IRC Electrical Inspector Practice Exam

The correct choice is continuous load. Continuous loads are defined by their operation for three hours or more at a time under normal conditions. In the context of an A/C unit, it typically runs for extended periods to maintain a desired temperature, particularly in warm climates, aligning perfectly with the definition of continuous load.

This is crucial for electrical system planning and load calculations, as continuous loads must be considered to ensure that the electrical infrastructure can handle the prolonged demand without overheating or causing failures. Understanding this distinction helps in designing circuits that can accommodate such loads safely and effectively.

Other types of loads, like intermittent loads, operate for shorter durations and may cycle on and off, peak loads refer to maximum demand periods but not sustained usage, and surge loads occur at startup or during sudden increases in demand, which do not fit the characteristics of A/C units.