What is a common symptom of an overloaded circuit?

Frequent tripping of circuit breakers or blown fuses is a common symptom of an overloaded circuit due to the protective mechanisms in electrical systems designed to prevent damage caused by excessive current flow. When too many devices draw power from a circuit simultaneously, the current can exceed the designated limit. As a safety measure, circuit breakers will trip or fuses will blow to interrupt the flow of electricity, thereby preventing overheating and potential fire hazards. This action ensures that the electrical system remains safe and protects both devices and wiring from damage.

While other symptoms like overheating of wires and persistent flickering lights can also indicate issues with circuits, they may not occur as consistently or directly as a breaker tripping or a fuse blowing. Decreased voltage output is typically a result of other issues, such as increased resistance in the circuit, rather than an immediate symptom of overload. Thus, the frequent tripping of circuit breakers or blown fuses is the most direct and commonly observed sign of an overloaded circuit.