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 using equipment in harsh environments such as high temperatures or high altitudes, reducing the usable range of parameters such as output current below the upper limit of the rated range and allowing a margin from the rated values to ensure reliability and accuracy and prevent failure is referred to as derating. Derating may be applied not only in harsh environments but also under normal conditions to enhance equipment reliability and prevent failure.