In NEC terms, what is a continuous load?

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Multiple Choice

In NEC terms, what is a continuous load?

Explanation:
Continuous load means a load that runs for three hours or more without interruption. This matters because sustained current over that time can keep heating conductors and equipment, so the NEC requires sizing for that extra heat. In practice, that means conductors and overcurrent protection must be rated at 125% of the continuous load. So if the continuous load draws 16 A, you’d size the conductors for at least 20 A (16 × 1.25) and select protection accordingly. Loads that don’t run long enough, or that start and stop, aren’t treated as continuous and don’t require that 125% margin.

Continuous load means a load that runs for three hours or more without interruption. This matters because sustained current over that time can keep heating conductors and equipment, so the NEC requires sizing for that extra heat. In practice, that means conductors and overcurrent protection must be rated at 125% of the continuous load. So if the continuous load draws 16 A, you’d size the conductors for at least 20 A (16 × 1.25) and select protection accordingly. Loads that don’t run long enough, or that start and stop, aren’t treated as continuous and don’t require that 125% margin.

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