Oilers/Plant Tenders (HHC) Civil Service Practice Exam

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The MAXIMUM ampere rating of a fuse to be used in a circuit is determined by what factor?

Length of the circuit
Voltage of the circuit
Size of wire in the circuit
Type of appliances used

The correct answer is: Size of wire in the circuit

The maximum ampere rating of a fuse is primarily determined by the size of the wire in the circuit. This is because each wire gauge has a specific current-carrying capacity, also known as ampacity, which is influenced by the wire's cross-sectional area. Using a fuse that matches this capacity is critical, as it ensures the circuit is protected from excessive current that could lead to overheating and potential fire hazards. While the other factors, such as the length of the circuit, the voltage, and the type of appliances used, can influence the overall design and safety of a circuit, they do not directly set the maximum ampere rating of the fuse. For instance, a longer wire may have additional resistance which can heat up, but it's the gauge of the wire that dictates how much current it can safely carry before needing protection. Therefore, selecting a fuse based on the size of the wire is essential for maintaining the integrity and safety of electrical installations.