Branch circuit load rating applies to which parts of the electrical system?

Branch circuit load rating applies to which parts of the electrical system?

• A. Branch circuits
• B. Service feeders
• C. Both A and B
• D. Neither A nor B

Answer: (A)

The concept here is that the term “load rating” is applied to branch circuits—the portions of the electrical system that run from a branch-circuit overcurrent device in the panel to outlets, lighting, and other loads. A branch circuit is protected and sized for a specific ampacity (for example, a 15-amp or 20-amp circuit), based on the conductors and protection used. Service feeders, by contrast, carry power from the service equipment to the distribution panels and are sized and rated differently; their purpose and calculation aren’t described by a branch-circuit load rating. So, the load rating concept specifically applies to branch circuits.

The concept here is that the term “load rating” is applied to branch circuits—the portions of the electrical system that run from a branch-circuit overcurrent device in the panel to outlets, lighting, and other loads. A branch circuit is protected and sized for a specific ampacity (for example, a 15-amp or 20-amp circuit), based on the conductors and protection used. Service feeders, by contrast, carry power from the service equipment to the distribution panels and are sized and rated differently; their purpose and calculation aren’t described by a branch-circuit load rating. So, the load rating concept specifically applies to branch circuits.