According to the NEC, how is CONTINUOUS LOAD defined?

The definition of a continuous load, according to the National Electrical Code (NEC), is a load that has a maximum current lasting for 3 hours or more. This standard is important for electrical system design and safety, as it ensures that circuits can handle loads that may be sustained over longer periods without overheating or suffering damage.

When electrical systems are designed, engineers must consider continuous loads for proper sizing of conductors and overcurrent protection devices. By understanding this definition, electricians can adequately prepare systems to handle constant demands, thereby ensuring reliability and safety during operation.

The other options do not align with the NEC definition: loads that last less than 1 hour or are temporary for testing do not meet the criteria for continuous loads, nor does a load that becomes inactive after 1 hour. It is the sustained demand over the 3-hour timeframe that establishes a load as continuous, which is crucial for maintaining the integrity of electrical systems.