North Carolina Home Inspector Practice Exam

In residential wiring, what is a common purpose of using No. 14 AWG wire?

1. For heavy-duty appliances

2. For residential lighting and outlets

3. For high-voltage electrical systems

4. For outdoor power tools

The correct answer is: For residential lighting and outlets

The use of No. 14 AWG wire is primarily intended for residential lighting and outlets, which is why this choice is the correct one. No. 14 AWG wire is rated for a maximum current of 15 amps, making it suitable for lighting circuits and general-purpose receptacles in homes. It strikes a balance between wire thickness and current-carrying capacity, allowing for efficient power delivery while minimizing the risk of overheating. This gauge of wire is commonly utilized in standard lighting circuits and outlets for devices that do not require high power, enabling homeowners to safely power light fixtures, lamps, and non-heavy-duty appliances. This makes it an essential choice for residential projects, where standard connectivity for everyday electrical devices is necessary. In contrast, heavy-duty appliances typically require thicker wire, such as No. 12 AWG or No. 10 AWG, because they draw more current. High-voltage electrical systems are managed with different wire sizes and designs, primarily for safety and to manage the specific electrical characteristics. Outdoor power tools can have various wire gauges depending on the power requirements, but No. 14 AWG may not be the recommended choice for tools that require heavy current draw, further emphasizing why option B is the most appropriate for the