What does "rated capacity" refer to in regard to jacks?

"Rated capacity" refers to the maximum load a jack can safely lift. This specification is crucial as it dictates how much weight the jack can handle without risking failure or causing safety hazards. Understanding rated capacity ensures proper usage; exceeding this limit can lead to malfunction, injury, or property damage.

The other choices do not accurately capture the definition of rated capacity. The weight of the jack itself does not inform how much load it can lift. The height the jack can lift refers to its reach rather than its capacity to lift weight. The speed at which the jack can lift is related to its operational efficiency but does not pertain to the capacity it can handle. Thus, the focus is clearly on the maximum load capability, emphasizing the importance of safety in using jacks.