What does 'overload' refer to in a fire safety context?

In a fire safety context, 'overload' specifically refers to a situation where the electrical current flowing through a conductor exceeds its designated limits. This can lead to overheating of electrical components, which significantly increases the risk of fires. When electrical circuits are overloaded, the insulation on wires may degrade, leading to short circuits or arcing, both of which can ignite surrounding materials, causing a fire.

Understanding overload is crucial for fire safety professionals, as it is a common cause of electrical fires. Proper load management and circuit design are essential in preventing overload situations to ensure the safety of structures and the individuals within them.

The other options touch on different aspects of fire safety, such as fire control, structural integrity, and equipment reliability, but they do not specifically address the concept of 'overload' as it pertains to electrical systems.