What does "ampacity" refer to in electrical terms?

Ampacity refers to the maximum amount of electric current that a conductor can carry before it begins to overheat. This is a critical parameter in electrical systems because exceeding the defined ampacity of a conductor can lead to dangerous conditions, such as insulation breakdown, fires, and equipment failure. Ampacity is influenced by various factors, including the conductor's material, size, insulation type, and ambient temperature.

Understanding ampacity is essential for ensuring that electrical installations are safe and efficient. Electricians must account for ampacity when selecting wires for specific applications, making it a foundational concept in electrical trade practice. The other options describe different concepts related to electrical systems but do not accurately represent the definition of ampacity. For instance, voltage handling, voltage drop, and frequency range are important considerations but are distinct from the maximum current-carrying capacity of a conductor.