The definition of a branch circuit overcurrent device is outlined in Art. 100 as follows: “A branch circuit overcurrent device is a device capable of providing protection for service, feeder, and branch circuits and equipment over the full range of overcurrents between its rated current and its interrupting rating
What is a branch circuit device?
Branch circuits, as defined in Article 100, are the circuit conductors between the final overcurrent device protecting the circuit (such as the last breaker or fuse) and the outlet(s). Four categories of branch circuits are defined in Article 100, including appliance, general purpose, individual, and multi-wire.
Is a circuit breaker an overcurrent device?
Circuit breakers are switching or automatic overcurrent protection devices . They are rated by operating voltage and current levels, short-circuit interrupting capacity, construction, switching or load specific use, and phases/poles.
What is the branch circuit protective device?
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 a branch circuit used for?
A branch circuit is part of the electrical system that originates at the main service panel and feeds electricity throughout the structure . There are 120-volt branch circuits that supply power to standard outlets and fixtures, along with 240-volt circuits that power major appliances.
What is an example of an overcurrent device?
Examples of overcurrent protection devices are many: fuses, electromechanical circuit breakers , and solid state power switches. ... They are utilized in every conceivable electrical system where there is the possibility of overcurrent damage.
How does an overcurrent device work?
An overcurrent protection device protects the circuit by opening the device when the current reaches a value that will cause an excessive or dangerous temperature rise in conductors . Most overcurrent protection devices respond to both, short-circuit or ground-fault current values as well as overload conditions.
What is a branch circuit in simple terms?
: 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.
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.
Can you branch off a circuit?
Yes, that’s fine, you can “tee” circuits . I just did one that looks like a tree... starting with a 3-way split right in the service panel. And two branches themselves have splits downstream.
Are overcurrent protective device with a circuit opening?
Fuse . ... An overcurrent protective device with a circuit opening fusible part that is heated and severed by the passage of overcurrent through it. A fuse comprises all the parts that form a unit capable of performing the prescribed functions.
What is protection circuit?
What is circuit protection? Circuit protection is the intentional installation of a “weak link” in an electrical circuit . This is a fuse or circuit breaker, referred to here as a circuit protection device or CPD.
How do you measure a branch circuit?
When sizing branch-circuit conductors, the minimum branch-circuit conductor size shall have an allowable ampacity not less than 125 percent of the continuous load [210.19(A)(1)]. When sizing overcurrent protection, the overcurrent device rating shall not be less than 125 percent of the continuous load [210.20(A)].
What best describes a branch circuit?
No. 4/0 AWG. A branch circuit is best described as: a. the circuit conductors between the service equipment and the final branch circuit overcurrent device .
What is the difference between feeder and branch circuit?
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 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 .
