ICC Residential Electrical Inspectors Practice Exam

To prevent arcing and shock hazards, back-fed over current protection devices used to terminate ungrounded supply conductors must be secured in place by an additional fastener that requires other than a ________________ to release the device from the mounting means on the panelboard.

1. twist

2. push

3. pull

4. slide

The correct answer is: pull

The requirement for additional fasteners on back-fed overcurrent protection devices is established to enhance safety by minimizing the risks of arcing and electric shock. Back-fed devices are those that receive power from the output side rather than the input side, potentially causing disconnection or improper operation if not secured properly. Choosing an option that describes a method of releasing the device is key. The correct choice highlights that the device must require a form of release that isn't as simple as a pull action. This means that a device that could be easily disconnected by pulling might compromise safety if inadvertently or accidentally disengaged, leading to a possible hazardous situation due to loss of secure connection. The requirement implies that a more deliberate action, such as twisting, pushing, or sliding, would be necessary to release the device. This design consideration serves to ensure that under normal operating conditions or during maintenance, the device remains firmly in place and less prone to incidental contact or disconnection. In this context, using a pull action for releasing such a device would not provide the required security against accidents or unauthorized removal, making the choice of “pull” inappropriate as the correct answer. Therefore, requiring any method of disengagement other than pulling enhances the overall safety and reliability of the electrical installation.