What will likely happen if an overcurrent protective device trips?

When an overcurrent protective device, such as a circuit breaker or fuse, trips, it interrupts the electrical flow to prevent excessive current from damaging the wiring or causing a fire. This safety feature is designed to protect the entire circuit that it serves. As a result, when the device trips, it cuts off power to all connected loads on that circuit.

In a residential wiring scenario, if the tripped device is associated with a particular room or area, it can cause all power in that room to go out. This would include lights, outlets, and any other devices that rely on the circuit for power. Therefore, selecting the option that states all power in the room could go out is indeed accurate, as the tripping of an overcurrent protective device affects everything on that circuit, ensuring safety for both the occupants and the electrical system.

Other options do not accurately reflect the operation of overcurrent protective devices, as they imply limited impact (only on lights or outlets) or no effect at all, which contradicts the fundamental purpose of these devices in the electrical system.