5 Signs That Your Electrical System Is Overloaded

Electrical overload in your home can be dangerous. An electrical overload will occur when the amount of electricity flowing through a circuit is too much for it to handle. This will usually happen when you have too many electrical appliances or devices plugged into a single circuit. Older homes may also not stand up well to the electrical power demand, especially when you are trying to run appliances that use up too much energy. Knowing some of the signs of an overloaded electrical system can help you make the necessary repairs or replacements so that you prevent dangerous situations such as electrical fires and electrocution. For this reason, watch out for the following signs that your electrical system is overloaded.

Buzzing, Crackling, Sizzling Sounds from the Outlets

Apart from arcing contacts, mechanical vibration, or worn out parts, such sounds from the outlets may indicate system overload. Therefore, when you hear the sounds, you might want to call your electrician to help you find where the overload is.

Damaged or Frayed Insulation

Cracked, cut, or damaged insulation wiring materials are a possible sign of possible sign of electric current overload as well. Therefore, have the wiring checked and replaced by an electrician.

Frequent Tripping Of Circuit Breakers/Blowing Of Fuses

Circuit breakers and fuses require frequent resetting and replacing sometimes to ensure that they work effectively. However, if you notice that your fuses are blowing too often or your circuit breaker is tripping almost every time, you may be dealing with an overloaded electrical system. Frequent tripping of your circuit breaker or blowing of your fuses will lead to frequent power outages.

Momentary Dimming, Flickering, or Blinking Of Lights

If your lights dim or flicker whenever you turn on an appliance such as a vacuum cleaner, dryer, microwave, or washing machine, you just could have started overloading your circuit. As you add more devices to a single circuit, the demand for electrical power will increase, which in turn will decrease the amount of electric current flowing through your lights to balance out the demand. If you plan to have another heavy load device, consider moving it to a separate place or have another circuit installed to cater for that heavy load.

Overheating

Cords, plugs, switch plates, and wall outlet covers can be warm to the touch but shouldn't be too hot. Overheating is a sign of an overloaded system and is an unsafe condition that requires immediate attention.