You
may wonder: How do you tell if a circuit is overloaded? Well, there are
numerous signs to be aware of, and, in this article, our expert Atlanta electricians will go over the common
signs and symptoms to be on the lookout for that we've encountered in our more
than 75 years of experience.
Smells and burning odors
When
a circuit is overloaded, it means the appliance or device plugged into the
outlet is drawing too much power and putting a strain on your current wiring
setup.
One
common, and potentially hazardous, symptom associated with a maxed-out circuit
is burning and smelly odors. When wires become warm, or hot, the insulation
covering the wiring begins to break down and emit a fishy or burning odor.
Avoiding
this issue can increase your risk of igniting a house fire, so immediate
attention is recommended to mitigate this symptom. This leads us to the next
point, which is heated walls around wall outlets.
Heated walls
When
too much current is drawn, it can not only emit a burning smell, but it also
can release excessive heat. What does this mean for you? It may be that your
home electrical wiring setup is being exceeded by its current load.
If
you are experiencing warm walls around your home, including any discoloration
around the wall and/or the electrical wall plates, you need to get in contact
with a licensed electrician.
Flickers
Flickering
lights is also a sign of an overloaded circuit.
And,
as a result of being overloaded, it can undersupply power to the devices
connected to the outlet. Ultimately, this affects the flow of electricity and
undersupplies the expected ratings and specifications of the appliances and
devices connected to the circuit.
Another
serious and tell-tale warning of faulty electrical wiring is when you or a
loved one is shocked upon touching any plumbing, electrical, or home
appliances.
This requires immediate attention, as
this means the current is flowing beyond the wiring and to other appliances
that conduct the flow of electricity (e.g.,
other metal and moist surfaces).
Such
reasons can include, but not limited to, a ground fault or improper wiring. Do not
ignore this sign, as this can pose a life-threatening risk, such as shock or
even electrocution.
Schedule
service with the Estes Services team today if your home is showing these
symptoms.
Circuit Breaker Trip
If
you are having to make excessive visits to your circuit breaker box, be
cautious of an overloaded home electrical wiring system.
Your
current electrical setup may not be suitable for the demands of your
appliances, and an upgrade to your wiring or electrical panel may be necessary,
including possible circuit panel
replacement.
If
you're experiencing circuit breaker tripping, it's best to have the writing or
panel expected by a licensed Atlanta electrician.
Fix Your Overloaded Circuit Issues
with Estes Services
At
Estes Services, we want to help you ensure the comfort and safety of your home
electrical systems. We hope this article helped you better understand the signs
of an overloaded circuit panel.
Our
licensed electrical contractors at Estes Services will help you upgrade the
proper electrical system for your home and lifestyle needs. We service the
greater Atlanta area, including Alpharetta, Buckhead, Decatur, Druid Hills, Dunwoody, Fayetteville, Johns Creek, Kennesaw, Marietta, Midtown, Peachtree City, Roswell, Sandy Springs, and Virginia Highland.
