Have you ever experienced circuit overload? You are plugged into different devices at the outlet, and suddenly the power goes off. If you face such a situation, this causes circuit overload. Most people are not familiar with this term and want to know the cause behind it. Let’s learn more about it.
Basics Of An Electrical Circuit
Circuits are prepared of different components like wiring, breaker, or fuse, and devices linked to them such as appliances and light fixtures. The electricity that each circuit uses adds to the total load of the circuit. When the related load for the circuit wiring exceeds, the circuit breaker will trip and turn off the power to the whole circuit.
What Is Circuit Overload?
All electrical circuits are designed to handle specific electricity. When you draw more electricity than circuit capacity, a circuit overload will happen. Circuit breaker trips help in breaking the circuit and thus the current flow. This could either melt the wire insulation or even lead to a massive fire.
What Are The Possible Signs Of Circuit Overload?
Different circuits have different load ratings. That means they may get overloaded under different circumstances. The most common sign of circuit overload is the tripping of the circuit and shutting off all the power. Some other signs are:
- Dimming lights
- Appliances not getting sufficient power
- Buzzing outlets or switches
You should contact professionals if these issues happen even after you take steps to prevent circuit overloads.
How To Map Circuit Overload?
It may look like several wires and cables are jutting out of the circuit breaker. They might look complex to interpret but the National Electrical Code imposes a circuit logic to simplify the system. The circuit in the main panel can be randomly divided into two types:
General Purpose Circuits
These serve multiple outlets such as lighting and most of the outlets in your home. You can use these circuits when you need cable high voltage or if you want to add another outlet.
Dedicated Circuits
These include the circuit that serves a single appliance like a microwave and refrigerator. These can also be used for small kitchen appliances and bathrooms.
Common Solutions For Circuit Overload
Some most common solutions for circuit overload are:
- Upgrade your electrical system and electrical conduits
- Avoid using all appliances at a time
- Use an extension cord occasionally
In case of persistent circuit overload or short circuit, call a professional immediately. To avoid this hassle, choose the best electrical wire company.
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