What is the highest current at rated voltage that a device can interrupt known as?

The highest current at rated voltage that a device can interrupt is known as the interrupting capacity. This term is crucial in understanding the performance of electrical devices such as circuit breakers and fuses. Interrupting capacity is defined as the maximum fault current that the device can safely interrupt without being damaged or failing. This value is critical for ensuring that, in the event of a short circuit or overload, the device will operate correctly and safely, preventing hazards such as fire or electrical failures.

The other concepts provide different forms of ratings: short-circuit rating refers specifically to the maximum current that can be safely interrupted during a short-circuit event, but it does not encompass all operational contexts like the general term 'interrupting capacity' does. Voltage rating indicates the maximum voltage at which a device can operate without risk of breakdown, while overload rating is concerned with the maximum current that a device can handle for a specified period without damage during overload conditions, which is distinct from its interrupting capabilities. Understanding these distinctions is key for the practical application of rigging and hoisting systems, as safety and reliability often hinge on the proper selection of equipment based on these ratings.