ampacity

noun

am·​pac·​i·​ty ˌam-ˈpa-sə-tē 

plural ampacities

: the maximum amount of current that a wire or cable can safely carry

The longer the brush, the longer the life; therefore, when a brush is operating at 40 to 50 percent below the maximum current capacity (ampacity) per inch and has an extra long length, the motor can have a very long life.

—A. N. Tsergas

Word History

Etymology

blend of amp, abbreviation for amperage, and capacity entry 1

First Known Use

1953, in the meaning defined above