HOLT Electricians Practice Exam

Which type of heating element must be subdivided into loads not exceeding 120 amperes?

1. Electric resistance heating element

2. Gas-powered heating element

3. Oil heating element

4. Solar heating element

The correct answer is: Electric resistance heating element

The correct response identifies that electric resistance heating elements must be subdivided into loads not exceeding 120 amperes due to safety and electrical code requirements. Electric resistance heating relies on the principle of converting electrical energy into heat through resistive wire, and when high currents are involved, the risk of overheating and potential fire hazards increases. Electrical codes, such as the National Electrical Code (NEC) in the United States, set specific guidelines on ampacity and load requirements for safety reasons. By limiting individual loads to 120 amperes, it ensures that circuits are not overloaded, which helps to maintain functionality and safety in electrical installations. In contrast, gas-powered, oil, and solar heating elements do not operate on the same electrical principles and are therefore not subject to the same amperage limitations or requirements, making them irrelevant to the question's context regarding electrical loads.