Circuit Overload Culprits
If you have a circuit overload, you’ll know it. You plug something in, and it shuts off at once. Sometimes, plugging in that hairdryer or starting your oven can cause your circuits to overload. Why does this happen, and who are the biggest culprits in a circuit overload? Here’s what you need to know about this common problem.
Why Circuits Shut Off
The first thing to understand is that the shutoff is a safety feature. When you draw more electricity than a circuit can handle, the breaker shuts it off. Why? Circuit overload is the chief cause of electrical fires, so your circuit breaker does this to protect you. If you want to avoid circuit overloads and breaker shutoffs, the best plan is to manage your electrical use.
Circuits Have Limited Loads
An electrical circuit can handle a limited amount of electricity. The number of things you run at the same time all contribute to what’s called electrical load. Some items draw more power than others, and they add even more to the load. When you go over the load your circuit was designed to handle, you get an overload.
In today’s homes, each breaker is assigned to a particular circuit in your home. A room may have a single breaker that controls each outlet in that room. Some rooms may have more than one breaker, especially rooms like the laundry room that house heavy-duty appliances.
Signs of an Overloaded Circuit
In most cases, you get signs of a circuit that’s reaching its breaking point. They include:
• Frequent breaker trips
• Dimming lights
• Buzzing outlets
• Warm outlet covers
• Burning odors from outlets
• Scorched outlets or plugs
If you’re having these problems, you could be in a dangerous state of continuous overload. Call an electrician as soon as possible. These are all signs that your circuits are getting overheated.
Major Circuit Culprits
• Fans: While fans are great at regulating the temperature and saving you money, they use a lot of electricity, especially if you’re running them constantly. To stay safe, don’t run all your fans at the same time.
• Hairdryers: These handy tools use surprising amounts of electricity. Most bathrooms in today’s homes have ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) that you can reset if the circuit breaker trips.
• Extension cords: Extension cords are dangerous for several reasons, and one of them is their tendency to overload circuits. If you must use one, only use it for one or two devices or appliances at a time. It’s much better to avoid extension cords. Instead, ask your electrician to install more outlets.
• Old appliances: Modern appliances are energy-efficient, but older ones are energy hogs. If you have a large appliance that’s more than 20 years old, it is time to replace it.
Ground Fault Problems
You’ve limited your use of high-wattage appliances, but you’re still having circuit problems. If that’s the case, you could have a ground fault or short circuit problem. In that case, you should get professional help. An electrician can track down the source of the problem and suggest ways to repair it.
Manage the Problem
You can avoid circuit problems by not running too many devices and appliances at the same time. Another fix is to spread your appliances across different rooms in the house. If you want a long-term solution, ask an electrician to install more circuits and outlets in rooms where you commonly use a lot of electrical items.
Get Help from the Electrical Experts
If you’re having circuit problems, contact SESCOS today. We can check your wiring, discover the source of the problem, and suggest ways to manage your electrical load. We’ll install more circuits and outlets to ensure you always have the power you need.