Application-limited OCPDs are allowed under what conditions?

Application-limited overcurrent protective devices (OCPDs) are specifically allowed under limited conditions as defined in the National Electrical Code (NEC). The NEC provides guidelines and regulations that ensure safety and efficacy of electrical installations, and it recognizes that certain OCPDs have limited applications that might not fall under the standard usage. These conditions often include specific types of equipment or scenarios where the usual overcurrent protection devices may not be appropriate or necessary due to the unique characteristics of the load being protected.

For instance, application-limited OCPDs may be used in instances such as water coolers, certain HVAC equipment, or in cases where the equipment’s operational behavior requires a unique protective scheme that is not standard. The NEC will specify these limited conditions in its sections, indicating when and how application-limited OCPDs can be employed, thus ensuring compliance and safety within electrical installations while managing overcurrent risks effectively.