New York State Master Electrician Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT a requirement for circuit breakers?

1. Must have manual override features

2. Must be rated for specific amperages

3. Must be automatically reset after tripping

4. Must be capable of being tested for functionality

The correct answer is: Must be automatically reset after tripping

Circuit breakers serve several critical functions in electrical systems, providing protection against overloads and short circuits. Each requirement for circuit breakers is designed to enhance safety and reliability. Regarding the requirement that circuit breakers must be automatically reset after tripping, this is not universally applicable to all types of circuit breakers. In fact, many circuit breakers are designed to remain in the tripped position until manually reset. This ensures that the cause of the trip can be investigated and resolved before power is restored, preventing potential hazards such as equipment damage or electrical fires. While there are circuit breakers with an automatic reset feature, such as those used in specific applications like certain electronic devices, this feature is not a standard requirement for all circuit breakers in residential or commercial settings. In contrast, the other options are indeed requirements for circuit breakers. They need to have manual override features to allow for control by the user, be rated for specific amperages to ensure they can handle the expected load without tripping unnecessarily, and be capable of being tested for functionality to confirm they will operate correctly when needed.