How must electrical equipment and wiring be installed to facilitate the operation of overcurrent devices?

The installation of electrical equipment and wiring must establish a low-impedance circuit to the electrical supply source to facilitate the operation of overcurrent devices. A low-impedance circuit allows for sufficient current flow to quickly reach the rated capacity of the overcurrent protective devices, such as fuses or circuit breakers. This rapid response is crucial for detecting overcurrent conditions, which can indicate faults or overloads.

In a low-impedance setup, the shorter and more direct the path to ground or the supply, the more effectively the protective devices can function, minimizing the risk of damage to both the electrical system and connected equipment.

Additionally, maintaining low impedance ensures that there are minimal voltage drops under fault conditions, enabling the overcurrent devices to trip promptly in the event of a fault, thereby enhancing safety and reliability in the electrical installation.