As people add more electrical appliances and gadgets to their homes, it becomes increasingly important to have a good electrical setup. If you are experiencing power outages often or notice that your home's electrical system struggles to keep up with your family's demand, it might be time to consider adding an extra electrical circuit. It is tempting to take up a DIY project and try to fix the wiring yourself, but it is always advisable to call an expert electrician. Do you need to take such action?
Overloaded Circuits
One of the most common signs that you need an extra electrical circuit is when the existing circuits are overloaded. Overloading is when too many devices draw power from a single circuit causing it to short-circuit. Short-circuit can start a fire and damage electrical devices. You might notice that the power goes off quite frequently or experience a drop in voltage in specific parts of the house. Adding an extra circuit will provide more outlets to connect the appliances, which will distribute the load evenly across the home.
Appliances Are Tripping the Breaker
If your home's outlets keep tripping, despite switching off all the appliances, you may need another circuit. The breaker trips when the electrical current exceeds the level of the given circuit. This can also happen if an appliance runs in conflict with other devices on the same circuit. It is essential to add a new circuit rather than upping the current of the existing one to handle the load.
Renovations or Upgrades
When you decide to install new appliances or gadgets or plan to renovate your home, it's essential to evaluate the electrical need of your home. New gadgets might require a separate circuit to run correctly, so it is always a good idea to consult with an electrician before making any upgrades. Similarly, when you renovate your home or build an extension, it is vital to assess whether the existing electrical system can cope with the increased load.
Safety First
Safety is one of the primary reasons to consider adding an extra electrical circuit. Overloading an outlet or circuit increases the risk of electrical hazards such as electric shock, fires or other damage. Damaged circuits create problems both in terms of safety and can cause damage to your electrical devices.
The Takeaway
Having an adequate electrical setup is important for every household in the modern era. When you are experiencing frequent power outages or suspect that your electrical system is struggling to keep up with your family's demand, then it's vital to consider adding an extra circuit. But to do this work, ensure that you hire an experienced electrician, as they'll be able to certify everything at the conclusion.
For more information, contact an electrician near you.
Share27 June 2023
Heya. I’m Jim. I am an electrical assistant in an open cut mine. I help keep generators maintained and operating, and ensure that electrical installations are safe. I work with extremely high voltages, so safety is a priority. I was an assistant for a household electrical contractor. Whilst it is more exciting to work with industrial electricians, being a general electrical assistant had its moments. Once, when working in a roof cavity, I was bitten by a rat! Friends and family often ask me to do electrical jobs and I worry about their ignorance when it comes to electrical installation and the importance of hiring a qualified professional. There are some jobs I simply won’t touch because I lack the expertise. I hope this blog makes people aware of the types of electrical work and general care which must be taken when working around electricity. Please read and stay safe!