ICC Residential Electrical Inspectors Practice Exam

What type of protection is required for fixed outdoor electric deicing and snow melting equipment?

1. Overcurrent protection

2. Ground fault protection of equipment

3. Surge protection

4. Voltage regulation

The correct answer is: Ground fault protection of equipment

Ground fault protection of equipment is essential for fixed outdoor electric deicing and snow melting equipment due to the specific environmental conditions these systems operate in. Such equipment is typically exposed to moisture from rain or snow, creating an increased risk of electrical hazards. Ground fault protection helps to prevent shock hazards by quickly disconnecting power when it detects an imbalance in electrical current, which could indicate that current is leaking to the ground. This is particularly crucial in outdoor installations where wet conditions can lead to a higher incidence of ground faults. Overcurrent protection, while important in a general sense for all electrical systems, is aimed at protecting wiring and preventing excess current that can cause overheating. Surge protection focuses on protecting equipment from voltage spikes, which might be relevant for other types of outdoor electronic devices but does not address the immediate safety risks posed by water exposure in deicing and snow melting systems. Voltage regulation ensures a consistent voltage supply to devices, but it does not relate to the immediate safety concerns posed by ground faults in outdoor installations. Thus, ground fault protection is the most relevant and critical requirement for ensuring both safety and functionality in these specific applications.