Where a branch circuit supplies continuous loads, or any combination of continuous and noncontinuous loads, the rating of the overcurrent device shall not be less than the noncontinuous load plus 125 percent of the continuous load.

• A. Noncontinuous Load Plus 125 Percent Of Continuous
• B. Noncontinuous Load Plus 100 Percent Of Continuous
• C. 150 Percent Of Continuous
• D. 125 Percent Of Noncontinuous

Answer: (A)

The overcurrent protection must be sized to handle continuous operation safely. A continuous load is one that is expected to run for 3 hours or more, and for such loads the protection device is allowed to carry only up to its 125% rating. Noncontinuous loads don’t run all the time, so they’re counted at 100%.

When you have a branch circuit feeding both continuous and noncontinuous loads, you add the full noncontinuous load to 125% of the continuous load. That sum gives the minimum rating for the overcurrent device. This arrangement ensures the device won’t trip or overheat during long runs of current while still protecting conductors and equipment.

So the correct expression is noncontinuous load plus 125 percent of the continuous load. For example, if noncontinuous is 8 A and continuous is 12 A, the required OCPD rating is 8 + (1.25 × 12) = 8 + 15 = 23 A, so you’d select the next standard size (e.g., 25 A or 30 A, depending on available sizes).

Why the other forms don’t fit: applying 125% to the entire load would exaggerate the protection for noncontinuous parts; applying 100% to the continuous part ignores the extra allowance needed for continuous operation; using a flat 150% ignores the separate treatment of continuous versus noncontinuous loads.

This reflects the principle that continuous loads require a 125% allowance, while noncontinuous loads are counted at full value, and you sum them for the OCPD rating.