When you're out in the field, it's second nature to refer to measurements like 39.37 square inches or 15 cubic feet. It’s fast, it’s clear, and it works. But when you're studying for the electrical licensing exam using the NEC, you may have noticed the format is reversed—like this: (39.37 in.) square.
That small shift in wording throws off a lot of test takers. Why does the NEC write it that way? It’s about standardization and clarity in code language. The unit is listed in parentheses, followed by the type—square, cubic, etc.—to ensure consistency across all references. This small detail might seem minor, but it could be the difference between catching the right answer or skimming past it during the exam.
Don’t overlook these formatting quirks—they show up in multiple areas of the NEC and could trip you up if you're not prepared.
