Should the voltage rating for electrical equipment be less than the voltage of the circuit it is connected to?

The voltage rating for electrical equipment must always be equal to or greater than the voltage of the circuit it is connected to in order to ensure safe and reliable operation. If the voltage rating of the equipment is lower than the circuit voltage, it can lead to several issues including equipment failure, overheating, and potentially hazardous conditions such as electrical shocks or fires.

Electrical equipment is designed with a specific voltage rating to indicate the maximum voltage it can handle safely. Using equipment rated for a lower voltage in a higher-voltage application risks exceeding its limits, which compromises the equipment's integrity and performance. Therefore, having a voltage rating that meets or exceeds the circuit voltage is crucial for maintaining safety standards as outlined in the National Electrical Code (NEC) and ensuring proper functionality in any electrical installation.