Abstract
In a method for operating a cable (1), the cable (1) has a sensor (2) for detecting a use of the cable (1), wherein sensor signals (3) are stored, wherein a characteristic for the cable (1) is produced by means of the sensor signals (3), wherein a plurality of characteristics are determined at different times, wherein the characteristics are evaluated together. This method can be used in a system having a cable (1), more particularly a trailing cable, for electrical energy supply, wherein the trailing cable has a sensor (2) in the cable (1).