Are overcurrent protection devices required for branch-circuit conductors and equipment?

• A. Yes
• B. No
• C. Only for feeders
• D. Only for outdoor circuits

Answer: (A)

Overcurrent protection is required for branch-circuit conductors and the equipment on those circuits. The idea is to limit the amount of current to what the conductors can safely carry, and to shut the circuit off if a fault causes excessive current. This protects both the wiring from overheating and the connected devices from damage.

In practice, a protective device (like a circuit breaker or fuse) is placed at the start of the branch circuit and sized to the conductor’s ampacity. For example, a circuit with 14 AWG conductors is protected at 15 amperes, while 12 AWG conductors use 20 amperes. This requirement applies to all branch circuits, regardless of whether they feed outlets, lighting, or outdoor equipment.

The other options would be incomplete because protection isn’t limited only to feeders, nor restricted to outdoor circuits. Hence, the correct understanding is that overcurrent protection devices are required for branch-circuit conductors and the equipment they feed.