Journeyman Electrician Exam (NEC)Wiring Methods and MaterialsEasy

A technician is installing a new 20-amp, 120-volt branch circuit in a commercial office. The circuit uses 12 AWG THHN conductors in EMT. The conductors are connected to a terminal block where the circuit conductor enters the terminal directly, without a splice. This type of connection is known as a:

  1. ATap connection
  2. BSplice connection
  3. CTermination
  4. DPigtail connection
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: C. Termination

A termination is the process of connecting a conductor directly to a device or terminal point, such as a circuit breaker, receptacle, or terminal block, without an intervening splice. The scenario describes exactly this, where the conductor enters the terminal directly.

Why the other options are wrong

  • A. A tap connection is a type of splice where a conductor branches off from a main conductor.
  • B. A splice connection joins two or more conductors together, not directly to a device.
  • D. A pigtail connection is a type of splice where a short conductor is added to extend a circuit or connect multiple conductors to a single device terminal.

Conductor Termination

The process of connecting the end of an electrical conductor to a device, terminal, or equipment without joining it to another conductor (i.e., not a splice).

  • Connects a conductor directly to a terminal point.
  • Examples: connecting to a circuit breaker, receptacle, switch, or terminal block.
  • Different from a splice, which joins conductors together.

Memory trick: Connections are either 'splices for joining' or 'terminations for ends'.

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