How to fix a buzzing outlet

« Go Back August 29, 2019

Electricity is essential for modern houses, so electrical outlets may just be one of the most important accessories in your home. As you well know, outlets provide a safe way for electrical appliances to plug-in and access your house’s supply of electricity. With properly functioning outlets, your home has a great preventative measure against short circuits and electrical mishaps. Unfortunately, just like any appliance, outlets can be installed incorrectly or malfunction, leaving your home a risk. In these cases, it is best to call a trusted electrician to help fix the problem.

Luckily, there are a few simple ways to determine if your outlet (or something else) is acting up. At Wes Carver Electric, our friendly, neighborhood technicians are experts in electrical outlets, and we have created a short list of troubleshooting tips for outlet issues. After our specialists diagnose the issue, we can provide excellent outlet installations, repairs, and replacements to keep you and your family safe.  

Why Is My Outlet Making a Buzzing Noise?

One simple way to tell if there is an issue with your outlet is if you hear a buzzing noise coming from one of them. A buzzing electrical outlet is most commonly caused by a deterioration of parts inside the outlet. When you plug something into the wall, contact blades hold the plug inside. However, if you have outdated electrical outlets that aren’t tamper-resistant, you could be dealing with a loose connection — this is often the cause of a buzzing electrical outlet. If you notice buzzing coming from any of your outlets, it is best to bring in an electrician to replace the unit. 

It Could Be Your Lamp or Fixture

Sometimes bad wiring within an electrical fixture will cause the buzzing noise — not the outlet! If you hear buzzing, the best way to check if it is the outlet or the electric device is to unplug it and test it elsewhere. If the buzzing starts up again, the fixture is most likely the culprit, and you can let your outlet live to fight another day! 

. . . Or the Light Dimmer 

Light dimmers can cause buzzing to occur at the lighting fixture and at other outlets if they share a circuit. The easiest way to determine if a dimmer is at fault is to switch off the light and listen at the outlet. If you hear nothing, then you can be pretty certain that the dimmer is the cause of the sound. 

. . . Or Intermittent Power Loss

If an electrical outlet was improperly installed or it is showing signs of wear and tear after many years of use, it can cause periodic power loss in the outlet. When the wires inside of the outlet are not working properly, the electrical current can escape from its intended path and cause a buzzing sound, along with potential power outages. 

If you are having problems with your outlets, most of the time it is preferable to bring in an expert to diagnose and fix the problem. When you call Wes Carver Electric in Lansdale, PA, our electricians will perform safe and efficient electrical repairs, replacements, and rewiring services to get your home up and running correctly. For more information on our electrical services or to schedule an appointment, fill out a fast service request here, or give us a call today! 

We look forward to assisting you! 

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 buzz, it is important to stop using the outlet immediately and have a certified electrician inspect the outlet as soon as possible.

At Genz-Ryan, we inspect buzzing outlets every week, and the following are some of the most common causes we come across.

Buzzing Outlets in Your Minnesota Home

Loose Connections

Electrical wires come loose all the time. 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 is 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 outlet is getting louder when you plug several appliances or devices into it, you may be experiencing what is 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.

Broken Breakers

It is normal to hear a buzzing sound coming from your breaker. However, if that sound gets louder and louder, it is a good indication that the 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.

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 Need to Contact an Electrician ASAP

Buzzing outlets are not the only signs your home’s electrical system needs service. 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 is normal for breakers and fuses to trip in an electrical storm. However, if you are experiencing frequent tripping and regularly blown fuses, there is 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 brought on-line. 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 is 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 is 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.

Rusty Wires and Electrical Panels

Rusty wires and electrical panels 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 is 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 it is our pleasure to help you find the answers and solutions that fit your needs.

Schedule electrical service

It’s happened to many homeowners at some point: you go to plug something in, and hear a faint buzzing sound coming from your outlet. However, just because this is a semi-common occurrence does not mean you should ignore it. Failing to deal with this issue could jeopardize your electrical system, and even put your safety at risk. If you have ever wondered, “what’s that buzzing noise coming from my outlet?”, keep reading for everything you need to know, and make sure to call our skilled electricians at Roby Services anytime to schedule an appointment.

Reasons Why Your Outlet is Buzzing

• Connectivity Problems: Sometimes, when your wiring becomes old and worn down, it is possible for connections to come loose, and this can result in that electrical buzz you hear coming from your outlet. This is particularly common in older homes, that may have at one point been rewired or had the outlets replaced. If you are having a connectivity issue, you could start to have other problems with your electrical system, too, so call for service ASAP.
• Electricity Imbalance: When your breaker is sending either too much or too little electricity to your outlets, this can generate a low electrical hum. Unfortunately, unlike with your wiring, a routine repair is probably not going to do the trick to fix this problem. Instead, you will probably have to replace your breaker entirely. Remember, your breaker sends power throughout your house, so this is not a service that should wait.
• Poor Outlet Installation: if your outlets were not installed correctly, the buzz they are generating could be due to a polarity problem. Polarity, or to put it more simply, the charge coming to your outlet, can sometimes be reversed or tampered with during DIY or amateur outlet installations. If you believe this is the case in your home, call an electrician to replace your outlets, and next time around, hire a professional in the first place.

Roby Services Is Here to Keep You Safe

Above all else, it is important to call an electrician at the first sign of trouble to keep yourself and your family safe. Although that buzzing noise may only be a small annoyance, it can be a sign of issues that may lead to electrical fires, electrocution, and other potentially lethal scenarios. Luckily, Roby Services is available 24/7 to get the job done for you. Troubleshooting on your own is not an option when it comes to safe electrical work, so call today for a range of electrical services from our experienced professionals

Roby Services is available by phone at (980) 308-0200, or you can click here to contact us online.