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Key Facts: Iran Nezam Electrical Design Exam Exam

60

Total Multiple-Choice Questions on Official Exam

Office of National Building Regulations (inbr.ir)

180 Min

Examination Duration (3 Hours)

inbr.ir Exam Schedule

50%

Minimum Passing Score (After Negative Deduction)

INBR Clause 6-4

-1/3

Negative Marking Penalty per Wrong Answer

IRCEO Exam Regulations

Open Book

Examination Format (Printed Reference Texts Allowed)

inbr.ir Regulations

100 MCQs

Complete Practice Bank with Worked Calculations

OpenExamPrep Practice Bank

The Iran Nezam Electrical Design written paper is a 180-minute, 60-question open-book examination with negative marking (1/3 point deduction per wrong answer) requiring a 50% pass mark administered by inbr.ir, and is followed by a compulsory scientific interview before the pass is confirmed. This independent practice bank features 100 rigorous English-language questions covering Topic 13 distribution, earthing, Topic 3 fire alarms, elevators, energy codes, and lightning protection.

Sample Iran Nezam Electrical Design Exam Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the Iran Nezam Electrical Design Exam exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1A three-phase oil-immersed distribution transformer installed in an indoor building substation has a rated capacity of 800 kVA and a rated secondary voltage of 400 V (line-to-line) at 50 Hz. According to INBR Topic 13 (Clause 13-4), what is the rated secondary full-load line current (In) of this transformer?
A.1155 A
B.2000 A
C.667 A
D.1600 A
Explanation: The rated secondary full-load current of a three-phase transformer is calculated using the formula In = S / (sqrt(3) * V_L). Substituting the values: In = 800,000 VA / (1.73205 * 400 V) = 800,000 / 692.82 = 1154.7 A, which rounds to 1155 A per INBR Topic 13 and Publication 110.
2In a balanced three-phase four-wire distribution circuit designed under INBR Topic 13, the copper phase conductors have a cross-sectional area of 70 mm2. Assuming linear loads with negligible harmonic distortion (third harmonic < 15%), what is the minimum permitted cross-sectional area of the copper neutral conductor?
A.70 mm2
B.35 mm2
C.25 mm2
D.50 mm2
Explanation: According to INBR Topic 13 (Clause 13-4-1) and IEC 60364-5-52, for copper phase conductors with cross-section S > 16 mm2 (or S > 25 mm2 for aluminum), the neutral conductor cross-section may be reduced to half the phase cross-section (S_N = S / 2) provided the load is balanced, harmonic distortion is negligible, and the neutral is protected against overcurrent. For S = 70 mm2, S_N = 70 / 2 = 35 mm2.
3When designing a three-phase distribution feeder supplying substantial non-linear loads (such as server rooms, LED electronic drivers, and variable frequency drives) where the total third harmonic (triplen harmonic) current exceeds 33% of the fundamental phase current, how must the neutral conductor be sized according to INBR Topic 13?
A.It may be reduced to 50% of the phase conductor cross-section
B.It may be reduced to 25% of the phase conductor cross-section
C.It must have a cross-sectional area at least equal to or larger than the phase conductors, and cable selection must be derated based on neutral current
D.It can be omitted entirely because triplen harmonics cancel each other at the neutral star point
Explanation: INBR Topic 13 (Clause 13-4-1-4) and IEC 60364-5-52 Annex E mandate that when the third harmonic content exceeds 33%, triplen harmonic currents sum arithmetically in the neutral conductor, causing neutral current to exceed phase current. Therefore, the neutral conductor cross-section must be at least equal to the phase conductor (or larger), and cable thermal sizing must be governed by the neutral current using harmonic derating factor 0.86.
4According to the official specifications in INBR Topic 13 (1395 edition onwards) and the Iranian national utility standard (TAVANIR), what is the standardized nominal low-voltage supply for three-phase four-wire public distribution networks in Iran?
A.220 V single-phase / 380 V three-phase at 60 Hz
B.240 V single-phase / 415 V three-phase at 50 Hz
C.127 V single-phase / 220 V three-phase at 50 Hz
D.230 V single-phase / 400 V three-phase at 50 Hz
Explanation: In accordance with INBR Topic 13 (Clause 13-2) aligning with IEC 60038, the standard nominal low-voltage supply in Iran is 230 V single-phase (phase-to-neutral) and 400 V three-phase (phase-to-phase) at a nominal frequency of 50 Hz. Older documentation referenced 220/380 V, but national building codes now standardize on 230/400 V.
5An electrical designer is selecting a miniature circuit breaker (MCB) to protect a branch circuit feeding high-inductance equipment, such as control transformers and high-inrush discharge lighting ballasts with starting surges reaching 10 to 14 times rated current. According to Topic 13 and IEC 60898, which instantaneous trip curve must be specified?
A.Type D
B.Type B
C.Type C
D.Type A
Explanation: Type D MCBs are designed for high-inrush loads such as transformers, motors, and industrial discharge lamps, with an instantaneous magnetic trip range of 10 In to 20 In. Type B trips at 3 In to 5 In (resistive loads/lighting), while Type C trips at 5 In to 10 In (general commercial/inductive loads per INBR Topic 13).
6A 630 kVA, 20/0.4 kV three-phase oil distribution transformer has a percentage short-circuit impedance of uk = 4.0%. Assuming an infinite medium-voltage utility bus, what is the prospective symmetrical three-phase short-circuit current (Isc) directly at the 400 V low-voltage secondary terminals?
A.9.1 kA
B.22.7 kA
C.15.8 kA
D.36.4 kA
Explanation: First, calculate the rated secondary current: In = S / (sqrt(3) * V_L) = 630,000 / (1.73205 * 400) = 909.33 A. The prospective short-circuit current is Isc = In / (uk / 100) = 909.33 A / 0.04 = 22,733 A = 22.73 kA, approximately 22.7 kA per INBR Topic 13 calculation procedures.
7According to INBR Topic 13 and IEC 60364-4-43, which mathematical relationship must be strictly satisfied for thermal overload coordination between the circuit design current (Ib), the protective device nominal current rating (In), the continuous cable ampacity (Iz), and the conventional tripping current (I2)?
A.In <= Ib <= Iz and I2 <= 1.0 * Iz
B.Iz <= In <= Ib and I2 <= 1.25 * Iz
C.Ib <= In <= Iz and I2 <= 1.45 * Iz
D.Ib <= Iz <= In and I2 <= 2.0 * Iz
Explanation: Clause 13-4-1 of INBR Topic 13 and IEC 60364-4-43 state the dual coordination criteria for overload protection: Condition 1: Ib <= In <= Iz (design current must not exceed nominal breaker rating, which must not exceed cable ampacity). Condition 2: I2 <= 1.45 * Iz (the conventional operating current of the breaker, which is 1.45 * In for standard MCBs, must not exceed 1.45 times the cable ampacity).
8A branch circuit is protected by a 16 A Type C miniature circuit breaker (MCB). According to INBR Topic 13 and IEC 60898, what is the minimum prospective fault current required to guarantee instantaneous electromagnetic tripping without any thermal time delay?
A.80 A
B.48 A
C.320 A
D.160 A
Explanation: Under IEC 60898 and INBR Topic 13, Type C MCBs have an instantaneous magnetic release threshold between 5 In and 10 In. At 5 In (80 A), the breaker may or may not trip instantaneously; however, instantaneous tripping is guaranteed only at the upper boundary of 10 In = 10 * 16 A = 160 A.
9In a low-voltage main distribution board (MDB) designed under INBR Topic 13 and Publication 110, what is the minimum clearance distance in air required between uninsulated, bare active phase busbars of different phases?
A.20 mm
B.5 mm
C.50 mm
D.10 mm
Explanation: According to Publication 110 of the Management and Planning Organization and INBR Topic 13 switchboard construction rules, the minimum clearance distance in air between bare live parts of different phases is 20 mm (and 14 mm to grounded metallic enclosures) for nominal voltages up to 500 V AC.
10A residential building main switchboard serves 12 identical residential apartments. Each apartment has an individual calculated design active load of 7.0 kW at unity power factor. Applying a standard coincidence/diversity factor (ks) of 0.55 for 12 residential units per INBR Topic 13 guidelines, what is the diversified total active power demand of the building?
A.84.0 kW
B.46.2 kW
C.67.2 kW
D.38.5 kW
Explanation: The total connected load of the 12 apartments is P_connected = 12 * 7.0 kW = 84.0 kW. Applying the coincidence factor ks = 0.55 per Topic 13 diversity tables yields: P_demand = P_connected * ks = 84.0 kW * 0.55 = 46.2 kW.

About the Iran Nezam Electrical Design Exam Exam

The Iran Construction Engineering Organization (IRCEO / سازمان نظام مهندسی ساختمان) Electrical Design Licensure Examination (آزمون ورود به حرفه مهندسان تأسیسات برقی — صلاحیت طراحی) is the mandatory professional licensing exam in Iran required to obtain independent engineering design and seal privileges (پروانه اشتغال به کار مهندسی پایه ۳ طراحی) for electrical building systems. Supervised by the Ministry of Roads and Urban Development via the Office of National Building Regulations and Building Control (inbr.ir) and administered nationwide by Sazman-e Sanjesh, the test evaluates candidates across the full corpus of Iranian National Building Regulations (مقررات ملی ساختمان). The primary testing focus is INBR Topic 13 (Design and Execution of Electrical Installations in Buildings), supplemented by Topic 3 (Fire Protection), Topic 15 (Elevators and Escalators), Topic 19 (Energy Conservation), Topic 21 (Passive Defense), Management and Planning Organization Publication 110 (نشریه ۱۱۰), and international IEC standards including IEC 60364 and IEC 62305. The written paper is conducted under an open-book (کتاب‌باز) format over 180 minutes with 60 multiple-choice questions and incorporates negative marking (-1/3 point per incorrect response), requiring a net score of at least 50% to qualify. Since the 1404 sittings, candidates who pass the written paper in the design (طراحی) qualification must also pass a compulsory scientific interview (مصاحبه علمی) before the result is confirmed. This practice question bank is an independent English-language multiple-choice study adaptation by OpenExamPrep featuring worked mathematical solutions and code references; it is not an official translation, a simulation of the interview stage, or a released past paper.

Exam sponsor: Office of National Building Regulations and Building Control (inbr.ir), Ministry of Roads and Urban Development; delivered nationwide by the National Organization for Educational Testing (Sazman-e Sanjesh) educational services company. The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Assessment

Two stages. Stage 1: a written paper of 60 four-option multiple-choice questions covering electrical installations design (Topic 13), fire alarm systems (Topic 3), elevators (Topic 15), energy efficiency (Topic 19), backup generators/UPS (Topic 21), and lightning protection. Stage 2: a compulsory scientific interview (مصاحبه علمی) held at the provincial Roads and Urban Development office, covering the same code sources plus practical use of a design software package chosen by the candidate. Failure or non-attendance at the interview voids the written pass.

Time Limit

180 minutes

Passing Score

50 out of 100 (50%) — clause 6-4 of the official 1405 registration instruction, calculated after the negative-marking deduction

Exam / Certification Fees

Set per sitting and shown in the inbr.ir registration cart; the official 1405 registration instruction does not publish a fixed amount

Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

30%

Electrical Distribution & Cable Sizing (Topic 13)

Distribution transformers, low-voltage switchboards, MCB/MCCB coordination, busbars, cable current capacity, thermal and grouping derating factors, single-phase and three-phase voltage drop, and short-circuit current calculations.

20%

Earthing & Grounding Systems (Topic 13)

TN-S, TN-C-S, and TT grounding topologies, earth fault loop impedance, RCD selection and tripping coordination, touch and step voltage limits, driven rod, earth plate, and foundation grounding resistance.

20%

Fire Alarm & Emergency Lighting (Topic 3)

Conventional and addressable fire alarm loop architecture, optical smoke and heat detector coverage radius, manual call point positioning, audible alarm levels, fire-rated cabling, and emergency egress lighting.

15%

Lighting Design & Energy Efficiency (Topic 13 & 19)

Lumen method (Zonal Cavity Method), Room Cavity Ratio (RCR), maintained lux levels, UGR glare rating, Lighting Power Density (LPD W/m2) limits, and automatic daylight/occupancy lighting controls.

15%

Backup Power, Elevators & Lightning Protection (Topic 15, 21 & IEC 62305)

Diesel standby generator and UPS battery sizing, elevator feeder and machine room power, rolling sphere method, lightning protection levels (LPL I-IV), and Surge Protective Devices (SPDs).

Preparing for the Iran Nezam Electrical Design Exam Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 50 out of 100 (50%) — clause 6-4 of the official 1405 registration instruction, calculated after the negative-marking deduction
  • Assessment: Two stages. Stage 1: a written paper of 60 four-option multiple-choice questions covering electrical installations design (Topic 13), fire alarm systems (Topic 3), elevators (Topic 15), energy efficiency (Topic 19), backup generators/UPS (Topic 21), and lightning protection. Stage 2: a compulsory scientific interview (مصاحبه علمی) held at the provincial Roads and Urban Development office, covering the same code sources plus practical use of a design software package chosen by the candidate. Failure or non-attendance at the interview voids the written pass.
  • Time limit: 180 minutes
  • Exam / certification fees: Set per sitting and shown in the inbr.ir registration cart; the official 1405 registration instruction does not publish a fixed amount Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

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Iran Nezam Electrical Design Exam: Suggested Study Strategy

1Master single-phase and three-phase voltage drop equations cold, including copper conductivity gamma = 56 m/(ohm*mm2) and power factor cos(phi) projections.
2Thoroughly index your Topic 13 handbook with quick-reference tabs for cable ampacity tables, derating factor tables, protective conductor sizing rules, and earthing tables.
3Understand the exact boundary rules between TN-S and TN-C-S systems, especially PEN conductor sizing (minimum 10 mm2 Cu) and the absolute prohibition of re-combining N and PE.
4Practice transformer prospective short-circuit calculations (Isc = In / (uk% / 100)) and cable impedance fault current attenuation to quickly eliminate incorrect MCBs.
5Memorize detector coverage radii for Topic 3: 7.5 m for optical smoke detectors (up to 80-100 m2) and 5.3 m for Class A1 heat detectors (up to 50 m2).
6Because of the 1/3 negative marking penalty, never make blind random guesses; eliminate at least two options systematically before attempting an answer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the format and duration of the Iran Nezam Electrical Design examination?

The exam consists of 60 four-option multiple-choice questions held over 180 minutes (3 hours). It is conducted open-book (کتاب‌باز), meaning candidates are permitted to bring official printed building code texts, standards, and approved calculators into the examination hall.

How is negative marking applied on the Nezam Mohandesi exam?

Negative marking is strictly enforced: every incorrect answer deducts 1/3 of a point (0.333 marks). Three incorrect answers negate one correct answer. The net percentage is calculated as: Net Score = [(Correct - (Incorrect / 3)) / Total Questions] * 100%. A minimum net score of 50.0% is required to pass.

What are the primary official references for the Electrical Design exam?

The core references are INBR Topic 13 (طرح و اجرای تأسیسات برقی ساختمان‌ها), Topic 3 (حفاظت ساختمان‌ها در مقابل حریق), Topic 15 (آسانسورها و پله‌های برقی), Topic 19 (صرفه‌جویی در مصرف انرژی), Topic 21 (پدافند غیرعامل), and Publication 110 of the Plan and Budget Organization (نشریه ۱۱۰ سازمان برنامه و بودجه), alongside IEC 60364 and IEC 62305.

Is this practice question bank an official publication of inbr.ir or IRCEO?

No. This question bank is an independent English-language pedagogical study adaptation developed by OpenExamPrep. It is not an official translation, past-paper publication, or endorsement by the Ministry of Roads and Urban Development, IRCEO, or Sazman-e Sanjesh.

What experience is required to sit for the Grade 3 Electrical Design licensure exam?

Candidates must hold an accredited engineering degree in Electrical Engineering and have completed at least 3 years of verified practical experience for Bachelor's (B.Sc.) degree holders, 2 years for Master's (M.Sc.) holders, or 1 year for Ph.D. holders following their graduation date.