What phenomenon occurs when circuits overheat?

When circuits overheat, the primary phenomenon that occurs is circuit failure. This failure can result from excessive heat that damages components within the circuit. Overheating can occur due to a variety of factors, including an overload of current beyond the circuit’s capacity, inadequate ventilation, or faulty wiring. When the temperature rises to a critical point, components like resistors, capacitors, and even wires can degrade or melt, leading to a breakdown in the circuit's functionality.

This understanding is crucial for fire investigators as identifying the causes of circuit failures can help determine whether electrical failure contributed to a fire incident. When a circuit fails due to overheating, it often results in sparks or arcs that can ignite surrounding materials, posing a fire hazard. Therefore, recognizing the implications of circuit failure in the context of electrical fires is significant in the investigation process.