Ampacity is defined as the maximum amount of electric current a

conductor or device can carry before sustaining immediate or progressive

deterioration. Also described as current rating or current-carrying
capacity, ampacity is the RMS electric current which a device or conductor
can continuously carry while remaining within its temperature rating.
The ampacity of a conductor depends on:

its insulation temperature rating;

the electrical resistance of the conductor material;
frequency of the current, in the case of alternating current;
ability to dissipate heat, which depends on conductor geometry and its
surroundings;
ambient temperature.
All common electrical conductors have some resistance to the flow of
electricity. Electric current flowing through them causes voltage drop and
power dissipation, which heats conductors. Copper or aluminum can
conduct a large amount of current without damage, but long before
conductor damage, insulation would, typically, be damaged by the
resultant heat.
The ampacity for a conductor is based on physical and electrical properties
of the material and construction of the conductor and of its insulation,
ambient temperature, and environmental conditions adjacent to the
conductor. Having a large overall surface area can dissipate heat well if the
environment can absorb the heat.