What happens to electrical wire when too much current is drawn through it?

When too much current is drawn through electrical wire, it can heat up and potentially create damage. This phenomenon occurs due to the resistance of the wire; as current increases, the wire dissipates energy in the form of heat according to Joule's Law, which states that power loss (and hence heat) is proportional to the square of the current flowing through the conductor.

If the current exceeds the wire's rated capacity, it can cause the temperature to rise to a point where the insulation may degrade or even melt, leading to short circuits or electrical fires. This overheating can compromise the integrity of the wire itself, potentially leading to catastrophic failures or hazardous situations. Therefore, managing the current and ensuring it does not exceed the conductors’ ratings is essential for safety in electrical systems.