Fuses installed for motor branch circuits are typically dual-element time-delay because these OCPDs can hold which current for a short period of time to allow the motor to start?

• A. Short-circuit
• B. Ground-fault
• C. Normal
• D. Overload

Answer: (D)

Starting a motor requires a brief inrush current much higher than its running current. Dual-element time-delay fuses are chosen for motor branch circuits because they can carry that temporary overload without tripping, allowing the motor to start, and then let the current settle to normal once the motor is running. This behavior comes from the fuse design that combines a fast-acting element with a thermal element that delays trip during short, temporary overloads. So these fuses are intended to hold the startup surge, which is why the correct concept is overload.