NJ Registered Journeyman Electrician cheat sheet

Ohm's law: E = I × R; power P = E × I = I²R = E²/R. Single-phase power in watts equals volts times amps times power factor.

Three-phase power: P = √3 × E × I × PF for balanced loads; line current equals phase current in wye, and equals √3 times phase current in delta.

Voltage drop (single-phase, copper): VD = 2 × K × I × L / CM, where K ≈ 12.9 ohm-cmil/ft for copper and 21.2 for aluminum; L in feet, CM in circular mils.

Ampacity derating: apply adjustment for conductor count in a raceway (NEC Table 310.15(C)(1)) and correction for ambient temperature (Table 310.15(B)(1)) before applying overcurrent or termination limits.

Conductor sizing sequence: start with load calc (Article 220), select conductor for ampacity, then size overcurrent device, then verify termination temperature rating per 110.14(C).

Standard load calculation for a dwelling: 3 VA/sq ft general lighting, 1,500 VA per small-appliance branch circuit, 1,500 VA laundry, then apply Table 220.42 demand factors.

Box fill: count each unbroken conductor as one, each conductor entering and terminating as one, each device yoke as two, each equipment grounding conductor as one, then compare to Table 314.16(B) volume.

Motor branch circuit: overload protection sized per 430.32 based on nameplate current, branch-circuit short-circuit protection per Table 430.52, conductors at 125% of Table 430.250 FLC.

New Jersey adopts the NEC through the Uniform Construction Code (N.J.A.C. 5:23); the electrical subcode is enforced by the local construction official and electrical subcode official.

NEC Article 90 covers scope and enforcement; Article 100 defines terms such as 'listed', 'labeled', 'approved', and 'accessible'. Informational notes are not enforceable requirements.

NEC 90.4 grants the authority having jurisdiction interpretive and approval authority; in New Jersey the AHJ is the municipal or county construction office, not the state board.

Chapter 9 tables govern raceway fill (Table 1), conductor properties (Table 8), and Annex C provides conduit fill by conductor size and type.

NEC 210.8 requires GFCI protection for dwelling bathroom, kitchen, laundry, garage, outdoor, and unfinished-basement receptacles; 210.12 requires AFCI protection for most dwelling branch circuits.

NEC 250 grounding and bonding: 250.52 grounding electrode systems, 250.66 grounding electrode conductor sizing, 250.122 equipment grounding conductor sizing based on overcurrent device rating.

NEC 310.16 ampacities apply to not more than three current-carrying conductors in a raceway or cable at 30°C ambient; higher ambient or more conductors require correction or adjustment.

Local amendments and interpretations are published by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs; where the NEC and the UCC conflict, the UCC governs.

NM-B cable is permitted in dwellings but not in wet locations, masonry block, or where subject to physical damage; it must be secured within 12 in. of boxes and every 4.5 ft (334.30).

MC and AC cable require support every 6 ft and within 12 in. of boxes; MC installed in wet locations needs corrosion-resistant jacket and fittings (330.10, 330.30).

RMC and IMC must be supported within 3 ft of each box and every 10 ft; EMT within 3 ft and every 10 ft; PVC Schedule 40 every 3 ft (344.30, 342.30, 358.30, 352.30).

Receptacles in dwelling units: no point along the floor line may be more than 6 ft from a receptacle (210.52), and kitchen counter receptacles must be spaced so no point exceeds 24 in. from a receptacle.

Working clearance at electrical equipment is 30 in. wide, 36 in. deep, and 6 ft 6 in. high (110.26); 36 in. depth increases to 42 in. or 48 in. at higher voltages.

Boxes must be covered; unused openings in enclosures must be closed with listed plugs or plates (408.7). Splices must be made in listed boxes or fittings and remain accessible (300.15).

Bonding: metal raceways, cable armor, and metal water piping must be bonded; a bonding jumper around water meters and insulating joints is required (250.68, 250.104).

Temporary power and portable tools on construction sites require GFCI protection; assured equipment grounding conductor programs are permitted under 590.6.

The Electrical Contractors Licensing Act of 1962 (N.J.S.A. 45:5A) established the Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors and requires licensure to engage in electrical contracting in New Jersey.

License classes: Electrical Contractor, Qualified Journeyman, and Apprentice. Only a licensed Electrical Contractor may bid, contract, or advertise for electrical work.

A licensed Electrical Contractor must have a qualified licensee (master-level) responsible for supervision; the business must be registered with the Board and the Division of Consumer Affairs.

Journeyman applicants must meet experience and education requirements set by the Board and pass the Board examination; licenses require renewal and continuing education.

The Board may refuse, suspend, or revoke a license for fraud, gross negligence, incompetence, or violation of the Act; it may also impose civil penalties.

Unlicensed electrical contracting is a violation subject to penalties under N.J.S.A. 45:5A; a journeyman may perform electrical work only under the supervision of a licensed contractor.

Advertising and business names must not misrepresent licensure status; a licensee must display license number on business documents as required by Board regulation.

Apprentices must be registered with the Board and work under direct journeyman or contractor supervision; apprentice hours count toward journeyman qualification.