Warm outlets, dimming lights, and repeated breaker trips signal dangerous electrical overload.
Horry County, SC — It’s not uncommon for Horry County Fire Rescue crews to respond to structure fires caused by overloaded multi‑taps and extension cords. With temperatures soaring, window air‑conditioning units, portable AC units, and high‑output fans are essential for staying cool, but fire officials stress that these devices must be plugged directly into a wall outlet. Multi‑taps and extension cords are not designed to handle the electrical load these appliances require, and overheating can quickly become dangerous.
Residents should also be aware of the signs that a circuit or outlet is becoming overloaded. Warm or hot outlets, discoloration, or a breaker that trips repeatedly can indicate that the circuit is under strain. Lights that dim when the unit starts up, or an AC unit that shuts off unexpectedly due to internal overload protection, are additional warnings that the outlet may not be able to safely support the device.
Even though a wall outlet has two receptacles, most are on the same circuit, meaning only one cooling appliance should be used on that circuit at a time. Any setup that causes heat, buzzing, burning odors, or repeated power interruptions should be stopped immediately.
Staying cool is important, but doing it safely is essential.
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