New York State Master Electrician Practice Exam

To which type of circuit must the sump pump and lights in the elevator pit be connected?

1. Shared branch circuit

2. Separate branch circuit

3. GFCI line side

4. Load side circuit

The correct answer is: Separate branch circuit

The sump pump and lights in the elevator pit must be connected to a separate branch circuit to ensure safety and functionality. A separate branch circuit is dedicated to a specific device or group of devices, allowing them to operate independently from other electrical loads in the building. This is particularly important for sump pumps, which may need to operate under heavy load conditions, and for lights, which need to be reliable for safety and visibility in potentially hazardous areas such as an elevator pit. By using a separate branch circuit, you minimize the risk of overloading the circuit if the sump pump activates, and you ensure that the lighting remains functional even if there is a problem with other circuits. This separation allows for easier maintenance and troubleshooting, as well as compliance with safety regulations, which often require dedicated circuits for such critical systems. Other options, like a shared branch circuit, would not provide the necessary isolation, increasing the risk of failure if multiple devices are drawing current simultaneously. While GFCI protection is crucial in areas where water and electricity could come into contact, a connection to a GFCI line side does not suffice on its own without considering the necessity for a dedicated circuit for these specific uses.