Saskatoon Electrician: Signs You Have an Overloaded Circuit

Something is wrong with your electricity, but you’re not sure what. Perhaps your appliances don’t work when you plug them in, or maybe you have to keep resetting your breaker. Unlike more straightforward home issues, it’s not always safe to try to DIY an electrical malady. In the following guide, learn more about whether an overloaded circuit could be the culprit behind your problems and contact electrical contractors in Saskatoon as soon as possible.

What Is a Circuit?

A “circuit” is simply a term for a loop. In electrical terms, a circuit is a track the electricity takes from its power source through the wires, to your appliances, and back to its “home” panel. The circuit breaker located in your house (or garage) stops and starts the flow of electricity. Breakers are basic safety devices that are programmed to shut down circuits if they’re overloaded with electricity.

What Are the Signs of an Overloaded Circuit?

The typical household is designed to handle a specific amount of electricity. If there’s too much electricity on any one circuit, it can get overloaded and shut down. This problem isn’t just caused by your toaster and hairdryer: Remember that your home is already sending electricity to your refrigerator and other large appliances on a continual basis. Consider the following signs to determine if this might be the correct diagnosis for your home.

1. Lack of Power in Appliances

Your hairdryer shuts down when you plug it in and your TV won’t turn on again. Though these seem like small annoyances, they can add up. If your appliances are connected to the same circuit, there’s a good chance that this circuit is overloaded. Avoid overloading your circuit in the first place by only plugging in what you need to, and don’t forget to check your breakers if you can’t get them to turn on again.

2. A Breaker Keeps Tripping

If you remember the function of breakers — to automatically shut down a circuit if it’s overloaded with electricity — then it’s easy to see why a breaker that keeps tripping is a clear sign of an overloaded circuit!

If you notice the same breaker shutting off again and again, you’ve likely got a problem with overloading that particular circuit. Instead of simply flipping the breaker switch, take time to address the problem so it doesn’t happen again.

3. Scorched Plugs or Outlets

It’s alarming to notice a scorch mark near or on your outlet. There are a few scenarios that may cause a burned-looking outlet including faulty wiring, ancient outlets, and arcing, which is the term for when electricity “jumps” across the gap from the outlet to a device or plug.

It’s pretty common for a scorched outlet to indicate a simple circuit overload, though. It’s important that you call residential electricians in Saskatoon to deal with this issue — especially if you’ve never seen it in your home before — as it could mean that your outlet or wiring is unsafe.

What Should I Do if I Notice These Signs?

While DIY-ing your own floor stain or paint job won’t harm you, choosing to do electrical work by yourself without proper training and safety protocols can be extremely dangerous. Please call an electrician if you notice signs of electrical problems that you aren’t sure how to diagnose and fix.

Contact the Top Electrical Contractors in Saskatoon

If you need help with your overloaded circuit, get in touch with Handyman Connection as soon as possible. Our contractors each have over a decade’s worth of experience, and we pride ourselves on our friendly, efficient service to homeowners in several areas. Contact us today for a an estimate!