For a 30-foot run of conduit containing two conductors, what is the maximum area that can be occupied by the conductors?

To determine the maximum area that can be occupied by conductors in a conduit, it is essential to refer to the National Electrical Code (NEC) guidelines which govern conduit fill. According to NEC, the fill capacity for conduit must adhere to specific percentages based on the number of conductors within it.

For a run of conduit that contains two conductors, the code stipulates that the maximum fill area allowed is 40%. This means that the conductors together can occupy up to 40% of the total internal cross-sectional area of the conduit.

While 25% is indeed a conservatively safe percentage that can be applied to ensure ease of pulling and reduce the risk of overheating, it does not reflect the allowable maximum for two conductors set by the NEC. The guidelines are designed to optimize performance and safety, taking into account factors such as heat dissipation and ease of installation.

In this case, the most suitable answer would be one that accurately reflects the correct fill capacity for two conductors in conduit, which is 40%. The maximum allowable area for conductors in this scenario is thus defined by the standard practices outlined in the NEC.