What is the primary characteristic of Duty, Continuous?

The primary characteristic of Duty, Continuous is that it maintains a constant load for long durations. This classification indicates that the equipment is designed to operate under a steady load without significant fluctuation over an extended period. In electrical terms, this means that the system can reliably handle the same amount of load consistently, ensuring stability in performance and reducing the risk of overheating or failure that might occur with varying loads.

In contrast, the other classifications involve different operational characteristics. For example, operating with varying loads over time indicates a different type of duty that may not be sustainable for an extended duration. Intermittent functions are characterized by periods of operation followed by rest, which does not align with the concept of continuous duty. Lastly, operations defined for a short period imply a temporal or limited operational duration that contrasts with the long-term, stable loads associated with continuous duty.