New York State Master Electrician Practice Exam

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment

Study for the New York State Master Electrician Exam. Prepare with detailed questions and thorough explanations. Boost your confidence and ace your exam!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.

Which circuit breaker type is generally used in residential installations?

Fuse type
Double-pole breaker
Ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)
Single-pole breaker

The correct answer is: Ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)

The correct answer highlights the importance of safety in residential electrical installations. Ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) are designed to protect people from electric shock by monitoring the amount of current flowing in a circuit and quickly cutting off the power if an imbalance is detected, which can happen if electricity flows through a person's body. GFCIs are specifically required in locations where water and electricity could come into contact, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoors. Their usage in residential installations enhances safety by preventing potential hazards, which aligns with current electrical codes. While double-pole breakers are necessary for handling 240-volt circuits, and single-pole breakers serve standard 120-volt circuits, they do not provide the same level of protection against ground faults as GFCIs. Fuse types, though historically used, are less common in modern installations due to the convenience and safety features offered by circuit breakers, particularly GFCIs. Thus, the emphasis on safety and code requirements in residential settings makes GFCI circuit breakers a critical component of electrical safety in homes.