What electrical equipment must have overcurrent protection?

Overcurrent protection is essential for preventing electrical equipment from damage due to excess current flow, which can lead to overheating and potential fire hazards. Fixed storage-type water heaters, which are often connected to high-voltage power sources, require overcurrent protection to ensure that they operate safely and reliably.

In the case of fixed storage-type water heaters, the equipment draws significant current during operation, especially when heating water. If the current exceeds the circuit's capacity, it can damage the heater's components or the wiring, leading to dangerous situations. Therefore, local electrical codes typically mandate that these appliances be equipped with appropriate overcurrent protection devices, such as circuit breakers or fuses, to interrupt the flow of electricity in the event of a fault.

While other equipment, like lighting fixtures, ceiling fans, and outlets, can have their own safety requirements and may also be subject to overcurrent protection in various applications, the fixed storage-type water heater is specifically highlighted in this context due to its typical installation and operational characteristics that necessitate robust overcurrent protection.