ESA Certified Alarm Technician Practice Exam

How is conductor size determined according to load?

1. 20%

2. 30%

3. 10%

4. 15%

The correct answer is: 20%

Conductor size is determined based on the expected load that will pass through the conductors. The 20% rule is commonly used in electrical work to ensure that conductors are adequately sized to handle the load while also allowing for safe operation and reducing the risk of overheating. By selecting a conductor that can carry at least 20% more current than the anticipated load, technicians can create a margin of safety that accounts for variations in usage, temperature changes, and other factors that might affect performance. This practice is crucial for ensuring the longevity and reliability of electrical systems, preventing potential damages and hazards such as overheating or voltage drops. The other values do not align with conventional practices for sizing conductors related to load in standard electrical guidelines.