How to Detect and Fix Overloaded Electrical Circuits

by | Aug 27, 2024 | Maintenance, Electrical, Circuit Breaker, Repair

Overloaded electrical circuits can be a fairly common problem a lot of homeowners face here in Ohio. 

If not handled properly, they can become safety hazards that cause dangerous situations, including fires. In the following article, we will guide you through the process of detecting overloaded electrical circuits and how to fix them. The goal is to keep your home safe and your electrical systems functional. 

At Five Star Home Services, we proudly serve Greater Dayton, Greater Columbus, and Greater Cincinnati. We’ve been in business for over 50 years, offering residential and commercial services, including HVAC, plumbing, and electrical services. Our team of professional electricians is equipped with industry knowledge and decades of experience to help you identify and solve electrical problems. We aim to ensure you have a trouble-free electrical system. As always, customer satisfaction is our guarantee. 

Identifying Overloaded Electrical Circuits

For starters, the first step in dealing with an overloaded electrical circuit is to identify when they’re happening correctly. The main indicators of an overloaded electrical circuit include: Frequent tripping of circuit breakers, dimming or flickering lights when other appliances are in use, buzzing or sizzling sounds from switches or outlets, displaced outlet switch plates, and burning odors from outlets or switches. If you notice any of these signs, you should give us a call! It is essential we take immediate action. 

Addressing the Overload

After you have identified an overloaded circuit, it is time to address the issue. Start by powering down the overloaded circuit at the breaker box for safety. Then identify which appliances are causing the overload; often, it is caused by devices using a lot of power, such as central air conditioners, heaters, or larger kitchen appliances. Because of this, it’s always good practice to distribute electrical devices across multiple circuits, to ensure no single one is overloaded. 

Professional Inspection and Fixes

If redistributing the load does not resolve the problem, it is time to give us a call. Overloaded circuits can be a symptom of a larger problem such as an outdated electrical panel or inadequate wiring. Our experienced team of technicians at Five Star Home Services can perform a comprehensive inspection to identify the root cause and offer an affordable repair. Our professional electrical services are tailored to meet your unique needs. We ensure your electrical system is up to code and functioning properly. 

Preventing Future Overloads

To prevent future overloads, we recommend upgrading your electrical system — especially if your home is old and your electrical system hasn’t been updated in a long time. Having regular inspections performed by one of our professionals can also help identify minor issues before they become major problems.  

Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure! 

Give us a call today!

Ensuring that your home’s electrical system is safe and efficient is essential — not just for your comfort but also for your safety. We encourage you to call Five Star Home Services, your reliable partner, to keep your home’s electrical system in optimal condition. With more than 50 years of industry experience, we proudly serve Greater Dayton, Greater Columbus, and Greater Cincinnati. We guarantee superior service and unparalleled customer satisfaction. Contact us today for your electrical service needs. 

  • Matt Koch, Five Star Home Services
    Director of Electrical

    As the Director of Electrical Operations and a Master Electrician with 26 years of experience, I bring a deep understanding of electrical systems and a commitment to excellence with every customer.

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