TOP REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD NOT OVERLOAD YOUR ELECTRICAL OUTLETS

There are several appliances, devices, and gadgets in our homes that run on electricity. To meet the rising demands of electricity in their house, homeowners turn to power strips and extension cords to simultaneously power multiple electrical devices. It is more common in old households with inadequate electrical outlets. However, they fail to realize that there can be severe consequences of plugging too many appliances in a single outlet. 

Electrical outlets are designed to carry a certain power load. When several devices or appliances draw electricity from a single outlet, it adds to its total load. An electrical outlet overloads when more power is drawn from it than it can handle. Overloading can also happen when too many high ampere appliances are plugged into a single outlet. A fault in the circuit can also cause an outlet to overload.

Homeowners should stay cautious and avoid overloading the electrical outlets for several reasons.

When an outlet overloads, the circuit breaker trips, cutting the electric flow to that whole circuit. In the absence of a circuit breaker, the circuit wiring will overheat, making the wire insulation to melt, which can cause a fire. It can put a family, property, and the entire neighborhood at risk. A homeowner needs to know that not all outlets in the home have the same load ratings. An electrician can inspect and provide knowledge of the home’s circuit layout to prevent an outlet from overloading.

The hazards of an overloaded circuit are evident because it is one of the prominent reasons behind the thousands of residential electrical fires that occur in the country every year. It has even proved fatal in several situations. The problem of outlet overload becomes more rampant during the holiday season when households need more electricity than usual to light up the Christmas decorations and meet the needs of extra guests in the house.

Apart from starting a dangerous fire, overloading an electrical outlet can also cause several other issues. It can damage electrical appliances and also cause power outages. 

Warning signs of an overloaded electrical outlet

The problems caused by an overloaded outlet can land all the members of a home in dangerous and unpleasant situations. There are a few warning signs to look out for that indicate that a circuit is overloaded:

• The circuit breaker trips frequently.

• The lights flickers, dims, or blinks.

• Discolored wall plates or warm outlets.

• Burning odor emanating from the switches or outlets.

• Appliances fail to draw enough power.

• Experiencing mild shocks while touching the outlets, switches, or appliances.

Tips to prevent overloading an electrical outlet

Here are some crucial steps homeowners should take to avoid overloading an outlet:

• Avoid plugging too many high ampere appliances in a single outlet.

• Limit the use of extension cords.

• Upgrade the electrical system and add more outlets.

• Know the correct amperage of fuses and circuit breakers in the house.

Overloading an electrical outlet can endanger your home’s safety. If you fear electrical outlet overload in the house, call an electrical contractor immediately to inspect and fix the issue. He can also install additional outlets and suggest ways to prevent them from overloading in the future. 

Kennedy Electric is a reliable full-service electrical company serving residential and commercial customers in Citrus, Hernando, and Pasco Counties. We offer electrical repairs, boat lift wiring, remodels, low voltage lighting, generator hookups, RV power, electrical inspections, fan installation, home lighting, new circuits, panels, and more. Call today at 352-251-2795.