Master Electrician Practice Exam

What describes the minimum ampacity for service-entrance conductors?

1. It can be set to 80% capacity

2. It must account for continuous and noncontinuous loads

3. It should prioritize noncontinuous loads

4. Only continuous loads need to be calculated

The correct answer is: It must account for continuous and noncontinuous loads

The minimum ampacity for service-entrance conductors must account for both continuous and noncontinuous loads to ensure safety and proper functioning of the electrical system. Continuous loads are those that are expected to run for three hours or more, whereas noncontinuous loads do not have this restriction. When determining the minimum necessary ampacity, it is crucial to calculate the total expected load on the conductors, considering both types of loads. This comprehensive approach helps in preventing overheating and ensures that the conductors are adequately sized to handle the maximum expected load safely. Neglecting either type of load could lead to undersizing the conductors, which could result in failures or hazardous conditions. Therefore, evaluating both continuous and noncontinuous loads is a critical requirement in the design and installation of electrical services.