HOLT Electricians Practice Exam

Which requirement applies to feeder conductors for short-circuit and ground-fault protection?

1. Must be rated higher than the motor

2. Must not exceed the cable length

3. Must have no overcurrent protection

4. Must have overcurrent protection

The correct answer is: Must have overcurrent protection

Feeder conductors play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and reliability of electrical systems by managing the flow of electricity from the source to the various branch circuits. The requirement for feeder conductors to have overcurrent protection is fundamentally tied to preventing potential overloads and short-circuits, which can lead to equipment damage or fire hazards. When feeder conductors are protected by overcurrent devices, they not only safeguard the conductors themselves but also ensure that downstream equipment, such as motors and other machinery, is not subjected to excessive current that could cause failure. Overcurrent protection devices, such as circuit breakers or fuses, are designed to interrupt the current flow in the event of an overload or fault, thus minimizing the risk of electrical fires and ensuring system integrity. In contrast, the other choices do not align with standard practices and regulations regarding the protection of feeder conductors. For instance, not requiring overcurrent protection would leave the conductors vulnerable to damage during fault conditions. Similarly, emphasizing a rating higher than the motor, or not exceeding cable length, does not directly address the fundamental need for protecting conductor integrity against unexpected surges in current. Thus, the requirement for overcurrent protection is essential to maintaining safety standards and operational reliability in electrical installations.