Which of the following statements is true regarding the sizing of circuit conductors and the overcurrent device?

The statement that the size of the conductors should be calculated after the loads are determined is accurate because it emphasizes the correct sequence in electrical system design. When designing electrical circuits, it's essential first to assess the loads that will be connected to the circuit. This involves determining both the continuous and non-continuous loads, as these values influence the current that the conductors must safely carry.

After establishing these loads, the next step is to select appropriate conductors whose sizing is based on the current calculated from those loads. Conductors must be adequately sized to handle the expected current while complying with safety standards and regulations, such as those found in the National Electrical Code (NEC) or similar guidelines.

Understanding the load is crucial because if the conductors are sized without accurately knowing the loads, they may be undersized, leading to potential overheating or failure, or oversized, which could be inefficient and unnecessarily costly. Thus, calculating conductor size based on load calculations ensures safe and reliable design in electrical systems.