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No, it’s extremely dangerous to cap off live electrical wires. Working with live wires puts you at serious risk of electric shock, which can cause injury or even be fatal. Whenever you need to cap off electrical wires or complete any electrical work in general, it’s essential to shut the power off at the breaker before you begin.

The number of outlets and lights you can safely run on a single circuit depends on the circuit's amperage and local electrical codes. A general rule is to allow one outlet or light fixture per 1.5 amps, keeping the total load under 80% of the circuit breaker's capacity. For example, a 15-amp circuit can typically support up to eight outlets or lights, while a 20-amp circuit can accommodate up to ten. Always consider the combined power usage of all connected devices and fixtures to prevent overloading. For specific guidelines and to ensure safety, it is best to consult local electrical codes or a licensed electrician.

While circuit breakers are designed to be reset after tripping, there isn't a strict countdown to when they will fail. The primary danger lies in a breaker tripping multiple times in a short period without allowing the components to cool down. Theoretically, a standard breaker might handle around 50 trips caused by simple overloading. However, this number can be much lower in practice. For instance, a high-current fault could damage a breaker to the point that it needs replacement after only two resets. Repeatedly resetting a breaker that trips frequently exacerbates the underlying problem by causing the electrical components, wires, and the breaker itself to overheat. This can lead to permanent damage, cause the breaker to trip unnecessarily in the future, and increase the risk of an electrical fire. If a breaker trips every few minutes, you should leave it in the 'off' position and call a qualified electrician for an inspection.

Upgrading your amp service could possibly be a solution to tripped breakers. Circuit breakers in an electrical panel trip as a safety measure when something goes wrong with the current, and that’s often caused by plugged-in devices trying to draw too much current. Replacing the electrical panel with a new model and new breakers designed for higher amps can fix this problem.