When is a load typically classified as "intermittent"?

A load is classified as "intermittent" when it varies significantly or is used sporadically. Intermittent loads do not operate continuously but instead operate at irregular intervals or for unpredictable durations. This classification is important in load calculations as intermittent loads typically do not have the same demand on a system as continuous loads. They may peak at certain times, leading to fluctuations in power consumption. Understanding this characteristic helps engineers and electricians design systems that can handle the varying demands without being over or under-sized for the application.

In contrast, consistent maximum capacity usage points toward a different type of load, often considered a continuous load, which requires more stable power availability. Running for six hours or more indicates a continuous load rather than intermittent, which differentiates it from a load that operates at unpredictable times. Lastly, the need for a specific type of circuit relates more to the physical and electrical requirements of the load than to its classification as intermittent.