Master Electrician Exam (NEC)Special Occupancies, Equipment, and ConditionsMedium

A master electrician is installing a new service for a recreational vehicle (RV) site in an RV park. The site requires a 50-ampere, 120/240-volt receptacle. According to NEC, what is the minimum continuous ampere rating required for the individual overcurrent protective device (OCPD) protecting this receptacle?

  1. A60 amperes
  2. B40 amperes
  3. C30 amperes
  4. D50 amperes
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: D. 50 amperes

NEC Section 551.71(A) specifies that each recreational vehicle site equipped with a 50-ampere, 120/240-volt receptacle shall have an individual overcurrent protective device with a continuous ampere rating not less than 50 amperes. This ensures the OCPD matches the receptacle rating.

Why the other options are wrong

  • A. 60 amperes would be an overcurrent device larger than the receptacle rating, which is generally not permitted for protection of the receptacle itself.
  • B. 40 amperes is not a standard OCPD size for a 50A RV receptacle; the OCPD must match the receptacle rating.
  • C. 30 amperes is for a 30A RV receptacle, not a 50A one.

RV Site 50A OCPD

The minimum continuous ampere rating for the overcurrent protective device required for a 50-ampere, 120/240-volt recreational vehicle site receptacle according to the NEC.

  • OCPD must match receptacle rating.
  • NEC Article 551 covers RV parks.
  • Ensures proper protection for RV connection.

Memory trick: Fifty-amp RV, fifty-amp breaker, for safety's sake, no faker!

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