Repsol YPF

In fact, technological progress has made it possible to switch them on despite almost anything. The solution: a function that automatically switches off the device which activates in the event of danger.

We use electrical appliances such as fridges, microwaves, irons, televisions, etc on a daily basis. They must all work irrespective of the temperature. However, when there is a heatwave, the authorities normally remind citizens of the importance of saving energy and water in order to avoid power cuts due to excessive consumption which affect the entire community. 

Overheating
Electricity is absolutely essential in everyday life. The use of electric appliances is fundamental in the majority of everyday activities performed by a human being, both in domestic and work-related tasks. However, for optimum use, the appropriate precautions should be taken in order to prevent putting either physical or material integrity at risk. 

New appliances combine efficient features with resistance to risk, be it derived from extreme temperatures, knocks, dust or water. The only disadvantage is that the protection against overheating means that the electrical appliance is disconnected automatically in order to prevent a power surge.

In the event of overheating, which can cause serious damage, a circuit breaker, built-in to an increasing number of appliances, will automatically turn off the motor. 

High temperatures can affect the correct functioning of equipment and increase the risk of power surges and short circuits. The insulation capacity of electricity conductors and their ability to withstand high temperatures, efficiency in preventing the spreading of flames in the event of fire and the mechanical resistance of the devices are aspects which must be considered when choosing them.

A power surge occurs when an electrical device or an electricity cable exceed the operational limits for which they have been designed. A current is generated that damages the installation and if it lasts for some time there is a chance that the power surge will cause a short circuit, in other words, that the insulation will fail and that the electric current will come into contact with a non-insulated material. 

High temperatures in the installation increase the risk of the surrounding materials catching fire. Fires are usually caused by the wires overheating. In any case, so as not to be exposed to this situation it is advisable, before buying a new gadget, to check that the installation has sufficient capacity to supply energy to all of the elements.

Power contracted
If the power contracted from the electricity company is sufficient, it is worth knowing that the top electrical appliance and cable brands use quality materials and observe international safety regulations so that they are as safe to use as possible. In the same way as manufacturers, constructors, operators, owners and users of electrical installations must consider certain safety criteria.

In order to calculate the total electricity consumption of an installation it is necessary to add the individual consumption of the devices connected to the same circuit together and divide them by the voltage. This gives you the current consumed. As such, if the television consumes 50 watts, the washing machine consumes 800 watts, the microwave 1200 watts, a hairdryer 1800 watts and 10, 100 watt bulbs consume a total of 1000 watts, the total would give an overall consumption of 4850 watts, a figure that when divided by the voltage of the property (220 volts) gives a consumption of 22 amps. If the power contracted is less you would be exceeding the consumption for which the installation was set up and, in fact, in practice the trip switch would activate due to overloading if several devices were working at the same time.

If the problem were to persist despite an increase in power it would be necessary to rewire the house with suitable, appropriately insulated wire with a greater capacity.