A branch circuit is defined as, the circuit conductors between the final overcurrent device protecting the circuit and the outlet(s) . Even the conductors for a circuit rated at 1000-amps is a branch circuit if the conductors are on the load side of the final branch circuit overcurrent device.
What is a branch circuit?
: the part of an electric wiring system that extends from any set of outlets as far back as the fuse box , supplying and protecting them.
What is the NEC definition of branch circuit?
NEC Article 100 “Definitions” defines branch circuit (BC) as “The circuit conductor between the final overcurrent protection device (OCPD) protecting said circuit and the outlet(s) .” The same article also defines outlet as “A point on the wiring system at which current is taken to supply utilization equipment.”
What is an outlet branch circuit?
Outlet Branch Circuit (OBC) AFCI Devices are an alternative solution to AFCI Breakers. These devices are designed to help prevent electrical fires that can be caused by potentially dangerous arc-faults in an electrical circuit. An arc-fault is an unintentional arcing condition that occurs in an electrical circuit.
What are the types of branch circuit?
Branch circuits are divided into four categories: appliance, general purpose, individual and multiwire (see Figure 1). With the exception of branch circuits that supply only motor loads, requirements for branch circuits are in Article 210.
What is the purpose of a branch circuit?
General purpose branch circuits are 120 volts circuits used for supplying lighting fixtures and receptacle outlets for most small portable appliances . There are usually a number of general purpose branch circuits supplying lights and outlets in different rooms around a residence or commercial or industrial building.
What are the three types of branch circuits?
- Dedicated appliance circuits.
- Lighting circuits.
- Outlet circuits.
- Room circuits.
What is the rule of a branch circuit?
The basic rule: The ampacity of branch-circuit conductors must not be less than the load to be served .
What are the components of branch circuit?
A branch circuit consists of the conductors between the final overcurrent protection device and the outlet(s) . Branch circuits are the most commonly installed of all circuits, so a good working knowledge of Art.
How many outlets can be on a branch circuit?
Technically, you can have as many outlets on a 15 amp circuit breaker as you want. However, a good rule of thumb is 1 outlet per 1.5 amps , up to 80% of the capacity of the circuit breaker. Therefore, we would suggest a maximum of 8 outlets for a 15 amp circuit.
What is an individual branch circuit?
An individual branch circuit is a circuit that supplies only one piece of utilization equipment (e.g., one range, one space heater, one motor). ... An individual branch circuit supplies only one single receptacle for the connection of a single attachment plug.
Do I need both AFCI breaker and outlet?
The latest National Electrical Code requires both AFCI and GFCI protection only in kitchens and laundry rooms . And within those rooms, the Dual Function AFCI/GFCI Receptacle provides what is called “feed-through” protection, which means it provides protection for all wiring and extensions attached to the load side.
What is a branch in a circuit diagram?
Branch – Branches are the connections between nodes . A branch is an element (resistor, capacitor, source, etc.). The number of branches in a circuit is equal to the number of elements.
What is branch circuit protection?
As a branch circuit protection device, UL 489 circuit breakers are tasked with protection of the circuit wiring . Their purpose is to help prevent electric shock and fire, and to provide a means for electrical isolation during maintenance periods.
What is the difference between a branch circuit and a feeder?
Branch circuits are not feeders . A branch circuit is defined as, the circuit conductors between the final overcurrent device protecting the circuit and the outlet(s). ... So, feeder conductors are conductors that are not service conductors and not branch circuit conductors.
What is branch wiring?
Branch circuit wires (conductors) carry electricity from the main distribution panel or subpanels to the points of use . These include receptacles, lights, switches and appliances such as stoves, dishwashers, garbage disposals, furnaces and air conditioners.
