Always Avoid Overload

The electrical systems in our homes are designed to carry electricity safely. During the cold, dark winter months we tend to place a higher demand on our electrical systems as we cook more, use more lights and, in some cases use electricity to heat our homes. The load is particularly heavy during the holidays as we add lights to our homes inside and out to decorate in the spirit of the season.

Overloading an electrical circuit causes more electricity to be drawn through the wires than they were designed to safely carry. This overload normally causes the fuse to blow or the circuit to be tripped cutting the power. However if for some reason, the circuit isn't cut, electricity continues to flow which overheats the wires and can cause a dangerous electrical fire.

Always respect the limitations and safety features of the electrical system in your home.

• Always use the proper size and type of fuse for the circuit and never overfuse or use a coin to create an uninterrupted supply.
• Don't try to plug too many lights together in a continuous string and run them off a single circuit.
• Don't use multi-outlet extension cords or "octopus" outlets in receptacles. Too many plugs at one spot can cause a short or an overload situation.
• If you blow a fuse or trip a circuit, find the cause of the overload and correct it before changing the fuse or resetting the breaker.
• Use space heaters sparingly. If you must, try to use one that doesn't draw the maximum power or has lower settings to reduce the load.