What type of electrical hazard can result from a short circuit?

A short circuit occurs when an electrical current takes an unintended path, allowing a much higher current to flow through the circuit than designed. This vastly increased current can generate excessive heat due to the resistance of the conductors. If this heat generation is not managed or contained, it can lead to overheating of components, wires, and associated equipment. Overheating is particularly dangerous as it can cause insulation to break down, leading to potential fires, equipment damage, or further electrical hazards.

While the other choices involve valid electrical phenomena, they don't directly stem from the immediate effects of a short circuit as predominantly as overheating does. For example, loss of signal typically relates to issues in communication or control circuits rather than direct short circuit effects. Grounding issues might be a broader electrical safety concern but are not a direct result of short circuits themselves. Similarly, phase imbalance is concerned with unequal distribution of phases in a three-phase system, which isn't directly linked to the unique circumstances created by a short circuit. The predominant safety concern in cases of short circuits is indeed overheating.