There's a lot of new technology around to help make our lives easier. But all together, those devices can take a toll on your home’s circuits and outlets.
Circuit overload happens when demand on a circuit exceeds its capacity. This can cause the breaker to trip or, worse, create a fire risk from overheated wiring. In addition, appliances and devices plugged into an affected circuit can become damaged.
Your home’s circuits may be overloaded if lights flicker when you turn on appliances, circuit breakers frequently trip, or outlets or switches are warm to the touch or smell like they’re burning.
Use these tips to prevent circuit overload and keep your home safe.
- Label circuit breakers to understand the different circuits in your home.
- Contact a qualified electrician to inspect your home if it’s older than 40 years or has had a major appliance installed.
- Have a qualified electrician install new circuits for high-energy-use devices, such as washers, dryers, refrigerators, dishwashers and ovens.
- Purchase energy-efficient appliances and lighting to reduce your electrical load.