What is an electric overload?

An electric overload occurs when too much current passes through electric wires. The wires heat and can melt, with the risk of starting a fire.

The solution? Avoid plugging several power-hungry items of equipment  into the same line.

Risk of overload: things to avoid

Putting too much pressure on a water hose can make it burst. The principle is similar for electric wires: if too great a current flow is required by several items of equipment connected to the same line, this produces overload.

Avoid therefore as far as possible:

• plugging several power-hungry items of equipment into the same socket using a multi-socket extension
• plugging several power-hungry items of equipment into different sockets connected to the same electric line

And if we do not have a choice?

If you really have to connect several items of equipment to the same electric line, you can:

• reinforce the line by using wires with a larger diameter
• separate the line into strands by adding new wires to relieve the existing wires

Circuit-breakers: your protection against overloads

Your electrical installation is fitted with circuit-breakers  to protect you against the risks from overloads. A circuit-breaker is a small item located at the start of every electric line. It can detect an abnormally intense current flow and cut the current in the line to prevent overheating.

Circuit-breakers are calibrated based on the diameter of the wires they are protecting. The thicker the wires (in a house: 1.5 mm², 2.5 mm², 4 mm² and 6 mm² section), the more they allow intense current through.