NEC Commercial Electrical Practice Test

To ensure safety, live electrical parts should be elevated above what height from the working surface?

1. 4 feet

2. 6 feet

3. 8 feet

4. 10 feet

The correct answer is: 8 feet

In commercial electrical installations, ensuring the safety of personnel working around live electrical parts is paramount. The National Electrical Code (NEC) stipulates that live electrical components should be elevated above a certain height to minimize the risk of accidental contact, especially in environments where equipment might be moved or where people may frequently be working. The correct answer is that live electrical parts should be elevated at least 8 feet above the working surface. This height provides a standard safety threshold that helps reduce the likelihood of accidental electrocution or electrical contact for those who might be working near or underneath these elements. The 8-foot requirement is designed to protect workers, particularly in commercial settings where various activities may occur simultaneously that could lead to increased risks if precautions are not adequately taken. Recognizing the need to safeguard personnel, this standard also accommodates the fact that people can be at different heights—standing, crouching, or using equipment. By placing live parts at an elevation of 8 feet, it helps ensure they are out of reach under normal working conditions.