NEC Commercial Electrical Practice Test

A domestic clothes dryer branch circuit minimum load should be calculated at how many watts or the nameplate rating, whichever is larger?

1. 3000 watts

2. 4000 watts

3. 5000 watts

4. 6000 watts

The correct answer is: 5000 watts

The minimum load calculation for a domestic clothes dryer branch circuit is determined by the National Electrical Code (NEC) requirements, which emphasize safety and proper circuit sizing. According to NEC standard practice, the minimum load for a residential clothes dryer is set at 5000 watts. This figure is utilized to ensure that the electrical circuit can handle the load without overloading, especially during peak usage times. When determining the load for a dryer branch circuit, the greater of the nameplate rating or 5000 watts must be considered. Should the actual nameplate rating of the dryer exceed this minimum load, the circuit must be sized according to that rating. This approach maximizes safety and efficiency by ensuring that the circuit can accommodate typical operational demands of the appliance, thus preventing potential electrical hazards such as overheating or component failure. The other options provided, although they could represent various appliances or scenarios, do not align with the NEC standard specifically tailored for clothes dryers. Hence, the choice of 5000 watts as the minimum load reflects a widely accepted industry practice aimed at promoting safe electrical installations in residential environments.