Three Warning Signs of an Overloaded Electrical Circuit
Overloaded electrical circuits are one of the leading causes of house fires. Identifying a circuit that is being overworked can help prevent potential damage and loss of valuable equipment.
Breakers that continuously trip can be an indicator of a circuit overload. In this case, it is important to find a long-term solution to redistribute electrical loads between general-purpose and dedicated circuits.
1. Discolored Outlet Covers
As a homeowner, your electrical system is complicated, but you don’t need to be an electrician to understand what’s happening in it. All you need to do is pay attention for signs that something could be wrong. One of these signs is a discolored power outlet cover. When outlets and light switches get overworked they start to heat up, causing the plastic to change color. This is a sign that there is a serious problem and it needs to be fixed immediately.
Overheating causes the plastic to melt and break, creating a fire risk. It also shortens the lifespan of electrical devices like outlets, light switches, and wires. This can end up costing you money in the long run as they will need to be replaced more often.
Changing the color of an outlet cover is a cheap, simple solution to fix a potential fire danger. However, it’s important to have a qualified electrician take a look at the outlet and the circuit in question to determine what caused the discoloration. They can then make any necessary repairs to prevent further problems in the future and ensure your safety.
If you notice a burning smell coming from any of your outlets or light switches, it’s important to turn off the power and seek expert help as soon as possible. Electricians are qualified to inspect, repair and replace your home’s wiring and are experienced in dealing with a wide range of electrical issues.
Buzzing sounds or a shock when plugging in electronics are also warning signs that the electrical circuit is overloaded. It’s important to unplug any appliances that you don’t use frequently and consider getting dedicated circuits for large devices in your home.
In addition to the safety risks, overloaded electrical circuits can lead to a number of other problems. The overheating of plastic and wires can cause a melted circuit breaker panel which in turn increases the risk of a house or office fire. The overheating of wires can also increase the chance of a fire as it leads to dangerous arcing and faulty connections.
An overloaded electrical circuit may also lead to expensive and irreplaceable damage to your home or business’s electronic equipment. For example, overheating can damage televisions, PCs, refrigerators, factory machines and other expensive gadgets. This can be a costly and frustrating experience for homeowners. It can also lead to power outages and downtime for businesses. Luckily, if you are aware of the three warning signs of an overloaded electrical circuit, you can take precautions to avoid these dangers. By following these tips, you can keep your family and your employees safe and prevent electrical problems in the future.
2. Burning Odors
A common sign of an electrical circuit overload is a burning smell. This is due to the fact that all electricity creates heat and when this power travels through wires, they will get hot. Over time, this could cause the wires to melt and spark a fire. The smell is also a warning that you should turn off the power to the circuit and start removing devices from it as soon as possible.
You may also notice melted, burnt or scorched outlet covers and switches. If this happens, it’s important to contact a licensed electrician as soon as possible as these signs indicate that the wiring is getting too hot. This is a very dangerous situation as it increases the risk of a house fire significantly.
Another important sign of a circuit overload is a breaker or fuse that keeps on tripping. This means that the circuit is being overworked and cannot handle the amount of electricity needed to run your appliances and lights.
One way to avoid this problem is to make sure that you are not using too many high-power electronics at the same time. Alternatively, you can hire an electrician to install dedicated circuits for these devices. This will ensure that they are not overworked and that your home’s safety is protected at all times.
Overloaded circuits can also result in a shock or tingling sensation when you touch switches and outlets. This is because the current is causing the outer plastic coating to melt, which can then expose the live wires. Those wires can then spark a fire or create a shocking shock for anyone who touches them.
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, it’s important to call an electrician to have your circuits inspected and tested. An electrician will determine whether your wiring has exceeded its capacity and can upgrade it if necessary. In addition, he will recommend that you use energy-efficient appliances and light bulbs to help reduce the load on your circuits.
An easy way to check your wiring is to shut off the breaker or change the fuse in your panel and then walk around your house testing outlets, flipping switches and plugging in a test light to open receptacles. This will allow you to find the source of the problem and fix it before it gets out of hand. If you can’t figure out which general-purpose circuit is overloaded, a good way to solve the problem is to unplug all of the devices that are plugged into it and then shift them to a different general-purpose circuit. You can also purchase an AFCI breaker to help prevent circuit overloads. This type of breaker is designed to detect dangerous electric arcs and cut off the power supply before they can cause damage or a fire.
3. Flickering Lights
Flickering lights are a sign that you’re using more current than your circuit is designed to handle. Over time, that excess power can cause the wires to overheat, increasing the risk of fire. When the heat from a circuit gets too high, it can start to melt the insulation that connects the wires to each other. This creates a dangerous and potentially deadly situation that requires emergency repair.
You’ll want to make sure you understand which circuits are powering what in your home, and determine the safe load rate for each one. You can do this by turning off your breaker at the main panel and then going through the house testing outlets, flipping switches and plugging in a tester. If you find that your lights flicker when you turn on a microwave, washing machine or hairdryer, it’s likely because those appliances are all on the same circuit.
If you have a consistent pattern of lights flickering in specific areas, or only in certain conditions, it’s also a good idea to invest in a multimeter (check out our comprehensive guide on the best multimeters for homeowners) and learn more about your home’s voltage. Your home should register between 115 and 125 volts, so if you’re consistently at a higher number, it’s a sign that your electrical wiring isn’t up to standard.
Another warning sign of an overloaded electrical circuit is the sound of buzzing from your outlets and light switches. This is a common indication that the wiring in those spaces has become loose or damaged, and that excess current is flowing through it.
Your breaker is designed to shut off when the electrical current exceeds its safety threshold, and this is a critical safeguard that can protect you from serious injury or house fires. If your breaker trips frequently, it may be time to contact a professional electrician for help.
Flickering lights and the odor of burning are two clear indicators that it’s time to call an electrician for help with your electrical system. West Palm Beach Electrician can identify the source of your issues and address them before they can develop into something much more serious, such as an overloading electrical circuit. It’s worth the investment to keep your family and pets as safe as possible! Contact us today for a fair and affordable quote.
Overloaded electrical circuits are one of the leading causes of house fires. Identifying a circuit that is being overworked can help prevent potential damage and loss of valuable equipment. Breakers that continuously trip can be an indicator of a circuit overload. In this case, it is important to find a long-term solution to redistribute electrical…