What is a key characteristic of a minimum safety factor (Fs)?

A minimum safety factor (Fs) is primarily used in engineering to ensure that the structural elements of a system can support certain loads without failure. In the context of electrical installations, this factor effectively relates the rated strength of cables to the maximum weight or load that they are expected to support during their use.

By using a minimum safety factor, safety professionals and engineers account for uncertainties and variances in load conditions, material properties, and degradation over time. Specifically, it considers the relationship between the cable's rated capacity and the actual load it will carry, ensuring that the installation remains safe under various conditions, including unexpected overloads.

This focus on the relationship between rated cable strength and supported weight is crucial for maintaining safety and preventing equipment failure, which can lead to hazards such as electrical fires or equipment damage.