If you’ve ever heard a faint buzzing sound when you plug something into an electrical outlet, pay close attention to where it is coming from. The buzzing might be coming from the appliance or electronic device you’re using, or it might be coming from the outlet itself. This buzz can be annoying, but it’s also something that people tend to ignore after a while. Unfortunately, ignoring a buzzing electrical outlet is a bad idea as it could be a sign of serious problems with your electrical system.
When you have a buzzing electrical outlet, stop using the outlet if you can and contact an electrician for repairs as soon as possible. Do not try to fix the problem by yourself. That is simply too dangerous and could make your electrical issues worse. Of course, that doesn’t mean that you can’t try to find the reason why an outlet is buzzing. Let’s take a look at the most common causes of a buzzing outlet, if only so you can provide an electrician with as much information as possible when they come to your home for repairs.
Loose Connections
A loose connection is the most common cause of a buzzing electrical outlet. This is common in homes that are over 30 years old and may have outdated wiring. Fixing loose connections usually involves removing the covering over the outlet, finding the loose wiring, and tightening all the screws and loose connections. This should only be done by an experienced electrician and only when the power to the outlet is shut off.
An Electricity Imbalance
If a circuit breaker is sending too much or too little electricity to an outlet, it can emit a faint buzz. Unfortunately, this is usually a bigger problem than a few loose connections and may require a new electrical panel. Your electrical panel handles the electricity in your entire house, so don’t wait too long before calling to have this issue fixed.
Improper Outlet Installation
It’s also possible for an outlet to buzz when it’s installed incorrectly. In these cases, the buzz is usually caused by reverse polarity and will get louder as more devices are plugged into the outlet. This is potentially a very serious problem that can result in blown fuses, short circuits, or even electrical fires. If you suspect that an outlet was installed incorrectly, contact an electrician for repairs right away.
Even though a buzzing outlet seems like a minor annoyance at best, it’s almost always a sign of other problems. If an outlet starts buzzing when you use it, don’t try to fix the problem yourself even if it’s caused by loose electrical connections. Instead, contact us at Mister Sparky for assistance. Our team of licensed and experienced electricians can take a look at your buzzing outlet and find a solution to your problem.