How does overheating typically manifest in electrical equipment?

Overheating in electrical equipment typically manifests through unusual noises and burning smells due to the extreme temperatures that can cause insulation degradation, material failure, or component breakdown. As components such as wires and circuits heat up excessively, they can start to emit sounds like buzzing or crackling, indicating that something is amiss. Additionally, the burning smell is often a direct sign of materials being subjected to temperatures they cannot withstand, leading to charred insulation or even smoke.

This symptom is critical for operators to recognize, as it directly indicates possible equipment failure or fire hazards, making timely intervention essential. The other manifestations, such as changes in efficiency, energy output, or voltage levels, can occur as secondary effects but are not the immediate signs of overheating that operators should be vigilant about.