Service conductors must be sized for not less than ___ percent of the continuous load plus 100 percent of the noncontinuous load.

The requirement for sizing service conductors is based on the National Electrical Code (NEC) guidelines, which state that service conductors must be able to carry the demand that is placed on them. Specifically, when calculating the size of the conductors, you must consider not less than 125 percent of the continuous load along with 100 percent of the noncontinuous load.

This approach ensures that conductors are adequately sized to handle prolonged loads without overheating, which is particularly important for continuous loads that are expected to run for three hours or more. If conductors were sized only for 100 percent of the continuous load, it could lead to an unsafe condition due to potential overheating.

By requiring 125 percent of the continuous load, alongside 100 percent of the noncontinuous load, the code aims to promote both safety and performance. This method takes into account the higher demands placed on conductors under sustained use, thereby maintaining reliability and reducing the risk of failures in electrical systems.