What is meant by "inrush current" in electrical systems?

"Inrush current" refers to the initial surge of current that occurs when electrical equipment is first powered on. This phenomenon is significant because, upon startup, devices such as motors and transformers can draw a much higher current than their normal operating level, which can lead to various issues such as tripping circuit breakers or causing damage to electrical components.

It's important to understand that this surge is temporary and typically lasts only a few milliseconds to seconds, depending on the type of equipment and its design. During this time, the equipment may require this higher current to overcome static friction and start moving, or to establish magnetic fields in the case of transformers.

The other options do not accurately describe inrush current. Steady current during normal operation refers to the current level maintained while the equipment is running efficiently, current from a generator is related to the source of power rather than the startup behavior of devices, and a decrease in current over time does not match the definition of inrush current, which is specifically about an initial spike rather than a gradual change.