No one enjoys the sound of a breaker flipping in an otherwise silent room. When too many appliances are turned on at once, the circuit breaker is forced to flip in order to keep things from overloading. This can be a frustrating experience, especially when you’re not sure why it’s happening. In this blog post, we’ll explore some common causes of circuit overload and offer tips on how to prevent it. We’ll also discuss what to do if your breaker keeps flipping. So read on for helpful information that will help you keep your home electrical system running smoothly!
What is An overloaded Circuit?
A typical electrical circuit consists of wiring and a fuse. Additionally, electrical devices like lights, appliances, or other electronic devices are plugged into an outlet. An overload is when your devices draw more electricity than the circuit can safely handle.
This will most likely trip your breaker, which will immediately cut off power to your circuit. The breaker protection protects your wiring from overheating, melting the plastic coating, and leaving exposed wires. This could eventually lead to a fire in the house.
How Do Electrical Circuit Overloads Work?
These circuits can only handle a small amount of electricity. Circuits consist of wiring, a circuit breaker (or fuse in older wiring systems), and devices (such as light fixtures, appliances, and any other device plugs into an outlet). Each device’s electricity consumption (when it is running) contributes to the circuit’s total LOAD. The circuit breaker will trip in case the circuit wiring is subject to a higher load than the rated load. This will cut off power to the entire circuit.
An overload could cause the circuit wiring to overheat. This can lead to the melting of the insulation and a fire. Different circuits have different load ratings so that some circuits can supply more electricity than others. Although home electrical systems are intended for household use, there is no reason to allow us to plug in multiple devices at once. You can avoid overload by learning more about the circuit layout of your home.
Signs of Overloaded Circuits
A breaker that trips and turns off all power is the most obvious sign of overload in an electrical circuit. Other signs can be more obvious:
Dimming lights is especially important if the lights dim when you turn appliances on or add more lights.
- Buzzing outlets and switches
- Warm to the touch outlet or switch covers
- The smell of burning from switches or outlets.
- Scorched outlets or plugs
There are many power tools, appliances, and electronics that appear to be lacking sufficient power.
Other wiring issues, like loose connections and short circuits, can also be detected by buzzing, burning, or unusually warm devices. After taking precautions to avoid circuit overloads, if any of these symptoms persist, consult an electrician.
How to Avoid Overloaded Circuits
Finding a circuit overload and preventing it is very essential. Circuit overloads are common in older homes, or where there are outdated electrical systems. Circuit overload can be prevented if you know how to avoid them.
Examine Your Wiring
It is important to inspect your wiring to prevent overloaded circuits or electrical fires. There are two types of wires: one made from plastic, the insulator, and the other made out of copper. You should inspect the insulation for cracks and breaks when inspecting wires. Any damage to the insulator can indicate that circuits are being overloaded, which can lead to overheating and insulator damage. This leads to exposed wiring, which in turn leads to electrical fires.
Pay attention to the number of outlets needed to meet your needs. Outlet extensions allow you to plug multiple devices into one outlet, a quick way to overload circuits. Outlet extensions and extension cords should only be used for temporary fixes if you absolutely must.
Know Your Circuit Breaker
Circuit breaker: A panel of switches that shuts off power when circuits are overloaded. Your basement or utility room usually houses your circuit breaker. Although you don’t need to be an electrical expert, it is important to know which switches are connected to which circuits in your home. They are usually labeled to be used in specific areas or appliances.
Many older homes lack circuit breakers and instead use outdated technology like fuse boxes, pushmatic breakers, or split bus panels. You should contact an electrician to upgrade your panel. Older technologies can be fire hazards.
Utilize Dedicated Circuits
Although having multiple outlets and lights or switches on one circuit is fine, some electronic devices need their circuit. This includes any device that consumes more than 1,000 watts. Here are some common electrical devices that need their circuit.
- Electric Range
- Electric Dryer
- Space heaters
- Air Conditioners
- Furnace
- Dishwasher
- Hot tubs
- Garbage Disposals
- Toasters for Large Parties
- Washer & Dryers
Avoid Clutter
You might want to reconsider where you place appliances if your kitchen counters look like they are from a sale.
You can reduce your electrical load by turning off your blender, microwave, cappuccino maker, and toaster. You may need to unplug appliances that are not being used.
Residential Electrical Contractors Chattanooga TN
The key to preventing circuit overload is prevention. As a professional Electrician in Marietta, GA, we will identify and fix any problems that could lead to a power outage or other electrical problem down the road. We, at Foster Electric can help with this process by making sure we provide comprehensive education on how circuits work and what causes them to fail so our clients know exactly what steps they should take before disaster strikes. Contact us today at 423-892-6759 for more information about how we can prevent circuit overload from happening at your place of business!
