Overcurrent protection device
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All components of an electrical system have a maximum amount of current that they are rated to continuous handle, if this rating is exceeded excess heat will be generated which can result in a fire. Overcurrent protection devices (OCPDs) are used to automatically disconnect a circuit if a certain current is reached for a certain period of time. The size of the required overcurrent protection device is determined by the maximum amount of current that a circuit is anticipated to carry and the ampacity of the circuit wiring. The OCPD must be smaller than the rated ampacity of the wire. The most common types of overcurrent protection device that are used in electrical systems are fuses and breakers.
