How can you identify an overloaded circuit?

Identifying an overloaded circuit primarily involves observing physical symptoms that indicate excessive electrical demand. Signs such as tripped breakers, flickering lights, or unusual heat emanating from outlets signal that the circuit may be unable to handle the load it is being subjected to.

When a circuit is overloaded, it can lead to overheating, which often results in breakers tripping as a safety mechanism to prevent electrical hazards such as fires. Flickering lights can indicate that the voltage is unstable due to too many devices drawing power simultaneously, while unusual heat from outlets suggests that the wiring is being stressed beyond its capacity. These indicators are critical in diagnosing an overload situation effectively and prompt action should be taken to redistribute the load or upgrade the circuit.

In contrast, inspecting the circuit breaker for wear, checking the wattage of appliances, or merely counting the number of devices plugged in do not provide a comprehensive assessment of the circuit's current condition. These approaches may overlook important, visible signs that can immediately indicate an imbalance, making option B the most reliable method for identifying an overloaded circuit.