Each year, electrical malfunctions account for 35,000 home fires causing over 1,130 injuries, 500 deaths, and $1.4 billion in property damage. The average American home was built in 1977. Many existing homes simply can't handle the demands of today's electrical appliances and devices.
Learn the warning signs of an overloaded electrical system:
- Frequent tripping of circuit breakers or blowing of fuses
- Dimming of lights when other devices are tuned on
- Buzzing sound from switches or outlets
- Discolored outlets
- Appliances that seem underpowered
How to avoid overloading circuits
- Label your circuit breakers to understand the different circuits in your home
- Have your home inspected by a qualified electrician if older than 40 years or has had a major appliance installed
- Have a qualified electrician install new circuits for high-energy use devices
- Reduce your electrical load by using energy-efficient appliances and lighting
