On sale for a limited time!

This self-paced online course explains overcurrent protection requirements of the National Electrical Code. The purpose of overcurrent protection for conductors and equipment is to open the circuit if the current reaches a value that will cause an excessive or dangerous temperature in conductors or conductor insulation.

Upon completion you should be able to:

• Identify the purpose of overcurrent protection.
• Explain the difference between overcurrent and overload.
• Explain the difference between a short circuit and a ground fault.
• Understand how the minimum ratings are determined for various items.
• Explain aspects of the protection of conductors.
• Explain the factors involved in the location of overcurrent protection.
• Explain tap rules.
• Identify how other equipment is protected, including panelboards, motor control centers, transformers and welders.
• Identify special protection requirements for motors and refrigeration equipment.

Who Will Benefit

Anyone whose job involves designing, reviewing, evaluating or installing fire protection systems, including: designers, installers, engineers, electrical contractors, technicians, project managers, fire marshals, and architects.

Course Summary

• Overcurrent which is current in excess of the rated current for equipment or the ampacity of a conductor may be caused by overload, short circuit or ground fault.
• Overcurrent protection for conductors and equipment opens the circuit if the current reaches a level that will cause high or dangerous temperatures in conductors or their insulation.
• Minimum ratings of equipment and conductors facilitate overcurrent protection.
• NEC requirements address different ways of protecting various conductors such as conductors in power and lighting circuits, small conductors, and flexible cords and cables and other equipment such as panelboards, motor control centers, transformers, welders, motors and refrigeration equipment.
• The location of overcurrent protection is determined by its placement on the premises, which conductors require protection and where it will be placed on the circuit.