Did you know that your home's electrical installation is divided into several circuits? While some people may think this is a technical consideration, there is a good reason for this approach. Indeed, in some cases, you may need to look more closely at your circuitry and even add some more capacity. So, what do you need to know about these circuits, and how do you know if you've run out of space? 

Deal with Modern Demands

If you have an older home that has not been renovated, you may be dealing with some circuitry that was designed for simpler days. In this case, the early householders would not have had access to the gadgets and kitchen appliances you do and would not have needed as many outlets as modern life may dictate. So, your property may be struggling to keep up with your demands, and there is a risk that a circuit could overload.

Count the Circuits

You can tell how many circuits you have by looking at your switchboard. Ideally, they will be carefully labelled, which will make it easier to flip a circuit breaker if you need to isolate a particular outlet. Energy hogs like refrigerators and freezers may have their own circuits, and you should be particularly careful not to overload with that type of appliance. Furthermore, an electric range may also need its own circuit with a higher amp rating.

Close to Capacity

Most problems arise when people try to plug too many gadgets into a small number of sockets near their entertainment centre. In an older home, you may only have a pair of outlets in that location and may try to rely on extension cords instead. However, these cords are only meant to be a temporary fix, and you should always look for a more permanent solution. Don't be tempted to simply buy another extension cord to see if you can cope.

Signs of a Problem

If you find that your breakers have been tripping a lot, this may be a sign that you are near the limit. In any case, you should carefully calculate your capacity and ensure that you do not overload these outlets to avoid the risk of breakdown or, in the worst case, fire.

What to Do Next

Get in touch with an electrician and ask them for their advice. If necessary, they will add some additional circuits and outlets to ensure that you can always cope.

Reach out to a company like O'Brien Electrical Mt Gambier to learn more.