• Rated normal current: The current that the main circuit of a device can continuously carry under defined conditions. The temperature increase of components – especially contacts – must not exceed defined values. Permissible temperature increases always refer to the ambient air temperature. If a device is mounted in an enclosure, it may be advisable to load it below its full rated current, depending on the quality of heat dissipation. • Rated peak withstand current: The peak value of the major loop of the short-circuit current during a compensation process after the beginning of the current flow, which the device can carry in closed state. It is a measure for the electrodynamic (mechanical) load of an electrical component. For devices with full making capacity, this value is not relevant (see the next item in this list).