Why Is My Outlet Buzzing? Is It Dangerous?
Why is my outlet buzzing? Buzzing outlets are a serious cause for concern. They are not something you should ignore or try to drown out. When your outlets start to hum or make a buzzing noise coming from them, it’s important to stop using the plug socket immediately and have it inspected as soon as possible. This buzzing noise could be due to loose connections, overloaded circuits, faulty wiring, or electrical malfunctions, all of which pose significant safety hazards.
At Genz-Ryan, we inspect buzzing plug sockets every week, and the following are some of the most common causes we come across.
Reasons you may hear electrical outlet buzzing in Your Home
Loose Connections/Wires
Electrical connections come loose all the time. Maintaining proper electrical connections is crucial to prevent buzzing noises, which can indicate serious safety hazards. While this most often happens in older homes, it can also happen in homes that were built just a few months ago. As the wires come loose, this allows them to vibrate, which results in the buzzing sound you hear. The older your home, the more likely it is that the cause of the buzzing is loose wires.
Changes in the Weather
Temperature changes can cause electrical components to contract and expand. The greater the temperature change, the greater the contraction or expansion. In Minnesota, it’s a problem that homeowners often face in the spring and fall, when the temperature changes are greatest. Over time, this process can cause connections to come apart. Often, the best way to prevent a recurrence of this problem is to replace components with temperature-resistant options that won’t expand/contract.
Improper Installation
Sometimes, shoddy workmanship is the cause of a buzzing electrical outlet. When an electrician gets in a rush or fails to adhere to established installation protocols, mistakes can and do occur. If you notice the plug socket is getting louder when you plug several appliances or devices into it, you may be experiencing what’s referred to as reversed polarity. This occurs when the hot and neutral wires are flipped around within the outlet. This is a serious problem that can result in a nasty electrical shock or even an electrical fire.
Broken Breakers
It’s normal to hear a buzzing sound coming from your circuit breaker. However, if that sound gets louder and louder, it’s a good indication that the circuit breaker is not operating correctly. The buzzing can occur when it is putting out too few, or too many amps. Often, the best way to end the problem is to replace the malfunctioning breaker.
Arcing
Arcing is a potentially dangerous phenomenon that occurs when an electrical current jumps across a gap between conductive materials. This can happen when there are gaps in the wiring, due to wear and tear, corrosion, or physical damage to the wires or outlet. When an arc forms, it creates a buzzing or crackling sound, which can be an early warning sign of a serious electrical hazard.
Contact Genz-Ryan at (612) 223-6158 to discuss your buzzing outlets with our certified electricians. We are happy to answer your questions and help you determine the best way to silence a noisy outlet once and for all.
Other Signs You should Call an Electrician ASAP
Buzzing outlets are not the only signs your home’s electrical system needs service. Maintaining your home’s electrical system is crucial to ensure safety and functionality. The following are some other common signs your electrical system isn’t functioning properly and should be promptly serviced by a certified electrician.
Frequent Trips and Blown Fuses
It’s normal for breakers and fuses to trip in an electrical storm. However, if you are experiencing frequent tripping and regularly blown fuses, there’s a good chance you have a fault within your circuits.
Flickering Lights
Flickering lights are not normal, and they can occur on their own or when appliances, lights, etc., are working again. If you notice the lights dim when you turn on an appliance or the lights flicker while an appliance is running, a certified electrical can identify the cause of the problem and perform the necessary repairs to your wires, circuits, or the appliance itself.
Sockets Don’t Work
Whether it’s a plug that won’t fit or a socket that sparks when you plug electronics into it, a busted socket is something you do not want to ignore. It could be improperly grounded or components could be damaged that make the socket a potential fire hazard.
Warm Outlets
Electrical outlets should always be cool to the touch. If your sockets are heating up, there’s a problem with the circuit that you should address immediately. It could be because the socket is overloaded, or it could be because of any number of causes. In any case, a hot socket is not something you should touch ― in fact, you shouldn’t even use it until a certified electrician inspects it and determines the precise cause for the temperature buildup. Overheating outlets can lead to serious hazards, including electrical fires, due to issues like loose connections, overloaded circuits, and faulty wiring.
Rusty Wires and Electrical Panels
Rusty wires and often occur in older homes. The older the home, the more likely rust is to form on these critical components. If you notice rust, it’s advisable to take care of it quickly because it can spread quickly through the home.
Contact Genz-Ryan at (612) 223-6158 to discuss your electrical problems with our certified electricians. We have decades of electrical experience under our tool belts, and we can help you find the solutions that keep your home safe.
