What is the minimum size copper equipment grounding conductor for a 15-ampere branch circuit supplying a swimming pool pump motor?

What is the minimum size copper equipment grounding conductor for a 15-ampere branch circuit supplying a swimming pool pump motor?

• A. 10 AWG
• B. 12 AWG
• C. 14 AWG
• D. 16 AWG

Answer: (B)

The correct answer is based on the National Electrical Code (NEC) requirements for grounding conductors. For a 15-ampere branch circuit supplying a swimming pool pump motor, the minimum size for the copper equipment grounding conductor is determined by the NEC Table 250.122, which specifies that for a circuit rated at 15 amperes, the minimum size of the grounding conductor should be 12 AWG copper. Using a conductor that is appropriately sized is critical for safety and efficiency in electrical installations. The grounding conductor is designed to ensure that, in the event of a fault, it can safely carry any fault current back to ground, trip the circuit breaker, and prevent electrical shock hazards. Larger or smaller gauge conductors would either exceed the requirements, leading to unnecessary costs and over-specifying of materials, or could be insufficient to handle fault conditions safely, posing a significant safety risk. In this case, using 12 AWG copper allows for effective grounding for a 15-amp circuit, aligning with national standards to ensure safe operation of equipment like swimming pool pumps.

The correct answer is based on the National Electrical Code (NEC) requirements for grounding conductors. For a 15-ampere branch circuit supplying a swimming pool pump motor, the minimum size for the copper equipment grounding conductor is determined by the NEC Table 250.122, which specifies that for a circuit rated at 15 amperes, the minimum size of the grounding conductor should be 12 AWG copper.

Using a conductor that is appropriately sized is critical for safety and efficiency in electrical installations. The grounding conductor is designed to ensure that, in the event of a fault, it can safely carry any fault current back to ground, trip the circuit breaker, and prevent electrical shock hazards.

Larger or smaller gauge conductors would either exceed the requirements, leading to unnecessary costs and over-specifying of materials, or could be insufficient to handle fault conditions safely, posing a significant safety risk. In this case, using 12 AWG copper allows for effective grounding for a 15-amp circuit, aligning with national standards to ensure safe operation of equipment like swimming pool pumps.