You can try to disburse the devices or appliances to different outlets on different circuits. However, this can be inconvenient if there are no useable outlets within the area you want to use them in.

Turning off or unplugging devices that are on the same circuit when they are not being used can help.

But remember, many appliances and devices will not save settings (such as the time) when they’re unplugged. And your settings will have to be reprogrammed every time they are plugged back in…fun.

The easiest and most effective solution, in the long run, is to have an electrician add a dedicated circuit. Then, high-draw appliances will be on their own breaker and won’t interfere with the power to the rest of your circuits.

When a larger than normal amount of electrical current flows through your outlet, your breaker will shut off power to that circuit.

This ‘short’ is caused when a “hot” wire (the wire the electrical current is flowing through) inadvertently touches another hot wire OR touches a “neutral” (white) wire.

Wires can touch  and cause a short for a number of reasons, including loose connections or improper installation. If this happens, your outlet will stop working.

Always keep a look out for brown or black discolouration or a burning smell from an outlet may indicate a short.

If you have a short circuit, the best solution is to contact an electrician. They will inspect, repair, or replace any outlet you suspect may have a short in it. 

Important: Never leave anything plugged into a shorted outlet until it has been repaired.

A ground fault, like a short circuit, also involves “hot” wires.

In this case, the fault occurs when the black, energized wire comes into contact with the ground wire (copper) or the side of the metal outlet box.

The return path of the electrical current gets redirected through the grounding system instead of safely back to the breaker.

This means, anything or anyone that comes into contact with that grounding system will now also become a path for the current, so please BE CAREFUL.

Ground faults are often the result of the wire’s insulation breaking down or improper installation. You likely also have ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) devices in your home. A GFCI is a device that ‘trips’ at the outlet, not the breaker, and is often seen in bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor applications.

To learn about GFCI devices, visit our Electrical Safety Page.

As above, inspect your outlets for signs of damage. For your safety, unplug all devices from the defective outlet until you can get an electrician to your home to look at it.