What is the function of a safety cable in stage lighting?

The function of a safety cable in stage lighting is to secure a stage light and prevent falls. Safety cables are crucial in theatrical settings where lighting fixtures are suspended from overhead rigging or grids. Their primary purpose is to provide an additional layer of security; if a light fixture were to become unbalanced or if the mounting hardware fails, the safety cable would catch it and prevent it from falling, thereby ensuring the safety of crew members and audience members below. This safety measure is vital in stagecraft, where the potential for accidents due to falling equipment is a significant concern. Other options, while they relate to lighting, do not address the critical safety aspect that safety cables specifically provide.