Which of the following is NOT part of the definition of ampacity?

Ampacity is defined as the maximum amount of electric current a conductor or device can carry before sustaining immediate or progressive deterioration or damage. The correct answer relates to this definition by clarifying the conditions and limitations of ampacity.

The aspect of being able to carry current intermittently does not accurately reflect the primary definition of ampacity, which focuses on continuous current carrying capacity under specified conditions. Ampacity emphasizes that the maximum current should not exceed a certain level without causing overheating or damage, hence it is fundamentally about the sustained performance of electrical components over time, rather than intermittent use.

The other choices directly address key components of the ampacity definition. The maximum current in amperes represents the peak limit of electrical current a conductor can safely handle. The phrase "under the conditions of use" acknowledges that ampacity can change based on environmental factors such as temperature, insulation type, and installation method. Finally, mentioning the temperature rating highlights a critical aspect of ampacity, as exceeding the temperature rating could lead to failure or hazards.

By focusing on consistent performance and specified conditions, all elements related to ampacity enforce the understanding that it is not about intermittent current use but about safe and sustained capacity.