Electricity usage results in some energy losses, due to conversion to heat.  Heat is formed in electrical wires, terminals of appliances and particularly where circuit breakers are connected in electricity panels.  This is especially true in cases where there is an overload situation present and results in energy waste and the cost thereof.

The heat formed causes stress in wiring and appliances.  Common causes are:

• When too many appliances are connected on the same branch (to the same circuit breaker).
• When a too powerful appliance is connected to a circuit breaker that is not equipped to handle such loads.

• When the wires used are too thin for the current used.
• When a circuit overload has been present over a long period of time.

There are limited ways for the end-user to have any indication of an overload situation without the help of a professional.  If a circuit breaker does not trigger, the first sign of the problem might be a fire breaking out in your home or place of business.

Under continued overload there will be damage to your electrical system, e.g. insulation on wires can crumble or melt and create a fire hazard.  Heat will also cause your electric wires to expand, even though they will cool down and contract when appliances/machinery are turned off.  With repeated expansion and contracting of wires comes the risk of contact points becoming looser, resulting in wires coming loose.

Electrical fires cause enormous property damage, but more importantly can result in injuries and deaths that might otherwise have been avoided.  In 2008 there were 1,451,500 fires in USA, which accounted for 16,750 injuries and 3,320 lives being claimed.

Electrical appliances or distribution resulted in:

• 83% of the deaths.
• 79% of the injuries.
• 68% of the fires.