Blow Dryer Made Outlet Stop Working

Power Limits

• The home power grid divides the electrical system in the house into sections that support different levels of power needs. Wall outlets connect to appliance circuits supplying 120 volts and fused at 20 amps. A 20 amp circuit only runs safely at less than the fuse amperage. Total power drain should not exceed 18 amps, and in older homes the safe maximum drops to 15 amps. One wall outlet safely supports a maximum of two appliances and a total power usage of 1500 watts. Many blow dryers run at power levels well over that safe limit.

Effects

• Overloading a wall outlet might not cause an immediate failure. Drawing power above the outlet's safe limit causes overheating of both fixtures and wiring. Repeated overheating can damage insulation on wires inside the walls and increase the risk of shorts and fires. Overloaded electrical outlets soften and harden as power needs change, becoming weaker and eventually cracking. Broken outlets can expose live wires and cause electrical shocks as well as shorts when plugging or unplugging appliances. Lights or appliances plugged into other outlets on the circuit increase the total load. Even if the outlet doesn't overheat, other parts of the same circuit might.

Symptoms

• Signs of an overloaded circuit include lights that dim when the blow dryer starts. If the total load on the circuit stays within safe limits, everything should work at maximum power. If the blow dryer blows the fuse on the circuit, it greatly exceeds the maximum safe load. Blow dryers that work poorly could be plugged into circuits wired for less amperage than the appliance needs. Overheating wall outlets emit hot plastic smells and sometimes smoke. Turn off the hair dryer if you notice an overheating outlet, and wait until the parts cool before unplugging the dryer. The blow dryer's plug might melt along with the outlet.

Solutions

• If the hair dryer runs at more than 1500 watts on the maximum setting, dry your hair at the dryer's lowest fan speed and low heat. If you notice overloading symptoms, stop using the blow dryer. Choosing a blow dryer that runs at 1500 watts or less keeps the appliance in the safe zone for homes with wiring in good condition. Turn off lights on other parts of the circuit and don't run other appliances when using the hair dryer. Owners of older homes can protect aging wiring by replacing 20 amp fuses with 15 amp fuses.