, same size, and same insulation type.

Receptacle outlets must be spaced so that no point along the floor line is more than 6 feet from an outlet in dwelling unit walls.

Kitchen counter receptacles require ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection and no point along the counter more than 24 inches from a receptacle.

Boxes must be accessible; junction boxes may not be buried in walls or ceilings.

Cable must be secured within the required distance of boxes and supported at intervals specified for the cable type.

Conductor identification: grounded conductor is white or gray; equipment grounding conductor is green, green with yellow stripe, or bare.

Standard overcurrent device ratings: 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100 A, and so on.

The next-higher standard rating may be used where the conductor ampacity does not correspond to a standard device rating, subject to the code limit.

Ground-fault circuit interrupter protection protects people from line-to-ground shock; it does not protect against line-to-line or overload.

Arc-fault circuit interrupter protection detects arcing and is required on specified dwelling branch circuits.

The service disconnecting means must be installed at a readily accessible location nearest the point of entry of the service conductors.

Bonding jumpers around water meters and other interrupting devices maintain continuity of the grounding path.

Equipment grounding conductors provide a low-impedance path to clear faults and must be sized per the equipment grounding conductor table.

Grounding electrode conductor sizing is based on the largest service conductor or the applicable table, whichever governs.

Motor branch-circuit conductors are sized at not less than 125 percent of the motor full-load current from the motor tables.

Motor overload protection protects the motor from overload; branch-circuit short-circuit and ground-fault protection protects the circuit.

The motor disconnecting means must be within sight of the motor and controller, or capable of being locked open.

Motor controller rating must be at least the horsepower rating of the motor it controls.

Motor full-load current is taken from the code motor tables, not from the nameplate, for conductor and protection sizing.

A separate overload device is set according to the motor's service factor and temperature rise, per the code rules.

HVAC equipment disconnects must be within sight of and readily accessible from the equipment.

Hermetic refrigerant motor-compressor branch circuits use the nameplate rated-load current for sizing per the code article.

Class I locations are those where flammable gases or vapors may be present; Class II is combustible dust; Class III is easily ignitable fibers.

Division 1 locations have the hazardous condition present under normal operation; Division 2 only under abnormal conditions.

Equipment in hazardous locations must be marked with the class, division or zone, and group for which it is approved.

Wet locations require weatherproof, gasketed enclosures and listed wet-location fittings.

Bathroom, garage, and outdoor receptacles in dwellings require ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection.

Swimming pool and similar installation rules require equipotential bonding of metallic parts.

Health care facility patient care areas have special grounding and receptacle requirements.

Tempory wiring must be listed and installed so it is protected from physical damage.

The authority having jurisdiction interprets and enforces the adopted electrical code and may require permits and inspections.

Work must be inspected before it is concealed; cover inspection is required before walls or ceilings are closed.

Permits are required for new electrical installations, alterations, and additions as defined by the adopted code and local ordinance.

Lockout/tagout procedures de-energize and isolate circuits before work begins.

Personal protective equipment, including voltage-rated gloves and eye protection, is required for energized work.

Approved plans and specifications must be on site and available to the inspector.

Defective or noncompliant work must be corrected and reinspected before the installation may be energized.

Only listed and labeled equipment may be installed; field modification of listed equipment voids the listing.

Alaska electrical work is regulated by the state through statutes and regulations administered by the Department of Labor and Workforce Development.

An electrician must hold the appropriate state license or be a registered apprentice working under supervision.

Licensing categories include journeyman and master electrician, plus an administrator certificate for electrical contractors.

Continuing education is required to renew an electrician license; the number of hours and cycle are set by regulation.

Electrical contractors must be licensed and must employ a licensed administrator.

Working outside the scope of a license or without a license is subject to civil penalties and disciplinary action.

The Alaska statutes define what electrical work requires a license and list the exemptions.

License renewal, reinstatement, and disciplinary procedures are governed by state regulation and board rules.

Ohm's law: E = I × R; power P = E × I = I²R = E²/R.

Series circuit: total resistance is the sum of resistances; current is the same through all elements.

Parallel circuit: total resistance is less than the smallest branch resistance; 1/RT = 1/R1 + 1/R2 + ...

AC effective (RMS) value equals the DC value producing the same heating; RMS = peak ÷ √2 for a sine wave.

Effective impedance Z = √(R² + X²), where X is net reactance (XL − XC).

Inductive reactance XL = 2πfL; capacitive reactance XC = 1/(2πfC).

Three-phase power: P = √3 × E × I × power factor for a balanced load.

A transformer changes voltage in the ratio of primary to secondary turns; power in equals power out (minus losses).

Conductor resistance varies directly with length and inversely with circular mil area: R = K·L/CM.

Standard branch-circuit ratings include 15, 20, 30, 40, and 50 A; the overcurrent device sets the branch-circuit rating.

General lighting load for dwellings is calculated at 3 VA per square foot of floor area.

Small-appliance branch circuits in a dwelling: two or more 20 A circuits at 1500 VA each.

Laundry branch circuit in a dwelling: one 20 A circuit at 1500 VA minimum.

Demand factors apply to the general lighting and receptacle load above 3000 VA per the standard lighting demand table.

Service/feeder neutral load may be reduced but not below the maximum unbalanced load; certain nonlinear loads limit reduction.

Fixed electric space-heating loads are computed at 100 percent of nameplate rating.

The largest motor load is increased by 25 percent when sizing service and feeder conductors.

Range and appliance loads use the standard demand tables rather than simple summation.

Raceway fill: conductors must not exceed the permitted percentage of interior cross-sectional area (e.g., 40 percent for 3 or more conductors).

The number of conductors permitted in a raceway is found from the conductor dimension tables and the applicable fill percentage.

Boxes must be sized for the number and size of conductors, devices, and equipment grounding conductors present.

Each unspliced conductor passing through a box counts as one conductor volume allowance; spliced conductors count by size.

Raceways must be supported and secured within the required distance of boxes and at intervals set by the wiring method.

Expansion fittings are required where raceways cross building expansion joints or where thermal expansion is expected.

Bends in a single run between boxes or fittings are limited to 360 degrees total.

Metal raceways and enclosures must be bonded and connected to the equipment grounding conductor path.

Ampacity of conductors is taken from the applicable conductor ampacity tables, then adjusted for ambient temperature and number of current-carrying conductors.

The 60°C column is the default ampacity basis unless the terminals and equipment are rated for a higher temperature.

Conductors in parallel must be the same length, same material, same size, and same insulation type.

Receptacle outlets must be spaced so that no point along the floor line is more than 6 feet from an outlet in dwelling unit walls.

Kitchen counter receptacles require ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection and no point along the counter more than 24 inches from a receptacle.

Boxes must be accessible; junction boxes may not be buried in walls or ceilings.

Cable must be secured within the required distance of boxes and supported at intervals specified for the cable type.

Conductor identification: grounded conductor is white or gray; equipment grounding conductor is green, green with yellow stripe, or bare.

Standard overcurrent device ratings: 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100 A, and so on.

The next-higher standard rating may be used where the conductor ampacity does not correspond to a standard device rating, subject to the code limit.

Ground-fault circuit interrupter protection protects people from line-to-ground shock; it does not protect against line-to-line or overload.

Arc-fault circuit interrupter protection detects arcing and is required on specified dwelling branch circuits.

The service disconnecting means must be installed at a readily accessible location nearest the point of entry of the service conductors.

Bonding jumpers around water meters and other interrupting devices maintain continuity of the grounding path.

Equipment grounding conductors provide a low-impedance path to clear faults and must be sized per the equipment grounding conductor table.

Grounding electrode conductor sizing is based on the largest service conductor or the applicable table, whichever governs.

Motor branch-circuit conductors are sized at not less than 125 percent of the motor full-load current from the motor tables.

Motor overload protection protects the motor from overload; branch-circuit short-circuit and ground-fault protection protects the circuit.

The motor disconnecting means must be within sight of the motor and controller, or capable of being locked open.

Motor controller rating must be at least the horsepower rating of the motor it controls.

Motor full-load current is taken from the code motor tables, not from the nameplate, for conductor and protection sizing.

A separate overload device is set according to the motor's service factor and temperature rise, per the code rules.

HVAC equipment disconnects must be within sight of and readily accessible from the equipment.

Hermetic refrigerant motor-compressor branch circuits use the nameplate rated-load current for sizing per the code article.

Class I locations are those where flammable gases or vapors may be present; Class II is combustible dust; Class III is easily ignitable fibers.

Division 1 locations have the hazardous condition present under normal operation; Division 2 only under abnormal conditions.

Equipment in hazardous locations must be marked with the class, division or zone, and group for which it is approved.

Wet locations require weatherproof, gasketed enclosures and listed wet-location fittings.

Bathroom, garage, and outdoor receptacles in dwellings require ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection.

Swimming pool and similar installation rules require equipotential bonding of metallic parts.

Health care facility patient care areas have special grounding and receptacle requirements.

Tempory wiring must be listed and installed so it is protected from physical damage.

The authority having jurisdiction interprets and enforces the adopted electrical code and may require permits and inspections.

Work must be inspected before it is concealed; cover inspection is required before walls or ceilings are closed.

Permits are required for new electrical installations, alterations, and additions as defined by the adopted code and local ordinance.

Lockout/tagout procedures de-energize and isolate circuits before work begins.

Personal protective equipment, including voltage-rated gloves and eye protection, is required for energized work.

Approved plans and specifications must be on site and available to the inspector.

Defective or noncompliant work must be corrected and reinspected before the installation may be energized.

Only listed and labeled equipment may be installed; field modification of listed equipment voids the listing.

Alaska electrical work is regulated by the state through statutes and regulations administered by the Department of Labor and Workforce Development.

An electrician must hold the appropriate state license or be a registered apprentice working under supervision.

Licensing categories include journeyman and master electrician, plus an administrator certificate for electrical contractors.

Continuing education is required to renew an electrician license; the number of hours and cycle are set by regulation.

Electrical contractors must be licensed and must employ a licensed administrator.

Working outside the scope of a license or without a license is subject to civil penalties and disciplinary action.

The Alaska statutes define what electrical work requires a license and list the exemptions.

License renewal, reinstatement, and disciplinary procedures are governed by state regulation and board rules.