ECN Forum Forums Code Related Discussion Canadian Electrical Code Topics What the difference?

What's the difference between A.I.C and A.I.R?
And what are the exact definitions of these acronyms?

AIC (ampere interrupting capacity) and AIR (ampere interrupting rating)


AIC (ampere interrupting capacity) - The highest RMS symetrical current, at specified test parameters, which the device is rated to interrupt. Device must interrupt all available currents up to its interrupting capacity.

AIR (ampere interrupting rating) - The highest current at rated voltage that an overcurrent protective device is intended to interrupt under specified test conditions.

Tony Moscioni
Electrical Inspector
Electrical Safety Authority

Thank you very much