current-carrying capacity

current-carrying capacity

[′kər·ənt ‚kar·ē·iŋ kə′pas·əd·ē] (electricity) The maximum current that can be continuously carried without causing permanent deterioration of electrical or mechanical properties of a device or conductor.

current-carrying capacity

The maximum current which an electric device is rated to carry without excessive overheating and consequent premature breakdown or combustion; also see ampacity.