What is the primary concern when adding new electrical loads to an existing system?

The primary concern when adding new electrical loads to an existing system is ensuring that the system can handle the additional load. Every electrical system is designed to support a certain amount of power, measured in amperes, without overheating or causing a failure. When new devices or appliances are added, they draw additional current, which can exceed the capacity of existing circuits.

Exceeding the circuit's capacity can lead to tripped circuit breakers, damaged wiring, or even fire hazards. Therefore, it's crucial to assess the total load on the system carefully and verify that the electrical system, including the main panel, circuit breakers, and wiring, are rated to handle the combined loads safely.

In contrast, minimizing the number of circuits may not address the issue of load capacity per circuit, while reducing the use of extension cords is more related to safety practices than load management. Installing more lighting fixtures depends on the ampacity of the circuits and could be counterproductive if the existing system is already near its load limit.