Final answer:
The overcurrent protection for a #10 THW conductor depends on the conductor's ampacity and derating factors according to the NEC, with an emphasis on ensuring safety from thermal overloads using appropriate circuit breakers or fuses.
Step-by-step explanation:
The overcurrent protection for a #10 THW conductor, when there are not more than three conductors in a raceway and the ambient temperature is 28°C, would be determined by the conductor's ampacity and any applicable derating factors based on the National Electrical Code (NEC). However, since the actual ampacity values depending on these conditions are not provided explicitly, a precise answer cannot be given. The NEC provides tables to look up the standard ampacity based on conductor size and type, and then adjustments must be made for any derating factors such as ambient temperature or the number of loaded conductors in a raceway.
It's important to note that electrical safety is paramount in any wiring system. Fuses and circuit breakers are critical in preventing thermal overload by automatically opening the circuit when a sustained current exceeds safe limits, thus protecting wires from overheating from too large a current as the power dissipated is P = I²Rw. Overloading wires with current leads to hazards, so the use of correct overcurrent protection is essential for both safety and compliance with safety regulations which limit continuous use to 80% of the breaker current capacity.