What is defined as an individual branch circuit?

An individual branch circuit is defined specifically as a circuit that supplies a single piece of utilization equipment. This definition is crucial in the context of electrical installations because it ensures that the equipment receives adequate power without the risk of being overloaded by connecting multiple devices.

This type of circuit is designed to handle the current load of only one utilization device, which can range from household appliances to industrial machinery. By using individual branch circuits, electricians can ensure that each device operates efficiently and safely, providing the appropriate level of protection and reducing the potential for circuit overloads that could lead to failures or hazards.

The other choices represent various configurations of circuits that do not meet the strict criteria of an individual branch circuit. For instance, circuits that supply multiple pieces of equipment or general lighting are not considered individual branch circuits because they are designed to distribute electricity to multiple loads rather than a single device. Therefore, choice B is the accurate definition of an individual branch circuit.