BRANCH-CIRCUIT RATING
A branch circuit covered by Article 265 is rated according to the:
MAXIMUM PERMITTED AMPERAGE RATING OR SETTING OF THE OCPD.
That's the number you need to pay attention to.
What if you install conductors with higher ampacity than required?
Does that automatically increase the branch-circuit rating?
NO.
265.18 says the rating or setting of the specified OCPD determines the circuit rating.
CONDUCTOR AMPACITY ≠ AUTOMATIC CIRCUIT RATING
A branch circuit has conductors capable of carrying more current than the installed OCPD.
What determines the branch-circuit rating?
A. Conductor size alone
B. Raceway size
C. OCPD rating or setting
D. Equipment grounding conductor size
ANSWER: C