Circuit Overload

A circuit overload happens when more electricity than your circuit can handle is introduced to the system. An electrical circuit has a safety feature to prevent circuit overload that cuts off electricity when it reaches dangerous levels. When overload protection is triggered, the circuit breaker trips and opens, cutting off the power supply to the unit.

Estimates show that over 40,000 residential fires are caused by overloading electrical circuits every year in the United States. Causes include arc faults, short circuits, and overloading of electrical circuits.

8 Circuit Overload Signs

To prevent and minimize the risk of an overloaded circuit, learning the various signs of a potential electrical overload can help. Another important step is to learn which circuits power what areas and devices in your home. If your living room lights dim when you turn the television on, it’s likely they’re on the same circuit, which may be close to maxing out the power load. The visible health of wall plates and outlet covers is also a strong indicator of a potential overload. While outlet covers are designed to protect you from the electrical wiring within, they can only withstand a certain amount of heat.

While the most obvious sign of a circuit overload is when a circuit breaker trips, there are other common indicators. Here are eight common signs of a potential circuit overloaded:

1. Sluggish electronics or lack of power in appliances.
2. Flickering or dimming lights, especially when using other lights or appliances.
3. A shock or tingling sensation when you touch switches, outlets or appliances.
4. A buzzing sound from switches or outlets.
5. Switch covers or outlets that are warm to the touch.
6. Outlet covers beginning to discolor, crack or show other signs of damage.
7. Visible burn marks or a burning smell from switches or outlets.
8. Scorched outlets.

If you notice any of these signs in your home, you should immediately contact us to assess your electronics and ensure there is no dangerous electrical overload.

What Can Homeowners Do To Prevent Circuit Overload?

• If your fuse blows or circuit breaker trips frequently, State-Wide Electric should be called to have one of our electricians assess to determine what the problem is and fix it or recommend next steps.
• If the main electrical panel has circuit breakers, flip them off and back on once a year. This will assist in keeping them working.
• If extension cords or plug adaptors are being used to plug multiple appliances into the same outlet causing an overloaded circuit, one of our electricians can install more outlets on new or different circuits.
• Using power strips (or multiple outlet surge protectors) with their own circuit breaker protection is better than using extension cords to plug in multiple appliances or electronics. The circuit breaker protection assures that there aren’t too many appliances plugged in and drawing electricity at once.
• Never run appliance cords or extension cords under carpet. They are designed to be kept cool by movement of room air around the cord.
• If any outlet or switch wall plates feel hot to the touch, call State-Wide Electric to have one of our electricians determine the problem and fix it.
• Circuits can only handle a maximum total wattage of all electrical devices plugged into and running on each circuit at one time.