At any given second, the average US home has about 120 volts of electricity running through its walls.
Since there are hundreds of appliances around your house that need to be powered, this is an exceptionally good thing. However, when your electrical outlets start to buzz, it’s only natural that you’re concerned. No one wants their appliances to be toasted, and even more importantly, no one wants to find themselves getting a nasty electric shock.
Luckily, humming outlets aren’t likely to lead to these problems, especially if you identify the issue and call in proper maintenance. Read on to learn some common reasons that your outlets may be buzzing and how to troubleshoot.
Temperature Fluctuation
Electrical pieces can contract in cold surroundings and expand in heat. This movement in the wires can lead to buzzing. Changing temperatures in the area surrounding the electrical socket can also cause a loose connection, leading to strange noises coming from the outlet. As a result, you’ll need to call in maintenance if this happens. Don’t attempt to DIY a solution- that’s how fires start.
Loose Connections
Whether it’s caused by temperature or other factors, loose connections are always a problem. This issue basically is when the wires in your socket become loose and begin to vibrate. The most common cause of this problem is outdated electrical outlets that need to be replaced, so call in professionals from P & D Electric as soon as you identify the issue. Waiting to solve the problem could result in destroyed appliances or fires, so this is something you don’t want to put off.
Breaker Issues
If you go stand next to your circuit breaker, it’s normal to hear some low buzzing and humming. If the humming is becoming louder, though, it’s a sign that the breaker is malfunctioning by putting out too little or too much electricity. You may have to replace the breaker if the problem persists. Also, if the sound is loud or you can feel the vibrations if you place a hand on the wall beside the breaker, you’re definitely going to need a replacement.
Poor Installation
It’s a sad fact, but it’s true: some electricians don’t put 100% into their job when installing outlets into a home. If your house is newer or your outlets have been recently replaced, a buzzing sound can indicate that they were installed incorrectly. You’ll need to call in a better professional- one that has proof of appropriate certification at the ready- for proper repair. It might also be a good idea to contact the installers and try to get a refund.
Fix Your Electrical Outlets
Strange noises coming from your electrical outlets are never fun, and they can be especially scary if you have kids or pets. That’s why it’s crucial that you take the necessary steps to fix the problem.
Now that you know the reasons that your electrical outlets might be humming (and how to troubleshoot the problems), it’s time to learn more about keeping your home safe and comfortable. Check out the ‘appliances and devices’ section under the ‘for the home’ tab on our page. Here, you’ll get some more information about keeping your appliances up-to-date and preventing any issues from happening.
