What is typically used as a short-circuit ground-fault protection device for a motor branch circuit?

In a motor branch circuit, both circuit breakers and fuses serve as short-circuit and ground-fault protection devices. Circuit breakers can be designed specifically for protecting motors, providing a means to interrupt current flow during overload and short-circuit conditions. Additionally, they can have settings to trip on ground faults. Fuses also provide similar protection; they are made to blow and interrupt the circuit when excessive current flows due to a short-circuit or ground fault.

The capability of both devices to protect against short-circuits and ground faults makes them both acceptable solutions in motor branch circuits. This versatility means that depending on the specific system design or requirements, either a circuit breaker or fuses may be utilized effectively for this purpose. Therefore, the choice that includes both options is the most accurate answer.