A 480-volt motor circuit can be protected with a safety switch that is rated at what maximum volts?

The correct answer is that a 480-volt motor circuit can be protected with a safety switch rated at a maximum of 600 volts. This is because the safety switch needs to be rated higher than the operating voltage of the motor to ensure it can safely interrupt the circuit under load conditions. A switch rated at 600 volts is adequate for a 480-volt system, providing a margin for safety and compliance with electrical codes.

In electrical systems, it's common to select protective devices that are rated higher than the circuit's maximum operating voltage to ensure reliable operation and to accommodate potential voltage surges. This ensures that the safety switch can handle fault conditions without being damaged or failing to perform its safety function.