| Summer is in full force. Our kids are excited | | | | This can happen all year round. One aspect of a |
| because they're out of school, and there's plenty | | | | circuit being able to carry its' rated current is the |
| of outdoor recreation with baseball, swimming, | | | | insulation's ability to shed heat generated by that |
| soccer and activities. In this part of the country | | | | current. If the covering on your house wiring is |
| we typically experience extended periods of | | | | damaged; or buried under attic insulation; or bent |
| heat...often in triple digits. This puts a strain on | | | | at too tight a radius; or grouped with multiple |
| utility companies, and your homes' electrical | | | | other branch circuit wiring, its' ability to shed heat |
| demand is at yearly highs. It's important to | | | | is impeded. There are other aspects of a circuit |
| remember that mechanical and electrical systems | | | | that heat can be generated from; such as poor |
| in your home have limitations. | | | | or loose terminations, poor or loose splicing, |
| Many home electrical fires are caused by | | | | junction boxes crammed full of wires, NM cable |
| overloaded and outdated and failing home wiring | | | | (Romex) stapled too tightly anywhere along its' |
| systems. In fact, according to the US Fire | | | | path, and lengths of branch circuit wiring passing |
| Administration, electrical problems nationwide | | | | through extremely hot attics or other similar |
| account for nearly 68,000 home fires. | | | | spaces. |
| Circuit overloading doesn't just occur in old wiring | | | | If you are unsure about what constitutes an |
| systems, or just in older homes. Although, it | | | | overload, consult a professional electrician. If you |
| occurs more frequently in those systems | | | | are a do-it-yourselfer, assess and take |
| because they are less equipped to handle larger | | | | responsibility for your personal level of knowledge, |
| electrical loads. | | | | and if you have any doubts, don't be too proud |
| For example, you can load down a 20 amp circuit | | | | to seek consultation for expert advice, even if |
| to 18 amps and the breaker may never trip. | | | | you don't seek it from us. |
| However, the heat generated from continuous | | | | If you're interested in timely news, resources and |
| use at that level of current can cause problems in | | | | commentary, you can sign up for our free |
| your main service panel. Multiply that several | | | | newsletter, or if you need professional help with |
| times if you're loading down multiple circuits. | | | | any home wiring challenge, project, or general |
| Breakers have been known to melt down without | | | | questions visit us at |
| ever tripping. Fires have been known to start | | | | So even in the blistering heat, common sense |
| without over-current protection ever having | | | | must prevail. Trust your instincts. This |
| opened the circuit. | | | | summer...please stay cool and let common sense |
| This doesn't just happen in the heat of summer. | | | | rule. |