What could happen if a centrifugal fan is overloaded?

When a centrifugal fan is overloaded, it means that it is being subjected to conditions beyond its designed capacity, such as high resistance in the system or improper installation. This overload can lead to increased current draw in the motor driving the fan, causing it to operate outside its optimal performance range. If the overload persists, the motor can overheat and potentially lead to motor failure.

This situation is concerning because the motor relies on proper cooling for its internal components; excessive current can degrade insulation, cause damage to windings, and lead to mechanical stress on the motor. Consequently, addressing overload conditions is critical to maintaining the fan's operational integrity and ensuring long-term reliability.

The other options do not accurately represent the consequences of an overloaded centrifugal fan, where efficiency diminishes and airflow does not improve, but rather may decrease as a result of the overload. Additionally, operating under overload conditions would necessitate more energy, not less.