What term is used to describe the maximum load a circuit can handle without tripping?

The term that describes the maximum load a circuit can handle without tripping is branch circuit capacity. This concept is fundamental in electrical design and safety, as it defines the threshold for how much electrical load can be safely connected to a circuit before the overcurrent protection devices, such as circuit breakers or fuses, activate to prevent overheating or potential fire hazards.

Branch circuit capacity takes into account the ampacity of the conductors, the ratings of protective devices, and applicable demand factors within the electrical system. It's crucial to ensure that the total load connected to a branch circuit does not exceed this capacity to maintain safety and proper functionality.

On the other hand, other terms such as short circuit rating and overcurrent rating refer to different aspects of circuit protection. The continuous load limit pertains to the amount of load that can be sustained over time without causing overheating, which is related but not specifically the definition of maximum handling capacity.