Main information
What it could mean
A cable that feels hot to the touch means it's carrying more current than it can safely dissipate, or has a faulty connection.
Safety first
Stop using that circuit immediately. A hot cable is a warning sign that shouldn't be ignored or waited out.
Next step
This is treated as a priority issue given the risk of continued overheating.
Frequently asked questions
Why would a cable heat up if it's not obviously overloaded?
It could be an undersized cable for the actual load, or a loose connection generating resistance and heat.
Can I keep using the circuit once the cable cools down?
Not recommended; the heating can repeat and degrade the cable's insulation over time.
Is this the same as a hot switchboard?
Not necessarily; the causes can be related, but each heating point is checked separately.
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