Why Are My Outlets Buzzing?

If you’ve noticed a loud humming sound when you go to plug something in, the problem is likely located in your outlets, not your ears. Outlet buzzing is a common occurrence, especially in older homes and can be a sign of serious electrical wiring issues in your home.

What’s That Sound?

There are a number of reasons your outlets could be buzzing. Here are the 3 most common reasons:

> Loose Connections:

If the wires connected to your outlet are loose, the outlet itself can start to vibrate, causing a buzzing noise. This happens most often in older homes with well-worn outlets, where the plugs holding wiring in place have come loose. If your home is older, you might want to call a professional electrician to come out and replace the outlet.

> Reversed Polarity:

If the electrician that originally wired your home didn’t install the outlet correctly, the result can be a buzzing noise. Reversed polarity in an outlet can cause a buzzing noise. If the buzzing noise seems to be getting louder the more appliances you have plugged in, reversed polarity could be the problem. If this is the case, you’ll need a professional to come out and fix the outlet polarity.

> Bad Breaker:

If the breaker that your outlet is putting out too many or too few amps, it could cause a buzzing noise. If this case, there is a possibility that you may need to replace your breaker rather than simply fixing the outlet. A professional electrical contractor will be able to make specific recommendations based on the issues they find when they inspect your home.

Call A Professional

When it comes to electrical wiring, don’t risk your own safety by attempting a DIY fix. Although it is tempting to simply remove the wall plate and tighten any loose wiring connections you see, that alone might not solve your problem. There are many reasons an outlet could make a buzzing sound, and only a qualified technician will be able to pinpoint the exact causes of the sound and ensure your outlets are fixed for good.

Outlet buzzing is more than just an annoying hum, it can be indicative of a more serious electrical issue within your home. If your outlet is buzzing loudly or vibrating or if the face of your outlet is hot to the touch, call a professional electrician right away. These are all signs of serious connectivity issues, which put your home at risk for blackouts and electrical fires.

Let us take care of the buzzing 


Still worried about that buzzing noise coming from your outlet? Prairie Electric is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for all electrical repair needs in the Northwest! Give us a call today at 800-573-2750.

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