If a load is in excess of the branch-circuit ampere rating, what is the result?

• A. It will be prohibited
• B. It is allowed during peak hours
• C. It requires a separate tally
• D. It will be allowed with a bigger wire

Answer: (A)

If a load tries to draw more current than the branch circuit is rated to carry, operation on that circuit is prohibited. The ampere rating defines the maximum safe current for the conductors and protection on that branch; exceeding it risks overheating and code violations, so the load must be reduced or the circuit upgraded with correctly sized conductors and matching overcurrent protection. Time-of-use allowances, separate tallies, or just using a bigger wire by itself do not make exceeding the rating acceptable.