Don’t Overload Your Holidays
Every December, homes across North Idaho light up with Christmas cheer—string lights on the gutters, glowing reindeer on the lawn, trees wrapped in warm white LEDs, and inflatables dancing in the yard. But behind all that holiday magic lies something homeowners often overlook:
Your electrical system is carrying a much heavier load than usual.
At TEREMARK Electrical Group, we see a noticeable spike in calls every December from families experiencing tripped breakers, hot outlets, flickering lights, or even scorched plug-ins caused by overloaded circuits. As a local family-owned business serving Kootenai County, we want to help you spot the early warning signs before a fun holiday display becomes a safety hazard.
In this article, we break down:
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The early signs your breaker or outlet is overloaded
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Small problems that quickly escalate
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The serious dangers of ignoring overloaded circuits
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When to call a licensed electrician
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Links to helpful resources for upgrades, repairs, and nearby electrical service
Let’s dive in.
Why Christmas Lights Create a Higher Risk
Holiday lights and décor may not seem dangerous on their own—but when multiple strands, extension cords, and plugged-in decorations stack onto one or two circuits, it’s easy to exceed what your home’s electrical infrastructure can safely handle.
Older homes throughout Rathdrum, Athol, Spirit Lake, Post Falls, Hayden, and Coeur d’Alene often still run on 15-amp circuits, which are quickly overloaded with modern electronics plus holiday lighting.
Even newer homes can be pushed past their limit if everything is plugged into the same outlet or circuit.
Early Warning Signs Your Breaker or Outlet Is Overloaded
These are the first symptoms homeowners usually notice. If you spot any of these, unplug the décor immediately and redistribute the load.
1. Flickering or Dimming Lights
If your indoor lights dim the moment you turn on your Christmas display, the circuit is telling you it’s struggling. Lights dim because:
Voltage is dropping
The circuit is near (or over) capacity
The breaker is working overtime to regulate current
This is one of the earliest and most reliable warning signs.
2. Warm or Hot Outlets
A properly functioning outlet should never be warm.
Warmth indicates:
Worn wiring
Loose internal connections
Excess load passing through the outlet
If the faceplate is hot, unplug everything immediately—that’s a major fire risk.
3. A Burning or “Electrical” Smell
If your outlet or breaker begins to emit a faint burning scent, ozone smell, or “hot plastic” odor, your wiring may already be overheating. This is often the last warning before something catastrophic happens.
4. Buzzing Sounds from Breakers or Outlets
A buzzing sound means electricity is arcing or struggling to flow through stressed components.
Breakers and outlets should always be silent. Any noise is a red flag.
5. Frequent Breaker Trips
A breaker tripping is not just an annoyance.
It’s doing its job—preventing an electrical fire.
But if it’s tripping repeatedly during the holidays, your circuit is likely:
Severely overloaded
Damaged
At risk of failing altogether
Important:
Never “fix” this by using a bigger breaker.
This is dangerous, illegal, and one of the fastest ways to cause an electrical fire.
If you need professional repair, TEREMARK provides full electrical upgrades and repairs.
What Happens When You Ignore These Warning Signs
Ignoring overload symptoms can turn a minor inconvenience into a dangerous situation. Here’s what homeowners often face when they continue plugging in lights or resetting tripped breakers.
1. Melted Electrical Components
Overloaded circuits can cause:
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Melted outlets
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Charred plug-ins
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Damaged extension cords
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Burned insulation inside the wall
These are no longer repairable—they must be replaced.
2. Damaged Breaker Panels
When breakers trip repeatedly or run hot, heat builds inside the panel.
Over time, this can:
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Warp the breaker
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Damage the buss bar
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Break the internal spring mechanism
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Create an arc inside the panel
This often requires a full breaker replacement or, in severe cases, a panel upgrade.
If you suspect panel issues, schedule a professional inspection through our Residential Electrical Services.
3. Internal Wiring Damage
Once wiring overheats, the insulation becomes brittle or melts, exposing the conductor.
This greatly increases the risk of:
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Electrical fires
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Arc faults
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Shock hazards
What makes wiring damage concerning is that homeowners usually cannot see it—it happens inside the walls.
4. Electrical Fires
Overloaded circuits are one of the leading causes of winter house fires.
What starts as a warm outlet can escalate into:
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Flames inside the wall
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Burning insulation
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Smoke fills the home
This is why breaker trips should never be ignored or repeatedly reset without diagnosing the cause.
How to Prevent Overloading Your Breakers This Holiday Season
1. Spread Out Your Decorations
- Multiple circuits
- Indoor/outdoor outlets
- Front yard vs. backyard circuits
2. Prioritize LED Lights
3. Avoid “Daisy-Chaining” Too Many Strands
4. Inspect All Extension Cords and Plug-Ins
- Cracks
- Exposed wires
- Loose ends
- Warm spots
5. Use Outdoor-Rated Equipment Outdoors
When to Call a Licensed Electrician
You should call TEREMARK Electrical Group if you notice:
- Breakers tripping repeatedly
- Outlets that feel warm
- Any burning smell
- Flickering or dimming lights
- Scorch marks on outlets
- A buzzing panel or outlet
We are proud to serve families across:
- Rathdrum
- Post Falls
- Hayden
- Athol
- Spirit Lake
- Coeur d’Alene
As a local, family-owned business, you’re never dealing with a corporate franchise. You’re working with a team that lives here, serves here, and cares about the safety of our community.
Start the New Year with Confidence
Once the holidays wrap up, it’s the perfect time to consider upgrades that improve comfort and efficiency year-round. TEREMARK Electrical Group offers:
Energy-efficient lighting systems
EV charger installation
Solar panel setup and integration
Whole-home surge and circuit protection
We’ll help you step into the new year with confidence, knowing your home is safe, efficient, and ready for the future.
Schedule Your Holiday Electrical Inspection Today
The holiday season should be about celebration—not electrical stress. Keep your home safe, efficient, and full of light with help from TEREMARK Electrical Group.
Contact us today: Contact TEREMARK Electrical Group
Learn more about our services: Premier Residential Electrical Service
Let our family-owned team help yours enjoy a season filled with warmth, safety, and power you can count on.
