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Current Intensity Characteristics

Limiting continuous current (steady state current limit)
The highest value of the current (effective value for alternating current) that the previously closed output circuit can permanently carry under specified conditions.

Switching current
Current that can switch a relay contact on and off.

Max. switching current
The maximum current that can switch a relay contact on and off.

Max. make current
The highest value of current that can switch an output circuit on under specified conditions (voltage, switch on rate, power factor, time constants, etc.). Loads can frequently have a higher current consumption on switch on than in subseque nt continuous operation (e.g. lamps).

Max. break current
The highest value of current that can switch an output circuit off under specified conditions (voltage, switch off rate, power factor, time constants, etc.).