Having your electrical outlet buzz can be particularly scary, especially if you can’t identify the problem. To figure out what’s causing the buzzing noise, it’s a good idea to learn the reasons why this would happen in the first place. Here is what you should do if you have a buzzing electrical outlet.
What Is a Buzzing Electrical Outlet?
If you have an electrical outlet that buzzes, it can be annoying. However, you shouldn’t ignore it. A buzzing electrical outlet suggests something is wrong with your outlet or your wiring, such as an overloaded circuit or bad wiring, and you should look into the problem as soon as you can.
What Causes a Buzzing Electrical Outlet?
Here are some reasons why your electrical outlet may be buzzing.
Loose or Damaged Wiring
The wires behind your outlet should be securely connected to their terminals, allowing electricity to travel safely and efficiently. However, if the wires have come loose, they may move as electricity flows through them, causing vibrations.
Loose wiring can happen for several reasons. In older homes, loose wiring may be a result of temperature changes over the years. Loose wiring can also happen when the outlet is used frequently, and devices are plugged into and out of the socket a lot. If you suspect loose wiring is the problem, contact our electricians at Mister Sparky to inspect your electrical outlet.
Worn-Out Outlet
Like any other electrical device, outlets have a lifespan. If your outlet is old or worn out, it may create buzzing noises. This lets you know that the outlet is nearing the end of its efficient life.
Over time, the internal components of an outlet will degrade. The metal components, for example, will lose their ability to grip your plug properly or the internal springs may weaken. The material that outlets are made from can also deteriorate. If you think your outlet is old, an electrician can quickly update it. This will not only eliminate the buzzing noise but will also ensure you have a safer electrical system.
Overloaded Circuits
Each circuit in your home is designed to carry a specific amount of electrical current. When you plug in more devices than your outlet can handle, the circuit becomes overloaded. An overloaded circuit can cause the wires to vibrate and overheat. This will result in the buzzing sound you hear.
Besides the buzzing sound, you may experience tripped breakers, flickering lights, and warm outlets. If you witness any of the above signs, unplug all your devices immediately. The buzzing sound and overheating are warning signs that something is wrong.
Poorly Installed Outlet
You may hear a buzzing sound if your outlet is poorly installed. The buzzing sound indicates your outlet is not functioning correctly. If the wiring inside the outlet was done quickly and incorrectly, the wires may come loose. Alternatively, they may not be making proper contact with the terminals. Another reason for buzzing is that the wrong wires may have been used, and they aren’t compatible with the outlet. Finally, the outlet may not have been properly secured to your wall. This may cause it to shift, interrupting the flow of electricity.
Fixing a Buzzing Electrical Outlet
Although fixing a buzzing electrical outlet may sound like a simple DIY task, it actually isn’t. If you have an electrical outlet that buzzes, call our electricians at Mister Sparky so we can accurately identify the problem and provide an appropriate solution. Here are some reasons you should avoid fixing your buzzing electrical outlet yourself.
Safety Risks
If you’re not careful, you may suffer from an electric shock or a burn. If the problem is especially bad, you could start a small fire. Our electricians are licensed and know just what to do when repairing electrical systems.
Lack of Experience
When you hire professional electricians to upgrade your electrical panel or fix your outlets, they will perform the repair efficiently. Why? Licensed electricians come with years of experience and understand complex electrical systems. Without years of experience, you may end up misdiagnosing the problem.
Code Compliance
Licensed electricians comply with local building codes and always ensure that their work meets these standards and regulations. When you are unaware of the required codes, your fixes may not be up to code. This can cause problems in the future.
Our Expert Electricians
When it’s time to update your outlets or install new ones, our team can help. We can address issues like worn-out electrical contacts, outlets that frequently trip your circuit breaker, outdated outlets, or outlets that buzz. Contact Mister Sparky in Birmingham, AL, to make an appointment. We can install a variety of outlets, such as smart outlets, GFCI outlets, and AFCI outlets. We even offer floor-mounted outlets.