What is an electrical overload and how to avoid it?

 An electrical overload is a flow of current in excess of the usual operating electrical load. It can also be defined as an excess charge that passes through conductors and circuits. Therefore, the power required by several devices connected at the same time in the same circuit can exceed the capacity of the system. There are two types of overloads: transient (lasting for milliseconds) and continuous (due to a bad installation). In addition, it must be taken into account that the connections may have different models and sizes of circuit breakers, cables and plugs. Next, we tell you everything you need to know about electrical surges, how to avoid them and how to solve them.

How to know if there is an electrical overload

Whether at home or in the workplace, a power surge can affect specific connections or the entire system, however, watch out for similar indicators in both forms? Some clear signs that there is an overload are:

Lights starting to dim

If you notice the lighting start to flicker and dim, this is one of the first signs of an overload in the electrical circuits. This occurs because the lights are not receiving adequate current, even more so when all the devices or machinery share the available electrical power supply.

Buzzing

You may hear a buzzing or tingling sound from connections or outlets. These hums should be cause for concern since the flow of electricity must be smooth and not cause these sounds.

Burning smell

If the smell comes from electrical connections (outlets, panels, etc.). In this case, you must turn it off immediately and call the electrician to verify the system.

Hot Panels, Outlets, and Wall plates

When electrical outlets, plates, or panels are hot to the touch or appear discolored. It happens because they are struggling to draw as much current as possible and the electrical resistance increases.

High power equipment does not work properly

Any equipment, device or machinery that consumes a considerable amount of energy will be the first to be affected if the electrical demand is greater than the supply. In this way, they may have difficulty turning on, starting, or staying on. Power tools or anything with an electric motor are good examples of equipment that can malfunction under overload.

Causes of electrical surges

Power surges occur when more power is drawn into a circuit than it is designed to handle. The types of continuous overloads can be caused by having too many devices connected to a circuit, or also by faulty equipment. This causes too much current to be passing through the power cables. In this way, we can highlight the following main causes of an electrical overload:

·        Too many electrical devices plugged into one circuit

·        Using or having several similar electrical devices connected at the same time

·        Defective fuses or circuit breakers

·        Lighting device that consume a lot of energy

·        Have old connections or fuses (they are more likely to burn out)

·        One or two circuits control most of the house (typical in older houses)

·        The insulation that protects the cables is deteriorating

Consequences of electrical surges

In addition to causing concern, loss of equipment and damage to infrastructure, overloads can also be very dangerous for the integrity of people. Wires can get hot to the point where they start to melt, starting fires. Therefore, it is crucial that they understand the warning signs of an overloaded circuit, so that you can ensure that they do not cause serious damage to property and occupants.

Protection against electric current surges

The safest option is to do everything possible to prevent them from happening in the first place, so having a proper electrical system installation will be important to prevent overloads that lead to fires. Therefore, it is a good idea to have mapped the circuits that make up the electrical system from the beginning. In addition, an inspection to find and correct hazards that are not so visible could prevent many problems, which is why it is important to have the intervention of a specialized technician who spends time checking the connections throughout the infrastructure, making some repairs and installing protectors. Against surges. In this way, greater protection and security can be guaranteed for everyone, regardless of the season or age of the connections.

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