A load where the maximum load is expected to last for 3 hours or more is said to be a:

In electrical terminology, a load classified as continuous refers to a load that is expected to operate for three hours or more continuously. This definition is vital for electrical design and safety calculations, as continuous loads must be taken into account when sizing conductors, breaker ratings, and various electrical equipment.

The importance of properly identifying continuous loads cannot be overstated; such loads can affect the overall capacity and performance of an electrical system. In contrast, terms like maximum load and demand load relate to different contexts in electrical engineering, often focusing on peak capacity and short-term power requirements. While serviceable load can relate to the workload that equipment can handle, it does not specifically denote a time duration like the term continuous load does. The understanding of continuous loads helps ensure that systems are designed to handle their long-term operational demands without overheating or failing, ensuring both safety and reliability in electrical installations.