Overloading of an electrical circuit may be caused by which of the following?

The overloading of an electrical circuit is primarily caused by connecting loads that draw too much current, which is accurately captured by the correct answer. When devices or loads are connected to an electrical circuit that requires more current than the circuit can handle, it leads to an overload condition. This can occur when multiple appliances are used simultaneously or when a single device draws more current than what the circuit was designed for.

For example, a standard residential circuit may be rated for 15 or 20 amps. If you connect devices that collectively require more than that capacity, the circuit can become overloaded, potentially causing circuit breakers to trip, fuses to blow, or even leading to fire hazards. It's crucial to understand the ratings of both the circuit and devices to prevent overload situations.

While using low wattage devices may actually reduce the risk of overloading, the use of a longer extension cord can sometimes result in voltage drop rather than directly causing an overload. Lastly, connecting devices with high amperage ratings increases the risk of overloading, but the more critical factor remains the total current draw exceeding the circuit's safe limits. Thus, the focus on connecting loads that draw too much current accurately identifies the primary cause of circuit overloads.