According to NEC 240.21, where should overcurrent protection be located?

According to the National Electrical Code (NEC) 240.21, overcurrent protection must be provided at the point where the conductors receive their supply. This placement is crucial because it helps ensure that the conductors are protected from overloads and short circuits as soon as they are energized. By having overcurrent protection at the source, the system can react quickly to any abnormal conditions, thus minimizing damage to electrical components and enhancing safety. Proper placement of overcurrent devices prevents excessive current from flowing through the conductors, which could lead to overheating, equipment damage, or even fire hazards.

Additionally, the other choices do not align with this requirement. For instance, placing overcurrent protection anywhere in the circuit or just near the equipment could leave parts of the circuit unprotected, while having it after the load is counterproductive, as it would not prevent damage to the load in case of an overcurrent situation.