Is it true or false that most power system equipment can be safely overloaded?

The assertion that most power system equipment can be safely overloaded is not accurate. Power system equipment, such as generators, transformers, and conductors, has specific ratings for maximum capacity, known as the nameplate capacity. Exceeding these ratings can lead to overheating, reduced efficiency, damage to equipment, and increased risk of failure or hazards like fires.

While some equipment may have certain tolerances for temporary overloads (meaning they might handle overload conditions briefly under specific circumstances), this is not universally applicable to all power system equipment. Therefore, the idea that most equipment can be safely overloaded is misleading, as it does not account for the potential risks involved and the engineering principles that dictate safe operational limits.

The better choice would acknowledge that whether equipment can be overloaded safely often depends on its type, design, and the specific conditions under which it operates, rather than stating it as a general characteristic of most power system equipment.