For a 25-horsepower motor with a 32-ampere nameplate current rating, what is the maximum trip setting permitted for the overload protective device?

The maximum trip setting for the overload protective device is based on the nameplate current rating of the motor, which in this case is 32 amperes. According to electrical standards, specifically the National Electrical Code (NEC), the overload protection should generally be set at a certain percentage of the motor's full load current rating.

For motors, the typical recommendation is to set the trip point between 125% and 135% of the full load rating, taking into consideration the specific application and operating conditions. Calculating 125% of 32 amperes results in 40 amperes. This level allows adequate protection while accommodating short-term inrush currents that might occur during motor startup without tripping unnecessarily.

Thus, the maximum trip setting provided in the options that aligns with 125% of the motor's rated current is 40 A, making this the correct choice. This setting effectively balances the need to protect the motor from overheating while also considering its operational characteristics.