Electrical Safety Tips: Ways to Prevent an Overload in Your Power Points

Power overloads are among the leading causes of electrical hazards in homes and facilities. They occur when the maximum amperage of an electrical circuit is exceeded. A power overload can cause damage to electrical equipment and appliances that are plugged in. In some instances, they can also result in an electrical fire. Preventing an overload in your power points is essential in ensuring safety as you make use of electrical equipment. Read on for some tips and measures that you can take to achieve this and promote electrical safety in your home or business.

Avoid plugging in many appliances

If your home or business' electrical wiring system is composed of one or two power points in a room, you may be tempted to plug in an extension or adaptor so as to increase the number of outlets. While this may seem like an efficient way of running many appliances at once, it can create an electrical hazard. If you plug in several appliances with high amperage, you may exceed the maximum current in the circuit. This will cause a power overload, and your circuit breaker will cut the electrical flow to prevent overheating.

If you have to plug in several appliances to one power point, make sure that they do not draw a lot of power. For instance, you can connect your television, battery charger, and laptop to one extension as they will not exceed the maximum amperage for the circuit.

Beware of high amp equipment

Some equipment and appliances draw a lot of current as compared to others. If you have such appliances in your home, running them at the same time on one power point can cause an overload. For instance, when using kitchen appliances, avoid running the electric kettle, mixer, and blender at the same time as they are high amp appliances. Also, do not use a hair dryer and an electric razor at the same time on your bathroom power point.

Upgrade your overload protection devices

Every home or facility with electrical wiring has a meter box which contains overload protection devices. These devices prevent electrical flow in a particular circuit when the amperes are exceeded. The most common overload protection devices are fuses and circuit breakers. When the maximum current in a circuit is exceeded, the fuse or circuit breaker trips and prevents electrical flow in the circuit.

When you notice that one of your circuit breakers has tripped, you shouldn't switch it back on without addressing the problem as you could end up causing damage to your appliances. Upgrade your fuses and circuit breakers to maximize efficiency in protecting your circuits from an overload.

Always contact a professional electrician if you have any issues with your circuits or the electrical wiring in your home or facility. Avoid handymen and DIY electrical work as it could lead to potential electrical hazards.

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