Derating

In electrical and electronic equipment, when values such as output current are close to the upper or lower limits of their rated values, unfavorable operating conditions may adversely affect the equipment, making it difficult to maintain accuracy or potentially causing failure. Therefore, when equipment is used in harsh environments such as high temperatures or high altitudes, using values such as output current below the upper limit of the rated range, providing a margin to the rated values, in order to ensure reliability and accuracy and prevent failure, is referred to as derating. Derating may also be applied under normal environmental conditions to enhance equipment reliability and prevent failure.