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Many home electrical fires are caused by overloaded and outdated and failing home wiring systems.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

So even in the blistering heat, common sense must prevail. Trust your instincts. This summer...please stay cool and let common sense rule.