Q:
What happens when a circuit becomes overloaded?
A:
Quick Answer
When a circuit becomes overloaded it breaks the circuit breaker, if there is any (also known as blowing a fuse). Without a circuit breaker the insulation on the wire could heat up, melt and short the conductors, which could possibly create a fire.
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Full Answer
An electric circuit overloads when the current becomes greater than the circuit's design capacity can withstand. Circuit overloads can also be caused by loose or corroded wires and connections. A small overload may be tolerable for a certain amount of time, but a larger overload is only tolerable for a short period and may damage the whole circuit.
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