Image by 51581 on Pixabay · Pixabay License
rated current
Sign in to saveAlso known as maximum current, current rating, current-carrying capacity, ampacity, maximum rated current, rated maximum current
Ampacity is a portmanteau for ampere capacity, defined by United States National Electrical Codes. Ampacity is defined as the maximum current, in amperes, that a conductor can carry continuously under the conditions of use without exceeding its temperature rating.
~3 min read
Encyclopedic overview
2 sectionsContents
- See also
- References
Ampacity is a portmanteau for ampere capacity, defined by United States National Electrical Codes. Ampacity is defined as the maximum current, in amperes, that a conductor can carry continuously under the conditions of use without exceeding its temperature rating.
The ampacity of a conductor depends on its ability to dissipate heat without damage to the conductor or its insulation. This is a function of the insulation temperature rating, the electrical resistance of the conductor material, the ambient temperature, and the ability of the insulated conductor to dissipate heat to the surroundings.
Excerpted from Wikipedia’s “rated current” article, available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence.