What term describes the maximum current that a conductor can carry continuously without exceeding its temperature rating?

The term that accurately describes the maximum current a conductor can carry continuously without exceeding its temperature rating is ampacity. Ampacity is a critical concept in electrical engineering and fire alarm systems as it ensures that conductors are able to operate safely under their designated load conditions without overheating.

When a conductor carries more current than its ampacity, the heat generated can damage the conductor's insulation or even lead to fire hazards. Knowing the ampacity of a wire helps in selecting the right size of conductor for a specific application to prevent overheating and maintain system integrity.

In the context of the other options, voltage rating refers to the maximum voltage that a conductor can safely handle, while current rating pertains to the general capacity of a device or system to carry current, which may not specifically account for temperature limitations. Maximum load could be confused with ampacity but is more about operational limits under specific conditions rather than the inherent thermal characteristics of the conductor itself.