Red Seal Industrial Electrician Practice Exam

What symptom is indicative of an electrical overload?

1. Light buzzing sound from equipment

2. Overheating wires

3. Regular operation noises

4. High current readings without issues

The correct answer is: Overheating wires

An electrical overload occurs when too much current flows through a circuit, which typically results in wires heating up beyond their safe operating temperatures. Overheating wires is a direct indicator that the current exceeds the designed capacity of the circuit, causing excessive heat generation due to the resistance in the wire. This symptom not only signifies an overload but also poses a serious risk of insulation damage or fire if not addressed. In contrast, a light buzzing sound from equipment may indicate a number of issues, such as contact vibration or loose components, but not necessarily an overload. Regular operation noises typically suggest that the equipment is functioning within its normal parameters, and high current readings without issues may imply that the system is designed to handle such currents, thereby not indicating an overload condition. Therefore, overheating wires serve as a clear and significant warning sign of an electrical overload, making it the correct choice in this context.