Perhaps the biggest danger of an electrical overload is a house fire. However, an overload can also cause a host of other problems. It can lead to flickering lights, damaged appliances and electronic equipment, and frequently tripped breakers. To help you avoid these risks, here are some things to keep in mind to avoid electrical overloads.
Types of Electrical Overloads
Electrical overloads can stem from causes within the home, such as faulty appliances, overloaded circuits, or overloaded outlets. They can also be caused by external circumstances, such as power surges and lightning strikes.
An overloaded circuit is when too much power is demanded on a single circuit. This usually results in a tripped circuit breaker at the electrical panel. If power-draining appliances are on the same circuit, such as a microwave, dishwasher, or washing machine, you may not be able to use all the appliances simultaneously. If you frequently have tripped breakers, it may be time to add new circuits to your home’s electrical system.
A single circuit is often comprised of several outlets. Sometimes, a single outlet can be overloaded. This is usually a result of inappropriate use of extension cords and power strips. Use these devices with caution and only when absolutely necessary. If you chronically find yourself plugging multiple devices into a single outlet, consider installing more outlets.
Ways to Prevent Electric Overloads
Electricity is necessary for daily functioning, but misusing it can lead to disaster. Below, we’ll discuss ways to prevent electrical overloads and protect your home, appliances, and electronic devices from damage.
Install More Circuits and Outlets
Electronics and smart devices can make simple tasks more streamlined and convenient. Smart speakers, computers, modems, routers, printers, speakers, mobile devices, and more all need to be plugged in. However, adding these devices can overtake your home’s ability to handle them safely. If you have a relatively new electrical panel, you may be able to simply have our electricians add more circuits to your electrical panel to distribute the demand more evenly.
With additional circuits, we can also add more outlets. Extra outlets in the living room, home office, bedrooms, and other areas where you use numerous electronic devices can prevent problems with overloading. When you eventually sell your home, multiple outlets in rooms can make your home more attractive to potential buyers.
Upgrade Electrical Panel
Electrical panels have a finite number of circuits they can handle. They also have an upper limit to amperage. If your demands exceed these limits, it’s time for an electrical panel upgrade or replacement. Older homes may only allow 60 to 100 amps. This is often insufficient to meet our modern electrical demands. Newer homes usually have a limit of 200.
Newer electrical panels offer other benefits. They can handle electricity more efficiently than older panels. You might even notice a decrease in your electrical bills. Upgraded electrical panels also add value to your home and make it more appealing to buyers when you decide to sell it.
Whole Home Surge Protection
While upgrading your electrical panel, it might also be time to invest in whole-home surge protection. These devices are installed on or near the electrical panel. Electrical surges can start with the supply lines or within the home. A power strip or single-outlet surge protector only protects the devices plugged into them. A whole-home surge protector helps regulate the flow of energy into your home and protects all outlets from surges that originate within the home.
Surges from external sources include lightning strikes, but they also include malfunctions or load shifting from the utility company or downed power lines. You might automatically unplug sensitive electronics such as computers during a thunderstorm. However, your home is likely experiencing many smaller surges without you realizing it.
Did you know that more than half of the power surges you experience originate within the home? Large power drains, such as when your heating and cooling system starts up or your dishwasher runs, can also result in an inconsistent energy flow in your home. The damage from these small surges and fluctuations builds up. It can cause expensive equipment and appliances to fail earlier than expected. A whole-home surge protector protects everything from these power fluctuations and helps avoid overloading the system.
Avoid Using Extension Cords
Extension cords can be handy when used properly, but they should only be used temporarily. Inappropriate use can have fatal consequences. Several thousand house fires are caused by extension cords every year. Extension cords can easily be overloaded by high-drain devices such as portable heaters. If you must use them, look for ones with a fuse that prevents overloads.
Power strips with surge protection are a safer alternative. They can protect the devices plugged into them from harmful power fluctuations. The downside is that you need one for every outlet to protect all your devices and appliances. Plus, they can be bulky and unwieldy. A whole-home surge protector eliminates the need for power strips and protects every outlet and appliance in your house.
Unplug Vampire Appliances
Many electric devices and appliances use power even when they are turned off. Many refer to these as vampire devices and enough of them can contribute to electric overload. The worst offenders are those with a standby mode. Standby mode allows full functioning more quickly, but it constantly uses energy.
TVs, microwaves, game consoles, coffee makers, electric kettles, stoves, and many other appliances consume power even when not in use. If something has a clock or other indicator light, it’s using energy. Unplug these devices whenever possible to conserve electricity and reduce the risk of overloads.
Invest in Energy-Saving Appliances
Investing in energy-efficient appliances and electronic devices is another way to prevent electric overload and save energy. Our technicians can install an ENERGY STAR heating and cooling system, including smart thermostats, to lower your risk of overloads and your electric bills. You can also ask our plumbers about energy-saving hot water heaters, including tankless water heaters. We also offer energy-efficient garage doors.
Trusted Home Services Company
Absolute Services has been in business since 2008. In that time, we have won numerous awards, including the Angi’s List Super Service Award 7 years in a row. We serve Elizabethtown and the whole Central Kentucky area.
We were initially a garage door company offering installation, repair, and maintenance. However, as we gained loyal customers, we expanded our services. We now offer a full range of electrical services, including electric panel upgrades and whole-home surge protection. You can also turn to use for your home comfort needs, including installation, repair, and maintenance of heating and cooling systems and indoor air quality solutions. Our plumbing services include repair and installation of bathroom and kitchen fixtures, plumbing repair and repiping, and sump pump services. Our plumbers can work with water, sewer, and gas lines.
For all our services, we respond quickly and send experienced professionals to solve your needs. We can assess the whole home and offer reasonable solutions. We often offer specials and have maintenance plans and warranties to grant you peace of mind. We can usually offer financing on approved credit for installation services. Give Absolute Services a call when you need electrical, plumbing, or heating and cooling services.
