What is the required ampere interrupting rating (AIR) for service equipment at the service location?

The required ampere interrupting rating (AIR) for service equipment must be greater than or equal to the fault current that the equipment may be subjected to during a fault condition. This is crucial for ensuring safety and functionality, as the interrupting rating indicates the maximum fault current that the equipment can handle without failing.

When the fault current exceeds the interrupting rating, it can lead to catastrophic failure, which might result in fire hazards, equipment damage, or even injury to personnel. Therefore, equipment rated for greater than or equal to the fault current ensures that it can successfully interrupt the fault without risk of damage or unsafe conditions.

In practical application, it's important for electrical contractors to assess the potential fault current at the service location accurately. This assessment allows them to select panel boards and circuit breakers that can adequately handle the fault current, thus ensuring the reliability and safety of the electrical system. Proper adherence to this requirement is aligned with standards such as the National Electrical Code (NEC), which emphasizes safety in electrical installations.