What is overloading?

Hint: The term overloading is caused when high rated appliances like motor, microwave, air conditioners, heaters, refrigerator, etc all are used at same time therefore, Faulty appliances should not be connected in the circuit.

Complete answer:
OVERLOADING of an electric circuit means when current flows in a circuit it becomes more than the capacity of components in the circuit to resist the current. When too much current passes an electric overload occurs through electric wires. This results in the heat in the wire and the wire gets melted moreover it increases the risk of fire.
PRECAUTIONS SHOULD BE TAKEN FOR OVERLOADING ARE GIVEN BELOW:
Avoid using too many appliances at the same time.
Make sure the appliance you are using must be within the safe limit of the electric circuit.
Avoid connecting too many appliances in one socket.
Electric fuse should be connected in series, it will protect the circuit from overloading and short circuiting.
Proper earthing of all electric circuits must be done.
There is a key difference between short circuit and overloading that is;
When the neutral and the live wire come in contact with each other the short circuit takes place whereas when the number of equipment connected to one socket the overloading takes place.
OVERLOADING SIGNS:
Flickering, blinking of lights
Burning odor
Warm or discoloured wall plates.
Mild shock or tingle from switches.

 Notes: Continued overload can result from defective motors, overloaded equipment or we can say too many loads on one circuit. Such overloads are destructive and must be cut off by protective devices as soon as possible before they damage the circuit.