ICC Residential Electrical Inspectors Practice Exam

How does NEC recommend enhancing safety for branch circuits in wet locations?

1. Use less powerful circuits

2. Implement ground-fault protection

3. Increase circuit amperage

4. Use standard outlets

The correct answer is: Implement ground-fault protection

The National Electrical Code (NEC) emphasizes the importance of safety in branch circuits, particularly in wet locations where there is a higher risk of electric shock or equipment failure due to moisture and water. Implementing ground-fault protection is a critical safety measure in these environments. This protection is designed to detect an imbalance in electrical current and disconnect the power supply when it senses that electricity is leaking to the ground, which can happen when moisture is present. Having ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) in wet areas significantly reduces the risk of electrocution by quickly cutting off the electricity supply if a ground fault occurs. This is particularly essential in places like bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor areas where water contact is likely. In contrast, the other choices do not effectively address the unique hazards presented by wet locations. Using less powerful circuits does not specifically enhance safety, increasing circuit amperage can actually elevate the risk of hazards, and standard outlets do not offer any additional protection against ground faults. Therefore, ground-fault protection is the NEC-recommended method for enhancing safety in branch circuits installed in wet locations.