Handling An Overloaded Circuit Breaker

An overloaded circuit breaker trips when too much electrical current flows through a single circuit, and it's your home’s way of preventing overheating, damage, and fire risks. Understanding why it happens and how to respond helps keep your electrical system safe and reliable.

What Is An Overloaded Circuit Breaker?

An overloaded circuit breaker is triggered when an electrical circuit draws more electricity than it is designed to handle. Circuit breakers protect your home’s electrical system by interrupting the flow of electricity once the breaker’s capacity is exceeded. In simple terms, this is what a circuit breaker does: It shuts power off to prevent overheated wires, electrical fire possibilities, and damage to circuit wiring.

Each breaker in your breaker box is rated for a maximum load. When the total electrical power demanded by all the devices on the same circuit goes beyond that limit, the circuit breaker trips.

Common Causes Of Circuit Overloads

Circuit overloads are common in Canadian homes, particularly in older properties with fewer dedicated circuits. Some of the most frequent causes include:

Too many appliances are plugged into the same circuit
A lot of high-demand equipment, like space heaters, air conditioners, or air conditioning units
Using power strips or extension cords to run multiple devices
Plug-in appliances are drawing more electricity than expected
General-purpose circuits serving multiple rooms
Running several electrical devices at the same time

An overloaded circuit occurs when all the devices on the entire circuit collectively draw more electricity than the breaker’s capacity allows.

Signs Of An Overloaded Circuit

Your home often gives warning signs before serious electrical problems develop. Watch for:

Circuit breaker trips that happen repeatedly
Flickering lights or dimming lights when appliances turn on
Switch covers or outlets that feel warm to the touch
Buzzing sounds from light switches or the electrical panel
A burning smell near outlets or the breaker box
Hot wire sensations or visible discolouration

These signs can indicate overheating wires, loose connections, or electrical circuit overload conditions that need attention.

Dangers Of Ignoring Overloaded Circuits

Ignoring an overloaded circuit is risky. Continuous overloads increase the chance of electrical fires, house fires, and damage to your electrical wiring. Over time, overheating wires can degrade insulation, increasing fire hazards and safety hazards throughout the entire house.

Short circuits and ground faults can also develop when circuit wiring is stressed. These issues may violate the Canadian Electrical Code (CEC) and create serious fire risks if left unresolved.

Preventing Circuit Overloads

Preventing circuit overloads starts with understanding how electricity is being used throughout your home. When too many appliances draw power from the same circuit, the risk of tripped breakers and overheated wires increases.

Simple habits can help reduce strain on your electrical system:

Balance appliance use across different circuits.
Avoid operating several high-demand devices at the same time.
Keep heavy-load equipment like air conditioners and space heaters on dedicated circuits.
Replace damaged cords and stop using worn extension cords.
Use power strips sparingly rather than as a permanent solution.

If overloads continue, a professional inspection can help identify capacity limits within your electrical panel. A qualified electrician can review your system and recommend updates to ensure general-purpose circuits are operating safely and efficiently.

Steps To Take When A Circuit Breaker Trips

Step 1: Turn off or unplug all the devices on the affected circuit immediately.
Step 2: Locate the breaker box and find the tripped breaker.
Step 3: Reset the breaker by switching it fully off, then back on.
Step 4: Plug devices back in one at a time to identify which load caused the issue.
Step 5: Use a voltage tester if needed to confirm power flow safely.

Pro Tip: If the circuit breaker trips again right away, stop and seek professional help. Repeated tripping means the electrical circuit is overloaded or there is another electrical issue present.

When To Call A Professional

If circuit breakers trip frequently, outlets feel warm, or flickering lights persist, it is time to call a professional electrician. Electrical repairs involving circuit wiring, breaker capacity, or loose connections should only be handled by trained electrical contractors.

A professional electrician can determine how much power your circuits can safely handle, install dedicated circuits, and correct underlying electrical problems. For reliable service and peace of mind, experienced electricians in Winnipeg can help ensure your home’s electrical system operates safely and meets current standards.

Loose Electrical Outlets And Their Dangers

If you’ve wondered, “Are loose outlets dangerous?”, the short answer is yes. A loose electrical outlet is never harmless. In fact, it is a genuine electrical hazard that can lead to arc faults, overheated wires, and even a fire. This is why it should be repaired as soon as you notice the first sign of trouble.

Signs That An Outlet Is Loose

A loose outlet often gives itself away with visible or physical warning signs. Watch for:

A wobbly outlet or movement inside the wall
Gaps around the cover plate
Plugs falling out easily
A burning smell
Sparks when plugging or unplugging devices
Visible burn marks around the electrical outlet

Any of these issues indicates that the outlet is loose, the outlet box may not be secured tightly, or the outlet’s wires have started to shift.

What Causes An Electrical Outlet To Become Loose?

Frequent Plugging & Unplugging Of Cords

Repeated movement inside the receptacle can weaken the contact points and eventually loosen the outlet box or the screws that hold the receptacle in place.

Improper Installation

A poorly aligned electrical box or loose screws can make the outlet unstable from day one.

Aging Components

Old outlet hardware, brittle wires, and weakened clamps contribute to loose electrical outlets in older homes.

Loose Screws

Screws inside the receptacle or face plate can back out over time, leaving the outlet unsecured.

Temperature Changes Or Humidity

Canadian homes experience seasonal shifts that cause materials to expand and contract, gradually loosening electrical sockets and increasing potential hazards.

When an outlet becomes loose, the two loose blades inside the receptacle stop gripping the plug properly. This creates heat, sparks, and the kind of high-energy discharge that leads to arc-fault conditions.

Dangers Of A Loose Outlet

A loose electrical outlet affects more than the wall it sits in; it threatens the entire electrical system in your residential or commercial property. Key risks include:

Fire Hazard

A loose outlet can cause electricity to arc. When electricity jumps between connection points, the heat can ignite surrounding material inside the wall.

Electrical Shock Hazard

Any shifting inside the outlet exposes you to electric shock, particularly when plugging in devices.

Device Damage

Loose contact points cause inconsistent power. Sensitive electronic devices can fail or suffer internal damage as a result.

Overheating Wires

A loose outlet increases resistance, which causes excess heat. Overheating wires behind the wall become a hidden danger that may not be noticed until it’s too late.

What Should Be Done About A Loose Electrical Outlet?

Fixing a loose outlet requires more than tightening a screw. The safest solution is to call a professional electrician who can inspect the outlet box, wiring, and receptacle. A licensed electrician will:

Cut power at the circuit breaker
Inspect the electrical box for damage
Re-secure or replace the receptacle
Ensure all screws, contact points, and wires are fastened correctly
Install a new outlet if the old outlet is beyond repair

DIY fixes or installing shims without proper knowledge can create additional electrical problems or increase the risk of fire.

Preventing Loose Electrical Outlets In The Future

A few simple habits help reduce wear and tear:

Use caution when plugging and unplugging devices to avoid stressing the receptacle.
Schedule regular inspections of outlets and wiring, particularly in older homes.
Book periodic professional electrical check-ups to ensure safety and catch potential hazards early.

Staying ahead of issues keeps your electrical sockets, outlet boxes, and wiring in better condition long-term.

Final Thoughts

Loose outlets are dangerous, but they are easy to handle when addressed promptly. If you notice sparks, a wobbly outlet, or plugs that fall out, treat it as a potential fire hazard and get help right away. Powertec Electric’s licensed electricians in Winnipeg can assess, repair, or replace any loose electrical outlet to ensure safety in your home or business.

Old House Wiring, Inspection, and Repair

Character homes come with many advantages: they’re affordable, unique, and historic. But older houses have other problems, like outdated wiring. 100 years ago, power demands for the average household were very different; they didn’t have computers, TVs, and power bars like we do now. To live a technology-driven lifestyle in a historic home, adjustments need to be made.

It’s recommended that you schedule an electrical wiring inspection whenever you buy new appliances, renovate your home, or if the property is older than 40 years. When you are looking at buying an older home, be sure to ask about what electrical system is being used. Historic homes tend to have outdated wiring systems; here are two of the most common ones, and the issues with them:

Knob and Tube Wiring:

Used as early as the 1900s, this was the first type of electrical wiring installed in homes. These 100 year-old systems are considered obsolete by contractors. If installed correctly, knob and tube wiring can remain in the house, albeit with some limitations (no three-pronged electrical outlets). It does come with some risks, like the lack of a grounding conductor to help prevent electrical fires. The wiring insulation is a fire hazard as well. To add more amps to old homes, contractors make modifications to knob and tube wiring that can be unsafe. Your knob and tube wiring system can be repaired rather than replaced, but it should be inspected by a qualified electrician. It may be difficult to get house insurance if you have a knob and tube system.

Aluminum Wiring:

This material was popularly used in homes between the ‘60s and ‘70s because it was less expensive than copper. But there’s a reason for the discounted price: aluminum breaks down more easily than copper does. This wiring poses a few serious safety hazards that homeowners should be aware of. Aluminum is a soft material, which means it can be damaged easily; this can create a weakness in the wiring. It expands when it heats up, meaning that screws will loosen due to the changing shape. Aluminum wiring is also prone to rusting or oxidization. When rust forms, it prevents electricity from flowing, which can result in overheating. If your home has aluminum wiring, you should contact an electrician to discuss replacing it.

Many homeowners are concerned about replacing wiring because they do not want to damage historic elements of their home. But failing to repair these systems poses a safety risk for all members of the household. Keeping your electricity up to code will prevent a fire or another hazard from occurring - one that can be even more damaging to your home than updating the electrical. In some cases, the electrical wiring doesn’t need a total replacement; an experienced electrician can modify it to suit the power demands of your household. An inspection can answer these questions for you and tell you whether your system needs a repair or an update.

Are you concerned about the wiring in your home? For inspection and repair, contact the electrical contractors in Winnipeg at Powertec Electric. We can identify the type of wiring in your house and find ways to increase its safety and efficiency. Call us today to speak with an experienced contractor about your electrical concerns.

What To Do When You Don’t Have Enough Outlets?

What’s more annoying than buying a shiny new device, only to realize that your home lacks an outlet to power it up? In our technology-driven world, it can be difficult to find enough sources to power all of your gadgets - especially if you live in an older home. Overloaded outlets pose safety concerns, so if you are seeking to increase the electricity in your home, stick to safe solutions like the ones listed below:

Buy a power strip (with a surge protector). A strip of electrical sockets will give you more mileage out of your limited outlets. Place them in an exposed area - if they are covered up, it can cause overheating. A surge protector will prevent accidents by shutting down when the circuit is overloaded. Never plug devices that draw heat, like hair dryers or crock pots into a power strip; this can cause safety risks. To save energy, shut off the power strip once you’re done, using the switch.

Purchase an extension cord. These flexible cords add a few extra outlets to your home - an easy and compact solution for your outlet shortage. The length of the cord lets you run power to far-away appliances. If you decide to purchase an extension cord, make sure not to overload it - if it gets overheated, it can cause a serious fire.

Use an outlet tap. These plug directly into existing outlets to add more receptacles. You can buy them in three or six-outlet forms. Their compact size makes them perfect for bedrooms that need more power sources for phones and laptop chargers. Similar to the above suggestions, it’s a safe idea to buy an outlet tap with surge protection to prevent any accidents.

Cut down on your devices. As a last resort, you can reduce the number of devices that you use. It’s an affordable solution that will save you money on your power bill. Unplug gadgets that are not in use and switch them for your most-needed ones. Or, you can rearrange the set-up that you have; try moving your electric hair styling tools from the bathroom to the bedroom.

Be aware of blown fuses or circuit breaker trips. If you notice that your breaker is constantly tripping, it’s a sign that you are drawing too much power from your home. Even with surge protection, too many adaptors and extensions can cause problems for your home’s electricity. In this case, call an electrician to remedy your electrical problems. As the saying goes: it’s better to be safe than sorry - especially when it comes to electricity.

Install new outlets. Finally, if you need to augment the power in your home, you can add more outlets. Rewiring your electricity can be risky, dangerous, and illegal. It can also cause skin burns or a fire. Rather than risking a DIY solution, you can search for electrical companies in Winnipeg. Powertec Electric can help. Our master electricians will expertly increase the power to your home without overloading your circuits, keeping you and your family safe.

How Many Amps Should An Apartment Have?

Are you running out of power in your apartment? Have you ever done a load of laundry and blown the breaker? You might be exceeding the allotted amps in your suite. Short for ampere, amps are units that measure electric current. When too much power is drawn, the breaker shuts off to prevent the wires from getting dangerously hot. Appliances like air conditioning systems and laundry machines draw large amounts of power and use up lots of amps. In our fast-paced lives, we use a lot of power to perform daily tasks like cleaning and cooking. But how many amps should an apartment have, and does yours have enough?

In an apartment building, amps are distributed based on the size of the apartment. Electrical capacity is calculated based on square footage and expected usage. A one-bedroom apartment is typically allotted 40 amps, and a three-bedroom might have up to 80. Since most apartment buildings have limited power, the amount of amps in a suite usually correlates to its size. If your one-bedroom apartment is short on amps and you want to request more, you may be out of luck - most apartment buildings have a limited capacity of power. Another resident in the past may have requested more than their share, and shorted your apartment on amps.

The key to not overloading the circuit is proper current management. If you are continually tripping the breaker, look at which appliances that you use the most. There are high-load and low-load appliances; try to stagger your usage so that not everything draws power at once. Doing laundry in the morning? Wait until it’s done before running the dishwasher or heating up the oven. Air conditioning units are another huge draw of power. Things like coffee machines and televisions use much less. To avoid popping the breaker, manage the appliances that use the most power. Some clothes dryers have a half-power setting that uses less amps - this is a great option for someone with limited power. Be mindful of how much power you are drawing when using electric dryers and stoves. When buying future appliances, look at how much power they use. You can use this information to keep your circuits running smoothly.

So, how many amps should your apartment have? The answer is subjective. It really depends on the size of the apartment, how much power is being used, and the capacity of the building’s electrical panel. It’s possible that your suite isn’t allotted enough amps for its size and expected usage.

If you are concerned that you aren’t being provided enough amps in your apartment, consider calling a Winnipeg electrician. At Powertec Electric, our technicians can inspect your apartment and tell you how many amps you’ve been allotted and how many you are using. We can also suggest ways to decrease the load on the circuit to prevent the breaker from tripping again. We hope that these tips will help you manage your power supply.

Powertec Electric in the Winnipeg Real Estate Market

The Winnipeg real estate market has been continuously growing, along with the increasing demands of industrial and commercial industries and residential necessities.

Both old structures and recent constructions in Winnipeg will, at one point or another, need the services of professional electrical contractors to inspect and assess their electrical system and perform any needed repairs, restorations, or other upkeep.

Whether you are a new homeowner in a first-ownership residence or an old one, or perhaps you are a medium-scale business owner, who has just acquired a commercial property that you plan to lease to long-term and transient tenants, for any electrical system concerns in your property, you can always call and consult with the most excellent Winnipeg electricians with good reviews at Powertec Electric Inc.

Why Call Powertec Electric Inc. to Provide Your Winnipeg Property's Power System Needs?

We are insured, certified, and licensed electrical contractors. When subscribing to the services of electrical contractors, it is very important to confirm that they are both insured and licensed. We, at Powertec Electric Inc., have been in the business for five years and we already boast numerous successful projects under our certification. You can check out what our previous clients have to say about our performance and output.

Our team will not only bring solutions to your home electrical system issues and concerns, but we will also hand you peace of mind, as we assure you that we are absolutely covered by insurance.

We provide cost-efficient solutions, whether it's a completely new electrical installation, power system upgrades, repairs, or restorations, our company will provide you with the most effective, safe, secure, yet very economical, solutions.

So, for your new residence in the Winnipeg real estate market, consult only with us at Powertec Electric Inc. for inspections and assessments. If you just bought an old commercial establishment, and you need your electrical connections checked for possible upgrades, there are no others who can perform the task better than our team at Power Electric Inc.

The Advantages of Hiring Powertec Electric Inc.

We can best advise you on how to make the most out of your newly purchased commercial building by upgrading to economical power supply consumption.

We guarantee safety and satisfaction in our work’s results. Although Powertec Electric Inc. is relatively new in the business, we already cover a vast area in the local market's industrial, commercial, and in the Winnipeg real estate market, which needed expert professional assistance in their power systems.

We have performed upgrades in numerous old homes, just as often as we have catered to the power system upgrades, repairs, and restorations of larger, more sophisticated Manitoba properties.

We are equipped with the latest technical know-how, while utilizing the newest in electrical technology. Our contractors undergo consistent training so that we stay in the loop about the latest technologies in power system management.

Winnipeg properties need to be strengthened and reinforced with only the best and most faultless power systems for guaranteed uninterrupted operations. Choose only our company to inspect and work on all of your electrical systems needs.

Everything You Should Know About Knob And Tube Removal

The Importance of Knob and Tube Removal in Your Winnipeg Home

A component of a home that poses a constant risk is its electrical system. Electrical systems should be carefully and meticulously put together and installed by professional electricians. Your Winnipeg home’s electrical system should be constantly inspected too, especially if the residence is relatively older and thus may have outdated electrical elements.

A faulty electrical system can lead to a fire, but this can be prevented if proper precautions are applied. One particularly hazardous electrical system component is K&T wiring, which dates back decades.

Call the Experts

For K&T updates in your Winnipeg home, including removal and rewiring, consult with our outstanding electrical contractors at Powertec Electric Inc. We have the best technicians who utilize only the most up-to-date technologies in working on your home’s electrical system.

In the following sections, we will delve a little more deeply into what K&T wiring is, why it is no longer safe to use these days, and how to go about knob and tube removal and rewiring.

What Is Knob-and-Tube Wiring?

K&T wiring is made out of ceramic. The ceramic knob holds the electrical wires, while the ceramic tube serves as a protective case over wires that pass through the wall projections and the floor beams. K&T wiring was very popular and most widely used from the 1880s to the 1940s.

Given this timeline and age, these devices in electrical wiring are clearly out of date. They very likely no longer apply to homes of today, as they are no longer compatible with the other elements of a residence’s electrical system. Still, knob and tube is common in Winnipeg, and its removal and rewiring are deemed mandatory, taking into account how dangerous it can be to the household.

Why Is Knob-and-Tube Too Hazardous?

K&T wiring is a system that is completely ungrounded. This absence of a grounding conductor is practically unacceptable in the electrical standards of today.

This very old system is designed to be kept in open air in order for the heat to dispel. This cannot be the case in today’s power supply demands, even in relatively smaller homes. Modern appliances and devices have much more immense power supply demands, which the classic knob-and-tube would not be able to handle. After all, it is an aged system that is intended to cater to much lower power supply demands.

How Do You Go About Knob-and-Tube Removal and Rewiring?

First off, do not attempt to perform the task yourself. Even identification of knob-and-tube requires expertise.

Our insured and licensed home inspectors and electricians at Powertec Electric Inc. can examine and assess your Winnipeg home. They will first disconnect the entire power supply for the purpose of safety during inspection. Our expert electrical contractors will then try to find any K&T wiring.

Upon uncovering this kind of wiring system, it is best advised to have it removed and get electrical rewiring for your home’s power system.

It will be quite an investment, but it will be an expenditure that will be worth your peace of mind, knowing that dangers to your Winnipeg home are kept at a great distance owing to your updated electrical system.