How Do You Tell If a Circuit Is Overloaded?
If your circuit breaker keeps tripping, your home is sending you a warning. An overloaded circuit is one of the most common electrical problems—especially in older homes—and ignoring it can put your property and safety at risk.
Homeowners across the Atlanta area frequently contact Estes Services about circuit breaker tripping, burning smells, or flickering lights. In this guide, our electricians explain the most common signs of an overloaded home electrical wiring system, what causes them, and when to call a professional.
Common Signs of an Overloaded Circuit
Burning Smells or Odors
A burning smell coming from outlets, walls, or the circuit breaker box is a serious warning sign. When an electrical wire carries more current than it's designed for, it heats up. Over time, insulation can break down and release a sharp, fishy odor.
This condition increases the risk of electrical fires. If you notice a burning smell, stop using the affected circuit and contact a professional electrician immediately.
Warm Walls or Electrical Wall Plates
Warm or hot areas around outlets, switches, or electrical wall plates often point to faulty electrical wiring, loose connections, or an overloaded circuit.
You may also notice discoloration around a switch plate. These signs mean excess heat is building up inside your walls—something that should never be ignored.
Flickering Lights
Flickering lights are another common sign that your home's electrical system is under strain. When too many devices draw power from the same circuit, electricity is not evenly distributed.
This can cause lights to flicker at a light fixture or dim when appliances turn on, signaling stress within your electrical circuits or circuit panel.
Mild Electrical Shocks
Feeling a mild shock when touching appliances, plumbing fixtures, or metal surfaces is a serious warning of faulty electrical wiring.
This may be caused by grounding issues involving a neutral wire or hot wire, allowing electricity to flow where it shouldn't. Electrical shocks can be dangerous and require immediate professional attention.
Frequent Circuit Breaker Trips
If you are constantly resetting the breaker, your circuit breaker box may be overloaded. Repeated breaker trips mean the system is protecting itself from overheating.
In many homes, especially older ones, breaker panels were not designed to support today's electrical demands. An upgrade to the electrical panel or breaker boxes may be necessary to safely manage your electrical load.
Learn more about panel upgrades here
Why Overloaded Circuits Are Common in Older Homes
Many older homes were built when electricity usage was minimal. Today's appliances, electronics, and HVAC systems require significantly more power.
Outdated wiring, aging breaker boxes, and undersized panels often struggle to distribute electricity safely—leading to overheating, breaker trips, and increased fire risk.
What to Do If Your Circuit Breaker Keeps Tripping
Temporary fixes won't solve an overloaded circuit. Repeatedly resetting the breaker without addressing the root cause can make the problem worse.
A licensed electrician can:
Inspect your electrical panel and circuit breaker box
Identify loose connections or damaged wiring
Evaluate your electrical load and wiring system
Recommend repairs or upgrades to protect your home
Explore Estes Services electrical solutions
Fix Overloaded Circuit Issues with Estes Services
At Estes Services, we help homeowners recognize electrical warning signs early—before they turn into costly or dangerous problems. Understanding the symptoms of an overloaded circuit allows you to act quickly and protect your home.
Our licensed electrical contractors at Estes Services will help you upgrade the proper electrical system for your home and lifestyle needs. We service the greater Atlanta area, including Alpharetta, Buckhead, Decatur, Druid Hills, Dunwoody, Fayetteville, Johns Creek, Kennesaw, Marietta, Midtown, Peachtree City, Roswell, Sandy Springs, and Virginia Highland.If your circuit breaker keeps tripping, walls feel warm, or you notice burning odors, don't wait.
Schedule service today and let a professional electrician ensure your home's electrical system is safe and reliable.
It's That Easy; It's Estes.
