How Many Devices Can Fit In One Power Outlet?

by Eclipse Electrical Electrical Services

In any ordinary house, there’s limited number of power outlets. Which initially may seem okay for satisfying your needs from electronic gadgets. But as days go by, lifestyle changes and newer technologies are introduced, you’ll start to run out of enough power outlets. Then as everyone does, you will operate in the same manner which is overload the power outlet. This ends up putting extra pressure on the circuit. And as all licensed electrical contractors may agree, this is hazardous for any residence. In the somewhat best-case scenario, your power outlet will stop working. In the worst-case scenario, you may risk an electric fire. Thus, it is better to consult an electrical contractor to get more power outlets installed in the home if you feel you’re running out of power outlets to plug in your electronics.

Now, How Many Gadgets Qualifies As Too Many For One Power Outlet?

The best way to calculate how many power outlets are too many is determined by the wattage of the devices and the amperage of the circuit. Most household circuits are 15 or 20 amps, which implies they can accommodate up to 1,800 or 2,400 watts. However, this figure might vary depending on the age of your property and its electrical infrastructure. It is always a good idea to ask a professional electrical contractor about the maximum capacity of a circuit so that you do not end up overrunning the maximum capacity.

How Can You Measure The Wattage Of A Gadget?

There are a few elements to consider when estimating a gadget’s wattage. Firstly, you must determine the voltage of the electronic. This is often specified on the device. Secondly, you must know the amperage of the circuit into which it is hooked. This information may be found on a label inside the breaker box. You may compute the wattage of the electronic using these two figures by multiplying the voltage by the amperage. For example, if a gadget rated at 120 volts is connected to a 15 amp circuit, the wattage is 1,800 watts.

It is critical to understand the wattage of your gadgets to avoid circuit overloads. When you put too many gadgets onto one circuit, the wiring might overheat and even catch fire. So make sure to distribute your gadgets across many circuits, and consult a local electrician if you're confused about how many gadgets can your home’s power outlet support.

Early Signs Of Circuit Overload:

Flickering lights, fading lights, and outlets that feel warm to the touch are all indicators of an overloaded circuit. If you observe any of these indicators, disconnect some of the gadgets on that circuit immediately to avoid a fire. Contact an electrical contractor and immediately check your power outlets regularly to avoid risking any electrical fire.

Way To Prevent Electrical Circuit Overload:

Some of the ways to prevent electrical circuit overload are:

(i) Spread out the electronic gadgets into different power outlets.

(ii) Use a power strip built-in circuit breaker, if you are using one power outlet for too many electronics.

(iii) Use high-wattage electronic gadgets for their dedicated power outlet. This is to prevent over exhaustion and heating of power outlet.

(iv) Install more power outlets with the help of an electrical contractor, if you find yourself using one power outlet to plug various electronic gadgets.

It is always better to use power outlets for one or two gadgets only. As it is keep the risk of overloading the power outlet to a minimum. Use a dedicated high-wattage power outlet for high-wattage electronics only. And keep a track of wattage capacity. If you can’t do all this by yourself seek the help of a local electrical contractor to help you. Remember, it is better to be safe than sorry or worse by risking an electrical fire hazard.