Which of the following is a basic protection requirement for motor branch circuits?

Overcurrent protection is a fundamental requirement for motor branch circuits as it ensures the safety and proper functioning of the electrical system. This type of protection is designed to prevent excessive current from flowing through the motor and the branch circuit, which can lead to overheating, potential failure of the motor, or ignition of surrounding materials due to the heat generated by excess current.

The overload conditions can occur for various reasons, such as mechanical binding, a short circuit, or other faults that lead to an increase in current. Overcurrent protection devices, which include circuit breakers and fuses, are thus essential components of motor branch circuits, providing automatic disconnection in case of overcurrent events.

Ground fault protection, thermal management, and voltage regulation, while relevant to overall electrical system safety and efficiency, are not primary requirements specifically focused on protecting the motor branch circuits from damage due to excessive current. These factors play supportive roles, but overcurrent protection is specifically aimed at addressing the immediate risks associated with excess current flow in motors.