How to Prevent Electrical Overloads: An Ultimate Guide
Electrical overload occurs when the electrical circuit is carrying more current than it can handle, leading to overheating, electrical fires, and other hazards. In simple terms, it is when you ask your electrical system to do more than it was designed to do.Get more news about
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Avoiding electrical overload is crucial as it can result in significant damage to your property, or worse, cause injuries or fatalities. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), electrical failure or malfunction was involved in 46,700 home fires in the United States in 2015–2019. These fires caused 390 civilian deaths, 1,330 civilian injuries, and over $1.5 billion in property damage.
It is also essential to note that electrical overload-related accidents and fatalities are not limited to homes only. In 2012–2016, there were over 16,930 non-home fires that involved electrical distribution or lighting equipment. These fires caused 22 civilian deaths, 210 civilian injuries, and over $718 million in property damage.
Therefore, understanding electrical overload, its causes, signs, and preventive measures, is critical to ensure the safety of your property and loved ones. In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about electrical overload, including how to avoid it and what to do in case it happens.
Causes of Electrical Overloads
Electrical overload can occur due to several factors, including too many electrical appliances, faulty wiring, circuit breaker malfunction, power surge, and lightning strikes.
Too Many Electrical Appliances
The primary cause of electrical overload is when too many appliances are connected to a single circuit. Overloading a circuit can cause it to trip, resulting in power outages or even electrical fires. This commonly occurs in households where there are multiple devices running simultaneously, such as air conditioners, refrigerators, televisions, and other high-power-consuming appliances.
Faulty Wiring
Another common cause of electrical overload is faulty wiring. This occurs when the wiring is not up to code, damaged, or outdated, causing the electrical system to work harder than it should. Faulty wiring can lead to overheating, short circuits, and electrical fires.
Circuit Breaker Malfunction
Circuit breakers are designed to trip and cut off the power supply when there is an electrical overload. However, if the circuit breaker is faulty or not functioning correctly, it may not trip, leading to an electrical overload.
Power Surge
Power surges occur when there is a sudden increase in the electrical current flow, typically caused by lightning strikes, power outages, or grid switching. These surges can damage electrical devices and appliances and even cause electrical fires.
