New York State Master Electrician Practice Exam

What type of protection is required for branch circuits with a surge protective device?

1. Overcurrent protection

2. Ground fault protection

3. Surge protection

4. Armored cable protection

The correct answer is: Surge protection

The requirement for protection from surge events emphasizes the importance of surge protective devices (SPDs) in safeguarding electrical systems from voltage spikes. While surge protection specifically pertains to guarding against transient overvoltage conditions, its necessity is amplified in branch circuits where sensitive equipment may be connected. Surge protection devices work to divert or limit surge currents, indicating that surge protective measures must be clearly defined and understood in the context of installation. In this scenario, "surge protection" specifically refers to the necessity for such devices to ensure that electrical equipment and systems maintain operational integrity even in the event of sudden voltage surges, which can arise from lightning strikes or electrical faults. It's essential for professionals working with electrical systems to recognize that the incorporation of SPDs represents an additional layer of security beyond conventional protection methods like overcurrent protection or ground fault protection. Therefore, the correct focus here is on the context of protecting the system against unexpected surges, which directly aligns with the need for surge protection as described.