What can cause hazardous overheating in electrical equipment?

Prolonged operation in overload conditions can lead to hazardous overheating in electrical equipment due to several factors. When electrical devices operate beyond their rated capacity, excessive current flows through the components. This increased current generates additional heat, which can exceed the temperature ratings for various materials within the equipment. Over time, this excessive heat can degrade insulation, cause component failure, and ultimately lead to equipment malfunction or fire hazards.

Unlike normal operation within rated limits, where equipment is designed to handle specific loads safely, or regular maintenance, which helps ensure that systems are functioning properly within their intended parameters, prolonged overload conditions push electrical equipment beyond what it was built to endure. Similarly, using equipment designed for lower voltages without appropriate adjustments can also create hazardous conditions, but the most significant risk comes from operating under extended overload situations, which can escalate quickly into serious safety concerns.