When cables are subject to physical damage, they must be protected to ensure their integrity and functionality. This means employing measures like conduits, covers, or protected pathways to shield the cables from potential hazards such as abrasions, impacts, or environmental factors. These protective measures are critical in settings like industrial environments, where cables may be exposed to heavy machinery or foot traffic, significantly reducing the risk of damage and failure.
While placing cables underground or concealing them can be beneficial in certain scenarios, these methods do not specifically address the need for protection against physical damage. Insulation refers to the electrical safety of the cables rather than their physical protection, which is why protection is the most appropriate requirement in situations of potential physical harm.