Room Circuit Overload: Causes, Warning Signs, and How to Safely Repair It

An overloaded circuit is one of the most common home electrical problems, and one that is usually quite easy to fix. Persistent electrical overloads, however, can point to more serious issues that can be harder to resolve. 

What Is a Room Circuit Overload?

Your home electrical system consists of a number of closed circuits that deliver electricity from a main power source to all of your outlets and hard-wired lighting fixtures and appliances. Each circuit is rated to handle only so much power, and a circuit becomes overloaded when the electrical demands exceed what it can safely manage. 

An overloaded outlet or circuit is dangerous because the increased heat output can start a fire, compromise your electrical system, destroy your appliances, and introduce electrical safety hazards.

Common Causes of Electrical Circuit Overload

A power overload can result from a number of events or circumstances. The most common include:

• Using too many devices at once. The most common way to overload electrical circuit wiring at home is by running multiple appliances at the same time. For example, if a space heater, television, lamps, and computers are all connected to the same circuit, you might trip the breaker if you suddenly add the vacuum to the mix. If your breaker is functioning correctly, it will immediately cut the power, and all the devices on that circuit will shut off.  
• Damaged or outdated electrical systems. Modern electrical appliances, particularly heating and cooling appliances, have substantial electrical demands. If a home’s wiring is outdated, the circuits may not be able to manage the power requirements of contemporary appliances. 

Damaged or deteriorating electrical systems can also invite circuit overloads. Faulty or corroded connections, wires, outlets, and electrical fixtures can lead to shorts and surges.

• Faulty electronic appliances. Sometimes the culprit is not the electrical system, but the appliance connected to it. Deteriorating appliances can become less efficient, resulting in them drawing more power to accommodate.
• Undersized circuits. The biggest home appliances are typically wired to dedicated circuits. Even if the electrical system is in good condition, you may find that the dedicated circuit for a new washer, dryer, or dishwasher is inadequate for the appliance’s power demands.
• Power surges and fluctuations. Electrical surges can occur in thunderstorms, when there are issues with the power grid, or when your electrical provider restores power following an outage. Surges that result from such events can cause one or more circuits to overload. 

Warning Signs Your Circuit Is Overloaded

The clearest indication of an overloaded circuit is a tripped breaker. Other indications of an overloaded or near-overloaded include:

• Lights that flicker or dim, especially when another appliance or device begins to draw power
• Buzzing or humming coming from your outlets or electrical panel
• Burning odors emanating from your electrical equipment
• Outlets and switchplates that are discolored or warm to the touch

If you suspect an overload but your breaker fails to trip automatically, cut power to circuit manually at your electrical panel.

Step-by-Step: How to Fix an Overloaded Circuit Safely

Remedying an electrical overload is usually a simple fix, but remember that you’ll need to address the underlying cause as well. Here’s how to fix overloaded circuit wiring:

1. Unplug or turn off the electrical equipment connected to the circuit.
2. Locate your home’s electrical panel or breaker box and look for the tripped breaker. On a modern panel, this should look like a switch that is halfway between the “on” and “off” states. Ideally, your panel is labeled as well, so you’ll have a better understanding of which switch corresponds to the affected circuit.
3. Reset the breaker by moving the switch first to the “off” position, then switching it to the “on” position. Power should now be fully restored to the circuit. If it trips again, however, there is a more complex issue that an electrician should diagnose.
4. Return to the affected room and plug in or turn on your appliances one by one. If it was obvious which appliance tripped the breaker, move that to an outlet on a different circuit or swap it out for another appliance that had already been plugged in.
5. Monitor for signs that the circuit may be overloaded by your home’s power demands. If you notice anything concerning, cut the power to the circuit at the electrical panel and contact an electrician for help.

Preventing Future Electrical Overloads in Your Home

If overloads are a persistent problem in your home, follow these tips to avoid them:

• Distribute your appliances, particularly your power-hungry equipment, across multiple circuits.
• Unplug nonessential appliances temporarily when using something like a space heater, hair dryer, or toaster oven on the same circuit.
• Make sure power strips and extension cords are appropriately rated for the appliances you connect them to, and avoid daisy-chaining cords together.
• Replace your lightbulbs and appliances with energy-efficient alternatives to consume less power.
• Schedule an electrical inspection to map your home’s electrical circuits, calculate the electrical loads on each circuit, and determine if there are any faulty wires or connections.  

Using a Home Warranty for Electrical Protection

If your overloaded circuit winds up being a symptom of a deeper electrical problem, you can shield yourself from the repair costs by taking advantage of a home warranty. Liberty Home Guard offers a variety of options for electrical system protection, giving you the opportunity to resolve any electrical issues at a moment’s notice and for a fraction of the market rate. Chat with our team to learn more by calling (833)-545-3434.