Houses tend to always have some kind of background noise going on–be it random popping sounds from your fridge, the hum of appliances turning on and off, or the motion of a ceiling fan. But what about when you hear a buzzing noise coming from an outlet or circuit breaker? This tiny sound is more than just an annoyance; it could be an indicator of something more serious at hand. Don’t ignore that buzzing outlet – let’s talk about what is going on.
Why Does an Outlet Buzz?
The hum you might hear emanating from an outlet is due to the fact that we use alternating current in our electrical systems. When this electricity is running through the system, the current’s polarity is being changed many times every second. This fluctuation, when interrupted by some interference, may then create a low buzz.
What is Causing that Buzzing Outlet?
There are a few things that are most likely the culprit behind your outlet’s annoying noise.
- Breaker problems: If your control panel itself is buzzing unusually, it could be that it is either receiving or delivering the wrong amount of power. This is extremely dangerous, especially if it is sending out too many amps and overloading one or more of the circuits. Call an electrician and let them diagnose the specific problem for you to avoid serious injury.
- Loose wires: Loose wires are the most common cause of a buzzing outlet. Over time and use, wires can loosen and result in a weaker connection with the plug than is intended. This issue is most prominent in older houses that were built in the 1980s and earlier. It could be as simple as refastening the wires to the outlet so that they are gripping the receptacle properly, but it could also be that the wires themselves are worn and need to be replaced. In some cases, the outlet fixture itself is the issue and needs to be upgraded. A professional will be able to accurately identify the issue and suggest the best mode of action.
- Installation issues: In some cases, the outlet itself might have been improperly installed. If you notice that the humming increases as more items are plugged into the outlet, that is a sure sign of reverse polarity and an indicator that the outlet wasn’t properly installed. Have a licensed electrician come and fix it, as these outlets can be quite unpredictable and dangerous if left unchecked.
In some cases, an outlet may not appear to have an issue other than the fact that it makes a low sound. Keep an eye out for other signs of a malfunctioning outlet if you cannot seem to figure out why it makes that noise: outlets that are warm, even if you just hold your hand close and don’t touch it; lights on the same circuit that flicker; and breakers or GFCI units constantly tripping. If you experience any of these in addition to the buzzing outlet, be sure to contact a trusted Sarasota electrician right away to protect yourself, your family, and your home from electrical fire or shock.
Promise Electric is Sarasota’s most professional team of master electricians, providing electrical services to residential and business clients throughout the region. Call today, no matter the size or scope of your job.
