Georgia Low Voltage Practice study plan

Define voltage, current, resistance, impedance, power, and energy, and compute each with Ohm's law and the power wheel across 20 practice problems with at least 90% accuracy.

Distinguish AC from DC, single-phase from three-phase, and explain how frequency, RMS values, and power factor affect low-voltage equipment sizing.

Explain the purpose, scope, and Article 100 definitions of NEC Chapters 1 through 4 as they apply to low-voltage work, and list the specific articles that govern Class 1, Class 2, Class 3, and communications circuits.

Build a one-page cross-reference table mapping common low-voltage tasks (thermostat wiring, door access, camera runs, network cabling) to the NEC article that governs each.

Calculate voltage drop for a 24 VDC and a 24 VAC circuit at 100 ft and 250 ft using conductor resistance tables, and state when voltage drop, not ampacity, controls conductor selection.

Read and summarize NEC Article 725 in writing, covering Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 circuit definitions, the differences between power-limited and non-power-limited circuits, and the reclassification rules.

Compare Articles 725, 760, 800, and 820 for permitted cable substitutions, separation from power conductors, and marking requirements, and produce a comparison chart.

Identify the cable types and markings used in low-voltage work (CL2, CL2P, CL3, CL3P, CMP, CMR, CMG, FPL, FPLR, FPLP) and state where each is permitted.

Interpret Chapter 3 wiring method requirements for raceways, tubing, and cable support, including box fill, support intervals, and securing requirements that apply to low-voltage installations.

Solve 15 code-application scenarios about separation, substitution, and permitted cable types, scoring at least 80%.

Demonstrate proper termination technique for twisted-pair, coaxial, and fiber connectors, and document the accepted practice for each: untwist limits, bend radius, and connector polish or cleave.

Calculate conduit fill, pull tension limits, and bend radius for a mixed low-voltage bundle, and select a raceway size for a stated cable count.

Explain TIA-568 structured cabling topology, including horizontal cabling, backbone cabling, work area, telecommunications room, and entrance facility, and identify the maximum permitted distances for each segment.

Distinguish Cat 5e, Cat 6, Cat 6A, and fiber multimode and single-mode performance classes, and match each to typical distance and bandwidth needs.

Describe the correct sequence for labeling, testing, and certifying a copper and fiber link, and list the field tests performed for each (wire map, length, insertion loss, NEXT, return loss).

Explain the difference between grounding, bonding, and earthing, and identify the components of a grounding electrode system and the grounding electrode conductor.

Describe how a low-voltage system is bonded to the building grounding system, and state why a separate, isolated ground can create a potential difference that damages equipment.

Calculate ground conductor sizing from NEC Table 250.122 for given overcurrent device ratings, and identify when equipment grounding conductors must be increased for voltage drop.

Explain common-mode versus differential-mode noise, and describe how shield grounding at one end versus both ends affects hum, ground loops, and induced currents.

Specify surge protective devices for a low-voltage installation, including placement, ratings, and coordination with the panel SPD, and explain the role of a low-impedance path.

Explain the fire alarm system sequence: initiation, notification, detection, and monitoring, and identify the components of a protected premises system, including the fire alarm control unit and remote annunciator.

Distinguish conventional from addressable systems and explain the wiring classes (Class A, Class B, Class X, Class N) with their survivability and supervision characteristics.

Identify detector types (smoke, heat, duct, beam, waterflow, tamper) and state the spacing, mounting, and coverage rules that apply to each.

Describe the requirements for notification appliance circuits, including candela ratings, audibility, synchronization, and the difference between public mode and private mode levels.

Apply the NEC Article 760 and NFPA 72 requirements that govern pathway separation, survivability, and monitoring for fire alarm circuits, and answer 15 scenario questions at 80% or better.

Explain the architecture of a card access control system, including reader technology, controller, door hardware, request-to-exit, and fail-safe versus fail-secure lock selection.

Describe the components of a CCTV and IP video system, including camera types, lens and field-of-view selection, bandwidth and storage estimation, and PoE power budgeting.

Identify the wiring and power requirements for electrified locks, readers, and cameras, including power supply sizing, battery backup, and voltage drop over long runs.

Explain the design and wiring of audio, video, and control systems, including line-level versus speaker-level signals, impedance matching, and control protocols such as RS-232, RS-485, and IP.

Describe how to avoid ground loops and interference in audio and video distribution, and specify the correct cable type and shielding for each signal class.

Identify the personal protective equipment and safe work practices required for low-voltage work, including lockout/tagout, arc flash awareness, ladder safety, and confined space and fall protection basics.

Explain the hazards of working near energized equipment, including induced voltage, backfeed from alternate power sources, and battery bank hazards, and describe the correct verification steps before work begins.

Describe the proper use, inspection, and limitations of common test instruments, including the multimeter, toner, cable certifier, and non-contact voltage tester.

Summarize Georgia licensing requirements for low-voltage contractors and technicians, including the license classes, the qualifying agent role, continuing education, and the scope of work each license permits.

Outline Georgia business practice essentials for a low-voltage contractor: contract requirements, lien and notice provisions, permitting, insurance, and recordkeeping.

Review all ten domain outlines and rate personal confidence on each, then re-study the three weakest areas with targeted notes and worked problems.

Complete two full-length timed practice exams under exam conditions and record the score for each domain.

Review every missed question from both practice exams and write a corrected explanation for each, citing the governing code article or principle.

Memorize the code article numbers, tables, and definitions most frequently tested, including Article 725, 760, 800, 820, and 250, and recite them from memory.

Build a one-page final review sheet of formulas, cable markings, wiring classes, and licensing facts to use in the last 48 hours before the exam.