Our lifestyles demand a lot of electricity – from TVs to personal electronic assistants, from laptops to phones and tablets. Even our children play with toys that plug into the wall these days. Add to that the crockpots and coffee makers, and you can begin to see just how many outlets are required in a modern home. But overloaded outlets can lead to dangerous situations.
Did You Know? According to the United States Consumer Protection Safety Commission, 5,000 electrical fires attributed to overloaded outlets occur annually in the United States.
Fires due to electrical outlets cause serious injuries, billions of dollars in property damage, and sadly, even death. For a homeowner, taking their safety into their own hands is of utmost importance. It is easy to assume that your electrical systems are safe and that another appliance won’t make much of a difference, but homeowners should do some basic research in order to make sure they are operating in a safe manner. If you have questions, call a master electrician to come and help.
How Much is Too Much?
Your home electrical system is complex. If you do not have a working knowledge of electricity and electrical systems, it can be a bit overwhelming (and a little dangerous) to take on projects yourself. Still, have an understanding of your home’s electrical system is necessary maintaining power supply and avoiding dangerous situations.
What is the amperage capacity on your breaker? Look at the electric panel, typically located in the garage or utility room. Each circuit breaker should have maximum amperage marked on the handle. This amperage cannot be exceeded or the circuit breaker will trip. Most breakers in Florida homes have a rating of 15 to 20 amps. It is recommended that you never exceed 80% of the recommended load, leaving room for unexpected surges.
How many outlets should be on a single circuit? Typically, more than one outlet wired to a circuit can overload your system. When looking at your circuit breaker, check the labels. If a breaker is labeled “utility room” or “living room,” there is a good chance that multiple outlets are drawing from one circuit and could be causing an overload.
How much electricity are you already consuming? To determine the amount of electricity you and you family are consuming, remember this basic formula: p/e=i. This is wattage (p) divided by volts (e) equals amps (i). For instance, if your package of holiday lights indicates it uses 1,500 watts, you would divide 1,500 by 120 (most homes have a 120 volt system). This would result in 12.5 amps being used. Need help? Call the master electricians at Promise Electric.
Pay Attention! Signs of Overloaded Outlets
You may be the most conscientious homeowner in Sarasota, but mistakes can happen. Knowing the warning signs of an occasional overload of the system is the best way to avoid tripping your breaker or causing an electrical fire.
Indications of overloaded outlets include:
- Wall plates or electrical cords are warm to the touch
- Lights are flickering or dimming for no reason
- Crackling or buzzing sounds in proximity to outlets
If you notice any of these happening in your home, don’t take any chances. Call the experienced electricians at Promise Electric to come and check out the situation. We are happy to come and assess your electrical system, a swell as make any recommendations which can help you to create a safer environment for you and your family.
