NHIE sample questions

Question 1

In a residential crawlspace, an inspector examines 2x10 solid-sawn floor joists (nominal depth 9.25 inches) spanning 14 feet. A subcontractor has cut a rectangular notch measuring 2 inches deep by 4 inches long into the bottom edge of a joist in the outer one-third of the span. According to standard wood framing provisions, how should this notch be evaluated?

```mermaid
graph LR
A[End 1: D/4 notch max] --- B[Outer 1/3 Span: D/6 notch max] --- C[Center 1/3 Span: No Edge Notches] --- D[Outer 1/3 Span: D/6 notch max] --- E[End 2: D/4 notch max]
```

Accepted Answer

Defective, because notches in the top or bottom edge of solid-sawn floor joists must not exceed one-sixth of the joist depth (1.54 inches)

Answer

Defective only because the length of the notch exceeds the allowed maximum of 2 inches

Answer

Acceptable, because edge notches in the outer third are permitted up to one-fourth the joist depth (2.31 inches)

Answer

Acceptable, provided the notch is reinforced with a steel mending plate nailed across the bottom face

Question 2

In solid-sawn lumber floor framing, bored holes drilled for electrical cabling or plumbing lines must maintain a minimum clear distance of _____ from the top edge, bottom edge, or any other hole or notch.

Accepted Answer

2 inches

Answer

3-1/2 inches

Answer

1 inch

Answer

5/8 inch

Question 3

During a basement inspection, an inspector observes engineered wood I-joists supporting the ground floor. A plumber has cut a 1.5-inch notch out of the bottom wood flange of an I-joist to accommodate a copper water distribution pipe. What is the inspector's proper determination?

Accepted Answer

Defective, because cutting or notching the flanges of engineered wood I-joists is strictly prohibited unless specifically approved by the manufacturer or an engineer

Answer

Defective only if the notch length along the flange exceeds twice the width of the bottom member

Answer

Acceptable, as long as the OSB web section directly above the notch has no holes drilled in it

Answer

Acceptable, provided the notch is located within 12 inches of the foundation bearing wall

Question 4

When inspecting an electrical subpanel located in an attached garage fed by a four-wire feeder from the main service panelboard, what is the primary electrical safety reason why the neutral bus must remain unbonded (floating) from the panel enclosure?

Accepted Answer

To prevent normal neutral return current from flowing through the metal subpanel enclosure, conduit, and equipment grounding conductors

Answer

To allow single-pole arc-fault circuit interrupter breakers to share branch neutrals without nuisance tripping

Answer

To maintain balanced single-phase 120-volt loads across both ungrounded hot busbars

Answer

To ensure that excess voltage from utility lightning strikes will be diverted directly into the branch ground rods

Question 5

During a residential inspection, the inspector removes the dead front of an electrical distribution panelboard branded 'Federal Pacific Electric' (FPE) containing 'Stab-Lok' circuit breakers. What critical safety concern is documented for this specific equipment?

Accepted Answer

The Stab-Lok breakers exhibit a high failure rate where they do not trip under sustained overcurrent or short-circuit conditions, presenting a serious fire hazard

Answer

The main disconnect operates backwards, opening circuits when pushed down rather than up

Answer

The panel dead front is manufactured from non-conductive phenolic resin that easily cracks under standard torque requirements

Answer

The internal aluminum busbars dissolve when exposed to normal atmospheric humidity, causing dead shorts across bus phases

Question 6

An inspector removes the dead front of a 200-amp main service panelboard and inspects the interior wiring. Which TWO of the following conditions represent safety defects that must be cited in the report? (Select TWO)

Accepted Answer

Two grounded neutral conductors terminating under a single terminal screw on the neutral busbar

Accepted Answer

An open, unused 1/2-inch knockout hole in the top of the cabinet enclosure without an approved closure plug

Answer

The presence of a main bonding jumper securing the neutral bus to the enclosure inside the service disconnect panel

Answer

Two equipment grounding conductors of the same size terminating together under one terminal screw listed for multiple ground wires

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Free NHIE sample questions

In solid-sawn lumber floor framing, bored holes drilled for electrical cabling or plumbing lines must maintain a minimum clear distance of _____ from the top edge, bottom edge, or any other hole or notch.

During a basement inspection, an inspector observes engineered wood I-joists supporting the ground floor. A plumber has cut a 1.5-inch notch out of the bottom wood flange of an I-joist to accommodate a copper water distribution pipe. What is the inspector's proper determination?

When inspecting an electrical subpanel located in an attached garage fed by a four-wire feeder from the main service panelboard, what is the primary electrical safety reason why the neutral bus must remain unbonded (floating) from the panel enclosure?

During a residential inspection, the inspector removes the dead front of an electrical distribution panelboard branded 'Federal Pacific Electric' (FPE) containing 'Stab-Lok' circuit breakers. What critical safety concern is documented for this specific equipment?

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