Which of the following is a common cause of circuit overload?

A common cause of circuit overload occurs when too many high-wattage devices are run simultaneously on a single circuit. Each circuit has a specific load capacity, typically measured in amps, which is determined by the wire size and the circuit breaker. When multiple high-powered devices are used at the same time, their combined power draw can exceed the circuit's capacity, leading to overheating of the wires, tripping of the circuit breaker, or even fire hazards.

Understanding the wattage of appliances is crucial, as devices with high wattage draw significantly more current. For example, running a heater, a microwave, and a hairdryer at the same time on a standard 15-amp circuit can quickly lead to an overload situation. Properly spacing out the use of high-wattage devices or distributing them across multiple circuits is vital for safe electrical practices.

While the other options can lead to issues, they do not directly result in circuit overload in the same way. Lower voltage appliances may not operate correctly but are less likely to overload a circuit. Devices that do not require grounding may present safety risks but aren't inherently linked to overloading. Lastly, using wires of higher gauge than necessary can actually be safer, as thicker wires can handle more current, thereby