What does 'thermal overload' refer to?

The term 'thermal overload' specifically refers to a situation where excessive heat builds up in electrical components due to the passage of high current. This condition can occur when electrical devices or systems operate beyond their designed current ratings, causing increased resistance and, consequently, heat generation. Prolonged thermal overload can lead to damage of electrical equipment, insulation breakdown, and potentially hazardous situations like fires.

Understanding thermal overload is essential for ensuring the safe operation of electrical systems, as it plays a critical role in the design and implementation of protective measures, such as circuit breakers and overload relays, which are installed to prevent equipment damage and maintain safety by interrupting the current flow before overheating occurs. This concept is essential for operators to recognize in order to ensure the reliable and safe operation of electrical systems.