It's not the cable overheating, per se, but a defect in the cable/mechanism which causes the cable to draw current in excess of the panel breaker rating. And it's the higher heat generated in the breaker from this higher current draw than trips the breaker. Many things can cause a current draw in excess of rating through the breaker. Not just a broken device. in the circuit. A huge culprit is excessive circuit resistance, from old stuff: old terminal corrosion, loose conductors in terminals, defective welds in a plug. In the eltronics company in which I am involved. I see a myriad of issues from shitty old mains wiring, receptacles, corrosion on bus bars. Had a guy swear a power amp was crap due to constantly tripping breaker. Electrician found the handyman who installed the wiring did not torque the breaker lugs and the circuit conductors were literally just lying in the breaker.
Sorry for going on and on. I've spent decades dealing with crummy mains wiring.
Sorry for going on and on. I've spent decades dealing with crummy mains wiring.
