overheat

Overheat is the condition in which a device, system, or organism exceeds its safe temperature limit. In engineering, overheating implies components operate at temperatures beyond their design ratings, risking damage or failure. In humans, excessive body heat due to environmental or exertional factors can lead to heat illness if not managed.

Causes include high ambient temperatures, excessive load, and poor cooling or ventilation. Faulty fans, clogged radiators, leaks in coolant systems, or degraded thermal interfaces raise temperatures. In electronics, dense packaging, high current, and limited airflow increase thermal output; in batteries, improper charging and thermal runaway can trigger rapid heating.

Effects range from reduced performance and shortened lifespan to unexpected shutdowns and, in severe cases, fires or meltdowns. Repeated overheating accelerates material degradation and can cause insulation damage or joint fatigue. In humans, overheating raises the risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Prevention combines design and maintenance: adequate cooling, clean air paths, properly applied thermal interface materials, and calibrated temperature sensors. Regular checks of coolant levels, radiators, fans, and hoses help engines, while thermal management systems and battery protection circuits mitigate risks in electronics and energy storage. Monitoring and automatic shutoff provide protections.