One of the most unpleasant and unexpected things that might happen is overload of electricity. High demands load circuits which in turn trigger it to shutdown. To make sure your home is safe and to restore electricity as quickly as possible, read this article where we explore all essentials for situations when you face an overload.
Understanding Power Outages
Why Is Electricity Out?
The cause of power went out can lay among various factors: severe weather conditions, faulty equipment and overloaded circuits. Let’s take a closer look at reasons that interrupt electricity working properly and why circuit trips to prevent the possible damage of your home appliances.
Common Causes of Power Outages
Overloaded Circuits. High-energy devices plugged into one circuit causes the overload.
Electrical Surges. Faulty wiring or unexpected demand changes usually result in power spikes
Utility Grid Failures. Issues at the power company can leave entire neighborhoods without power.
How Overloaded Circuits Lead to Power Failures
Leave the glory of surpassing limits to humanity and stop pushing your electricity towards it. When this happens, breakers trip to stop the flow of electricity. It happens to prevent overheating, which can lead to electrical fires.
Immediate Steps to Take
Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
What to do when power goes out? The first step is to remain calm. Check if the outage affects only your home or the entire neighborhood by looking at nearby houses or contacting your utility provider.
Checking Your Main Electrical Panel
Locate your circuit breaker panel and look for any tripped breakers. A switch that’s in the middle position or visibly off usually indicates the issue.
Identifying Signs of an Overloaded Circuit
Flickering lights before the outage.
A humming noise from the electrical panel.
Warm outlets or a burning smell near appliances.
If you notice these signs, refrain from resetting breakers immediately and address the cause first.
Safety Measures During an Outage
Protecting Yourself from Electrical Surges
Unplug all sensitive electronics like computers and TVs to prevent damage from potential surges when power is restored.
Avoiding Overloading Extension Cords and Outlets
Avoid plugging multiple high-wattage devices into the same outlet or extension cord, especially during an outage.
Handling Electrical Appliances Safely
Wait until power is fully restored before using large appliances like air conditioners or washing machines to prevent further strain on circuits. If you need more information on how to protect your home from electrical surges check our blog page.
How to Prepare for Power Outages
Building a Basic Emergency Kit
Include essentials like flashlights, batteries, a first aid kit, and non-perishable food to stay comfortable during extended outages.
Installing Surge Protection for Appliances
Surge protectors can safeguard your devices from power spikes, reducing the risk of permanent damage.
Planning Alternative Power Sources
When you’re thinking about how to prepare for power outage, consider investing in a generator or portable battery packs to keep critical devices running during outages. You may check our article why it’s crucial not only during power outages.
Preventing Overloaded Circuits
Understanding Your Home's Electrical Capacity
Know how much power your electrical system can handle. Distribute high-energy devices across different circuits to avoid tripping breakers.
Reducing Energy Consumption at Peak Times
Shift the use of heavy appliances like dryers or ovens to off-peak hours when demand is lower.
Maintaining Electrical Systems Regularly
Hire an electrician to inspect and upgrade your system periodically, ensuring it can handle modern energy demands. You can find more options to improve your electricity health here.
When to Call a Professional
Recognizing Signs of Serious Electrical Issues
If your breakers trip repeatedly or you notice sparks or smells near outlets, it’s time to consult an expert.
Finding Licensed Electricians Near You
Search for reputable electricians in your area and check online reviews for their credentials and experience. And now you’re at the right place—the best professionals are at FUSE!
Conclusion
Overloads are not always the thing you can control. On the other hand, we know what to do when power goes out. There are a lot of things you can take care of when overloads occur to protect your home. All of the advice above is great, but contact a professional electrician to prepare your home for any power outages that can happen. Simply call FUSE and your home will become a safer place. You can also watch our professionals doing the installations on YouTube or visit our Instagram page to see the jobs done.