Cable covering, sun protection
When cables are covered with towels, the towels act as an insulating layer that blocks direct sunlight and helps reduce heat absorption. Although the towels themselves will absorb some heat, they will still allow for better cooling of the cables than when exposed to direct sunlight.
Here are a few reasons why cable covering is a better option:
Temperature reduction: Towels will reduce direct exposure to the sun's rays, which will help keep the cables cooler.
Insulation protection: Prolonged exposure to the sun's UV radiation can degrade cable insulation, making it brittle and less efficient. Covering the cables protects them from UV radiation.
Preventing overheating: Overheating can cause malfunctions in cables and electrical devices. By covering the cables, you reduce the risk of overheating.
Of course, it's important to make sure that the towels or material you cover the cables with is made of a material that doesn't retain too much heat and allows for minimal ventilation to further reduce the temperature. For example, using light colors can help reflect the sun's rays better than dark colors.
So covering the cables with towels when they are in the sun all day is generally a better option than leaving them uncovered.