Where is one common location for overcurrent protection according to the National Electrical Code (NEC)?

Overcurrent protection devices are essential for safeguarding electrical circuits from excessive currents that can cause overheating and potentially lead to fires. According to the National Electrical Code (NEC), one common location for overcurrent protection is at the beginning of a feeder. Placing overcurrent protection at this point ensures that the entire feeder, along with all the connected branch circuits downstream, has a protective mechanism in place should an overload or short-circuit condition occur.

This strategic placement helps to isolate and minimize the risk of damage to the feeder and the entire electrical distribution system, providing a clear starting point for protecting the circuits that draw power from that feeder. Additionally, this is aligned with NEC recommendations for properly rating and sizing overcurrent devices based on the load they serve. By protecting at the feeder's beginning, any fault or overload can be effectively cleared without affecting the entire electrical system downstream.