Journeyman Electrician Practice Exam

The terms that characterize the mandatory rules of the National Electrical Code (NEC®) are specifically "shall" and "shall not." These terms indicate requirements that must be followed to ensure safety and compliance with electrical standards. Using "shall" establishes an obligation or requirement, making it clear that certain actions are mandatory to meet the NEC® guidelines. Conversely, "shall not" explicitly prohibits certain actions, indicating that they cannot be performed under any circumstances outlined by the code.

Other terms such as "must" or "must not" can convey similar meanings in casual usage, but "shall" and "shall not" are the officially recognized terms within the NEC®. On the other hand, ambiguous terms like "may" or "may not" imply permission rather than a requirement, and "is" or "is not" do not denote a clear directive regarding actions to be taken or avoided. Thus, the use of "shall" and "shall not" provides unambiguous guidance crucial for ensuring safety in electrical practices.