Have you noticed a buzzing sound coming from an electrical outlet in your home? Don’t ignore it. While it could be just a small issue, it could also be an indicator of a larger problem that poses danger to your structure and the people inside of it. Here’s what you should know about buzzing electrical outlets.
What does it mean?
A buzzing sound coming from an outlet likely means that the electrical current has been interrupted. This isn’t something to take lightly, as it could turn into a bigger issue if ignored. Buzzing outlets could turn into larger issues that include flickering lights, blown fuses, or even outlets that are warm to the touch. All of these are fire hazards and could also produce an electric shock.
What are the causes?
Most of the time, an electrical outlet that’s making noise indicates that there are loose wires somewhere inside the outlet. This is especially common in homes that have old, outdated wiring. If your home’s wiring is more than three decades old, the wiring – including all the outlets – should be inspected closely and replaced if needed.
Another reason why your outlet might be buzzing is because it was installed incorrectly. This is a serious problem that could be dangerous. Do-it-yourselfers or a handyman that is not licensed as a professional electrician often attempt to install outlets, but simply don’t have the training or expertise to do it right. If you suspect the outlet was improperly installed, call our team of licensed electricians right away to avoid potential damage to your home’s structure.
Regardless of what the underlying issue might be, a buzzing outlet indicates there is something going on with the overall electrical function to that area. Never ignore a sound coming from an outlet in your home, as this could put you, your family, and your home at risk. Call our experienced team of licensed electricians at Prairie Electric to ensure all your outlets are working safely and as they should.
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