Where should a fuse or circuit breaker be installed in a 120V AC power circuit?
In series with the hot conductor only
This is the correct answer because placing a fuse or circuit breaker in series with the hot conductor effectively interrupts the live voltage in case of a fault, ensuring safety.
In series with the hot and neutral conductors
This is incorrect because fuses or circuit breakers are only needed in the hot conductor to interrupt the live voltage; placing them in the neutral conductor is unnecessary and not standard practice.
In parallel with the hot conductor only
This is incorrect because a fuse or circuit breaker in parallel with the hot conductor would not interrupt the current flow through the circuit, rendering it ineffective for safety purposes.
In parallel with the hot and neutral conductors
This is incorrect because placing a fuse or circuit breaker in parallel with the hot and neutral conductors would not protect the circuit from overcurrent conditions or short circuits.
Explanation
In a 120V AC power circuit, the fuse or circuit breaker should be installed in series with the hot conductor. The hot conductor is the wire that carries the electricity from the power source to the load, and it is typically color-coded black or red. A fuse or circuit breaker serves as a safety device designed to interrupt the flow of electricity if the current exceeds a safe level. By placing it in series with the hot conductor, the fuse or circuit breaker can effectively cut off power to the circuit if an overload or short circuit occurs, preventing potential damage to the equipment or electrical fires. This placement ensures that the connection to the live voltage is immediately interrupted in the event of a fault, which is crucial for the safety of both the electrical system and anyone interacting with it.
T0A08 2022-2026