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What are Overloaded Circuits?

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Have you experienced a sudden shutoff of all your electric appliances when you have switched on a heater, a vacuum, or multiple lights in your home? 

It happens because of the circuit overload. In most cases, circuit breakers are installed in your home to prevent dangerous situations in case of circuit overload.

But what is a circuit overload, and why does it happen? To know more about it, you will have to go through this article.

What are overloaded circuits?

A simple circuit has breakers, wiring, and devices attached in a loop. When the devices are working, they use electricity. The total amount of electricity used up by the device is the LOAD. 

When the load exceeds the designated limit of the circuit, the circuit breaker trips, and the electricity to the entire circuit stops. It results in the electricity failure or shut down that you see at your end.

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What If the circuit won’t trip?

In case the circuit won’t trip with the overload of electricity, it will cause the wires in the circuit to get overheated, melting the insulation. The result of such a condition is usually fire.

Every circuit has a different capacity for handling LOAD. The home circuits are usually created keeping in account the average home usage. However, there can be a time like holidays or parties where you can exceed the designated overload, and this is when you have to face these issues.

Signs of circuit overload:

You should know about the typical signs of circuit overload to prevent any issue. These include:

What if you face the shutdown often?

If you are not connecting many gadgets, and still your circuit breaks off, you should look for professional electricians. There can be other underlying problems in your circuit that can result in such a situation. So, you shouldn’t be taking risks and ask for professional help immediately.

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