OVERLOAD

A load , placed on a device or facility , that is greater than the device or facility is capable of handling, i.e., capable of performing the functions for which it was designed. Note: Examples of overloads are (a) traffic on a communications system greater than the traffic capacity of the system, (b) for analog inputs, voltage levels above which an analog-to-digital converter cannot distinguish a change, and (c) in electrical circuits, an electrical current that will result in damage from overheating. [ From Weik '89 ]