So, your electrical equipment suddenly stopped working or your lights dimmed unexpectedly. What does this mean? The most likely cause of failed or suddenly poor performing electrical equipment is an overloaded electrical circuit.
Again, though, what does this mean? What is an overloaded electrical circuit? For simplicity, electrical circuits are composed of three components: the electricity source, the mode of transportation for the current, and the electrical consumer such as lighting, appliances, and anything that requires an outlet. When there is circuit overload, there is too much electricity going to any one of these components and the component cannot handle it.
So, what are the signs of an overloaded circuit, and what are its dangers?
What can an overloaded circuit cause? In the mildest of cases, an overloaded circuit can cause lighting and appliances to malfunction or stop working altogether. In more severe cases, it can cause permanent damage and even fires. We will discuss the signs of overloaded circuits and their dangers in more detail below.
Signs of an Overloaded Circuit
Dimmed Lights
Lights have a specific electrical frequency, brightness, that they put out. If you notice that your lights do not have the same brightness, you may be overloading your circuit, especially if your lights get dimmer with the more appliances you plug in or turn on. There is not enough electrical current to supply everything plugged in.
Warm Outlets or Switches
If you notice that the outlets or switches in your home are warm to the touch, that means they are overheating. There is too much electrical current going to those locations, causing them to overheat and warm up.
Burning Odors
Similar to warm outlets and switches but more severe, burning odors around electrical equipment means that the circuit is overheating due to too much current going to them. If left unchecked, this could lead to scorched plugs and burn marks.
Little Power with Plugged in Items
Overload circuits mean that the electricity requirement is too much for the circuit to handle. In such instances, electrical currents are divided up between appliances where no appliance is receiving the correct amount to operate at optimal performance. If you notice that any of your appliances, electrical tools, or other items plugged into an outlet either have little power or no power, this may mean you have a circuit overload.
Buzzing Outlets
Buzzing outlets or circuits is a sign that there is enough electrical current in these locations to produce an audible noise. Circuits are designed to keep electrical currents in check to not make these noises, so if you notice a buzzing sound, it may mean there is too much electricity in that location for the circuit to handle sufficiently.
Dangers of an Overloaded Circuit
Poor Performance
An overloaded circuit can lead to poor performing appliances, electrical tools, and anything else plugged into an outlet as well as dimmed lighting fixtures. If the circuit has too much electricity going to it, it must divide that electricity between the appliances and as such, causes each to operate at suboptimal performance or not at all.
Overheating
Electricity creates heat, so too much electricity to a circuit often means that the circuit will overheat. This can cause damage to electrical components that change their properties permanently. On such occasions, the components will never operate in peak efficiency again and can be costly to repair.
Sparks
If a circuit is overheated to such an amount, it can create sparking that can melt the components and permanently damage the circuit. This can happen inside the wall with wiring, at the electrical box, or at the end appliance. These sparks can also damage nearby items if the sparks hit them.
Fire
While modern day electrical circuits have precautions against circuit overload for safety, it can still cause fires in extreme cases. This can damage insulation, cause components to fail, and even lead to the destruction of an entire house if left unchecked.
Overview
Overloaded circuits are not something many homeowners commonly think about until it happens to them. While minor cases just lead to poor performing appliances and dimmed lights, extreme cases can lead to fire that costs a family everything. If you are noticing these signs with your electrical circuits, it is important to take action right away. Contact a licensed electrician such as Bratcher Electric in Wayne Michigan to ensure your circuits are up to code and safety and that you are not asking too much of the circuit with your appliances.
Our electrical firm is ready to take on any electrical issue or upgrade your home or business needs. Our team has extensive training and experience as well as stay up to date on all safety procedures, protocols and technology. When you hire Bratcher Electric your electrical services will be backed by a commitment to customer care. Connect with us anytime!