What could overload in a circuit lead to?

An overload in a circuit can lead to both a fire hazard and equipment failure. When a circuit experiences an overload, it means that there's too much current flowing through it, exceeding the circuit's designed capacity. This excess current generates heat, which can ignite surrounding materials, thus creating a fire hazard.

Additionally, the increased heat can damage the components of the circuit itself, potentially leading to equipment failure. Certain devices are rated to handle specific current levels; exceeding these levels can cause insulation to break down or internal components to burn out. As a result, circuits can malfunction or become completely inoperable, leading to significant operational disruptions.

Understanding these risks highlights the importance of proper circuit design and the use of protective devices like fuses and circuit breakers to prevent overload conditions, thus ensuring safety and reliability in fire alarm systems and other electrical applications.