(a) An overload protective device must be in each battery conductor, except conductors of engine cranking batteries and batteries with a nominal potential of 6 volts or less. For large storage battery installations, the overcurrent protective devices must be next to, but outside of, the battery room.

(b) Except when a rectifier is used, the charging equipment for all batteries with a nominal voltage more than 20 percent of line voltage must protect automatically against reversal of current.