answersLogoWhite

0


Best Answer

If a household circuit contains too many appliances on the same circuit, the breaker feeding that circuit will trip open.

<<>>

Each appliance draws a certain amount of current. The wires which feed the circuit carry a current which is the total of the currents drawn by these appliances. More appliances = more current.

Now wires aren't actually perfect conductors - they have a certain amount of resistance and this means that when current flows through them, they warm up a bit. The thinner the wire, the warmer it gets per amp drawn (but the cheaper it is to buy).

The more appliances you have, the more current you draw and the warmer the wire gets. If you get to the point where the insulation melts, or the board the wire is clipped to catches fire, you have a problem.

To limit the damage, the electrical code requires all circuits contain a fuse or circuit breaker. As a result, the most likely consequence of putting too many appliances on at once is that the fuse or CB will go, and you'll be plunged into darkness.

Big but here: CBs can malfunction, and people have been known to put the wrong sort of fuse in (especially if the right sort keeps blowing) - at which point fire becomes a possibility again, so best to avoid overloading the circuit in the first place.

User Avatar

Wiki User

13y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: A household circuit can contain many appliances - too many appliances on that circuit can cause what?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Continue Learning about Natural Sciences

What happens to your appliances if there is not enough power and the power trips?

If there is not enough power and the power trips, your appliances will lose power abruptly. This sudden loss of power can cause damage to sensitive electronics and appliances, particularly if the power surges when it returns. It is recommended to use surge protectors and Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) devices to protect your appliances in such situations.


Why does plugging too many appilances into the same circuit cause too much current to flow through the circuit what will happen as a result?

Each appliance has its own amperage. This can be shown by looking at the label of each appliance. A circuit is protected by a breaker which has a trip limit. By continually adding more amperage from different appliances, the circuit becomes overloaded. When the circuits limit is reached because of the additive effect of more appliances to the circuit the breaker will trip. This disconnects the appliance loads from the distribution panel supply and prevents over loading of the conductors of that circuit. Without removing some of the load amperage, the breaker will keep tripping when reset.


What appliances increase CFCs in the atmosphere?

Various appliances cause ozone depletion. These are refrigerators, air conditioners etc.


What would cause a short periodic low hum to come from a circuit breaker?

A bad circuit breaker. Replace it.


An open circuit results when a hot wire touches ground?

A short circuit is the term for hot touching ground. This can cause a breaker to trip which will then open the circuit.

Related questions

How do you make a short circuit?

When the electrical appliances are not connected well or the cables of the electric appliances are worn out,a short circuit may occured. A short circuit affects the normal operation of electrical appliances connected to the circuit.It has very low resistance that almost all electric current would flow through it.Owing to the heating effect,an excess electric current would produce heat and thus may damage the electric appliances,or even cause a fire,if without a fuse or a circuit breaker.


What happens to your appliances if there is not enough power and the power trips?

If there is not enough power and the power trips, your appliances will lose power abruptly. This sudden loss of power can cause damage to sensitive electronics and appliances, particularly if the power surges when it returns. It is recommended to use surge protectors and Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) devices to protect your appliances in such situations.


Why does plugging too many appilances into the same circuit cause too much current to flow through the circuit what will happen as a result?

Each appliance has its own amperage. This can be shown by looking at the label of each appliance. A circuit is protected by a breaker which has a trip limit. By continually adding more amperage from different appliances, the circuit becomes overloaded. When the circuits limit is reached because of the additive effect of more appliances to the circuit the breaker will trip. This disconnects the appliance loads from the distribution panel supply and prevents over loading of the conductors of that circuit. Without removing some of the load amperage, the breaker will keep tripping when reset.


'why can't you use all electrical appliances in one power socket?

Appliances means power demand in a home USA 15 amps is the maximum power can be safely drawn from a wire circuit. IF more then that is required from a socket then wiring and the socket will be subject to heating probably melting the insulation and cause a fire.


How many ohms is a 120 volts?

"Volts" is electrical pressure applied to a circuit; whereas, "ohms" is electrical resistance to that pressure. One cannot determine ohms from voltage without knowing either the current (in "amps") or power (in "watts"). A normal 120V household circuit can handle a maximum of 20 amps, so using ohm's law of resistance = voltage / current, the minimum resistance required in a 120V household circuit would be 6 ohms. Any less than 6 ohms will cause the circuit breaker to trip.


What appliances increase CFCs in the atmosphere?

Various appliances cause ozone depletion. These are refrigerators, air conditioners etc.


Will overcharging cellphone cause electrical short circuit?

No, overcharging cellphone will not cause an electrical short circuit.


Are the tiny batteries in computer circuit boards contain harmful battery acids?

In general, computer batteries contain toxic substances. The acid content is not the main concern, but rather the use of elements such as mercury, lead and cadmium that cause worry.


What are the 10 disadvantages of household entertainment and recreation appliances?

Below is the list of some potential disadvantages of household entertainment and recreation appliances: Cost: Many household entertainment and recreation appliances, such as televisions and game consoles, can be expensive to purchase and maintain. Health concerns: Spending too much time using these appliances can lead to a sedentary lifestyle, which can contribute to health problems like obesity and heart disease. Addiction: Overuse of certain appliances, like video games or social media, can lead to addiction and negatively impact a person's mental health. Electricity usage: These appliances can consume a lot of electricity, which can increase energy bills and contribute to environmental issues. Safety concerns: Some appliances, like home gyms and hot tubs, can pose safety risks if not used properly or maintained correctly. Maintenance: These appliances require regular maintenance, which can be time-consuming and costly. Lack of social interaction: Spending too much time using these appliances can reduce social interaction with family and friends, which can negatively impact mental health. Screen time: Many entertainment and recreation appliances involve staring at screens for extended periods, which can strain eyes and cause headaches. Limited learning opportunities: Spending too much time using these appliances can limit opportunities for learning and personal growth. Replacement costs: These appliances may become outdated or broken, requiring costly replacements.


Why a circuit is protected by a circuit breaker?

1. protection against fire hazard from a short-circuit. A short-circuit can be caused by a loose wire, faulty insulation, or faulty wiring. A short-circuit will cause the wires to heat up rapidly, presenting a fire hazard. 2. protection against circuit overloading. Too much current in a wire caused by overloading (plugging in too many high-power appliances, for example) can cause overheating, presenting a fire hazard. Most circuit breakers have a "slow-blow" mode that breaks the circuit if overload continues for too long. 3. on grounded appliances (which have the third prong on the plug), the ground is connected to all exposed conductive material on the appliance. In the event that a loose wire contacts the exposed metal, a short-circuit will occur, and the power will be cut. This protects against accidental electrocution. Circuit breakers do not protect against fire hazards from inferior gauge of wire, glow-faults, or arc-faults. Most do not protect against electrocution hazards from ground-faults (although some do).


What are some household cause of water pollution?

Pollution in your house can be caused by non using electric appliances like a light on for no reason while your in the other room .It also can be caused by cookers etc.


What cause bacteria in your household?

Bacteria are present EVERYWHERE