1. the maximum electric current that a conductor or device can safely carry without overheating or sustaining damage
Usage: technical term used in electrical engineering and construction; commonly applied to wires, cables, and circuit breakers

Examples

• The ampacity of a 12-gauge copper wire is typically around 20 amperes.
• Electricians must check the ampacity rating before selecting the correct wire gauge for a circuit.
• Exceeding the ampacity of a cable can cause it to overheat and create a fire hazard.
• The breaker's ampacity determines how much current it can handle before tripping.
• Different materials and insulation types affect the ampacity of electrical conductors.