What type of rating should equipment designed to interrupt current possess?

Equipment designed to interrupt current must possess an interrupting rating to ensure it can safely and effectively break electrical circuits under fault conditions. The interrupting rating specifies the maximum fault current that the device can interrupt without failing or becoming inoperable. This is crucial for maintaining safety in electrical installations, as it helps prevent equipment damage and reduces the risk of fire or electrical shock during fault scenarios.

The significance of having an adequate interrupting rating lies in its role within the overall system protection and coordination. Devices that do not meet appropriate interrupting ratings may not operate correctly in fault conditions, leading to severe safety hazards.

In contrast, a nominal rating does not convey specific performance under fault conditions, a safety rating typically relates to protection against hazards rather than operational limits, and a compatibility rating usually addresses the interoperability of different equipment rather than its capacity to interrupt current. Thus, the interrupting rating is the essential specification that directly pertains to a device's ability to handle fault conditions safely.