What should be done with overheated cable?

The recommended action for overheated cable is to de-energize and replace it. When a cable becomes overheated, it indicates that it is experiencing excessive current flow or is subjected to conditions that exceed its designed thermal limits. This overheating can lead to damaged insulation, which could create a risk of short circuits, fire, and other safety hazards.

By de-energizing the cable, you ensure that the current flow is stopped, preventing further damage and reducing any immediate danger to both equipment and personnel. Replacing the overheated cable is essential to restore safe and reliable operation. A faulty cable can lead to recurring issues, so addressing the root cause by replacing it is necessary for long-term safety and functionality.

It's important to note that simply touching the cable to check its temperature can be dangerous and does not address the underlying problem. Leaving it alone could result in further damage and hazards due to lack of action. Insulating it immediately might provide a temporary fix but does not resolve the root issue of overheating and poses a similar risk of failure. Therefore, de-energizing and replacing the cable is the safest and most effective approach.