Overloading an electrical circuit can be extremely dangerous and may even lead to an electrical fire. Circuit breakers are designed to trip almost instantly when they detect an overload. The greater risk comes when a faulty breaker fails to trip, allowing excess current to continue flowing and causing the wiring to overheat.
Overloads are more common in the summer due to higher demand from air conditioners, power tools, lawn equipment, and outdoor appliances. Fortunately, there are simple ways to prevent power overloads by understanding your electrical system and being mindful of how much power each circuit is supplying.
Know Which Outlets Share a Circuit
In many homes, multiple outlets in one area are wired to the same circuit. However, some electrical systems may split circuits across rooms in less obvious ways. For example, outlets on one wall in a room might be tied to outlets on the same wall in the neighboring room.
Outdoor outlets on exterior walls are often connected to indoor outlets on the same wall as well. Without knowing which outlets share a circuit, it’s easy to accidentally overload it.
Most electrical panels are labeled to show what each circuit powers. If labels are missing or unclear, it’s worth taking the time to test. Start by turning on lights in every room, then switch off each 120-volt breaker one at a time and note which lights turn off. Label the panel as you go to make future reference easier.
Once you know which circuit powers your indoor outlets, test the outdoor outlets on that wall by switching off the corresponding breaker and checking whether they lose power. This helps you avoid plugging in too many devices to the same circuit.
Identify 15-Amp vs. 20-Amp Circuits
Most household 120-volt circuits are rated at 15 amps, though some are 20 amps. The amperage determines how much wattage a circuit can safely supply. You can find the amperage printed on each breaker in the panel.
To calculate the safe wattage, multiply amps by volts. A 15-amp circuit can supply up to 1,800 watts, while a 20-amp circuit can handle 2,400 watts. However, it’s recommended to only use up to 80% of the maximum capacity to allow for power fluctuations. That means aiming for 1,440 watts on a 15-amp circuit and 1,920 watts on a 20-amp circuit.
Many appliances and power tools don’t have a constant draw. They can require more power temporarily, especially during startup, which increases the risk of tripping a breaker or overheating wires.
Account for Startup Load vs. Running Load
Some equipment, such as window air conditioners, power tools, and electric lawn equipment, draws significantly more power when first turned on. This startup surge can be two to three times the device’s listed running wattage.
For example, a 500-watt window AC unit might briefly draw over 1,000 watts when starting. If you have multiple devices on the same circuit, those brief surges can trip the breaker, especially if the circuit is already under load from lights or electronics.
Electric lawnmowers typically draw between 1,200 and 1,800 watts while running, but they may exceed 2,000 watts during startup. If other devices are using the same circuit at the same time, even a brief startup surge can push the total load over the limit.
To prevent overloads, consider turning off lights and electronics inside the house that share the same circuit before using high-powered outdoor tools. If possible, use a heavy-duty extension cord to connect the equipment to a different circuit that isn’t currently in use.
Consider Installing a Dedicated Outdoor Circuit
Overloads are more likely in summer not just because of high-power equipment, but also because extreme heat can make motors work harder and draw more electricity.
If your breaker frequently trips when using outdoor tools or appliances, consider installing a dedicated 20-amp circuit for your outdoor outlets. This helps isolate high-demand tools from indoor circuits and reduces the risk of overloading.
Even with a dedicated circuit, it’s still important not to run too many devices at once. For example, avoid operating an electric lawn mower and a string trimmer simultaneously from the same outlet.
Call Huft Home Services for Safe Electrical Solutions
At Huft Home Services, we provide safe, reliable electrical work to homeowners throughout Sacramento and the surrounding areas. If you’re experiencing overloaded circuits or want to install a new outdoor outlet or circuit, we’re here to help. Our licensed electricians can upgrade panels, add dedicated circuits, and ensure your electrical system is ready for summer and beyond.
Contact Huft Home Services today for trusted repairs, installations, and peace of mind.
