ICC Residential Electrical Inspectors Practice Exam

Given a SJO cord of 16 AWG containing 3 current carrying conductors, what is the maximum ampere load for this flexible cord?

1. 5 amperes

2. 7 amperes

3. 10 amperes

4. 15 amperes

The correct answer is: 10 amperes

To determine the maximum ampere load for a 16 AWG SJO cord with three current-carrying conductors, one must reference the appropriate standards set forth by the National Electrical Code (NEC) and other industry guidelines. According to these guidelines, the ampacity ratings can vary based on several factors, including the type of insulation, the number of conductors, and the ambient temperature in which the conductors are operating. For flexible cords such as SJO, the ampacity can be affected by the number of conductors in a given cord. Typically, for three current-carrying conductors, the ampacity derating must be considered, but since SJO cords are generally used under conditions where they can dissipate heat well, the ampacity for 16 AWG can be referenced directly from tables indicating the maximum current for flexible cords. The standard ampacity for a 16 AWG conductor can typically handle around 10 amperes under normal conditions when considering this specific application. Therefore, the correct choice of 10 amperes represents the maximum recommended load for a 16 AWG SJO cord containing three current-carrying conductors, ensuring safety and preventing overheating. This load limit assists in compliance with electrical safety standards,