How quickly does a circuit limiting device typically trip?

The correct choice for how quickly a circuit limiting device typically trips is one quarter cycle. This is significant because circuit limiting devices, such as circuit breakers and fuses, are designed to respond rapidly to fault conditions in order to minimize damage to the electrical system and connected equipment. The idea is to disconnect the power before excessive current can cause overheating or other damage.

One quarter cycle corresponds to a duration of around 4-5 milliseconds at a 60 Hz frequency, which allows for fast intervention during fault conditions. This rapid response protects not only the motor and its windings but also the overall integrity of the electrical system.

The other durations, such as one cycle, one half cycle, and one eighth cycle, do not provide the same level of quick response necessary to effectively protect the circuit in the event of a fault. Each of these options would allow for significantly longer exposure to fault current, which could lead to overheating or damage before the protective device acts. This demonstrates the importance of a quick trip time in maintaining motor protection.