A cable foul sensor is provided for detecting a cable foul condition of a hoist or other cable reeling device. The cable foul condition may be sensed independently of the cable layer on a hoist cable drum. The cable foul sensor allows a cable foul condition to be detected before the cable mis-wrap caused by the foul condition extends outside of the envelope of the drum. The cable foul sensor may include an actuator having a first part and a second part disposed to form a passageway that receives a cable. At least one switch is disposed on the actuator. If the cable contacts at least one of the first part and the second part, the at least one of the first and the second part actuates the at least switch to control a winding operation of the cable.