Do I Need a Los Angeles Electrician If My Outlet Is Buzzing?
If you’re asking, “Why is my outlet buzzing?” you should be calling a Los Angeles electrician. A buzzing outlet is a sign of a dangerous problem. Therefore, it’s an electrical emergency. Whether the source of the buzzing is the outlet, wiring inside the wall, or something plugged into the outlet, don’t ignore the problem. Contact a 24/7 local electrician to identify the source of the issue, fix it, and restore your safety.
What Makes an Electrical Outlet Buzz?
The electricity flowing through your home operates on alternating currents. These currents reverse polarity about 50 times per second, but normally, you don’t hear it. A disruption in the flow of electrical current can produce a humming or buzzing sound due to electrical arcing. Your ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) or whole house surge protection system should respond if this is the case.
Regardless, if an outlet is buzzing, turn off the power at the circuit breaker. Even if the noise stops, or resumes when you switch the power back on, call a Los Angeles electrician.
How Dangerous Is The Problem?
The risk level depends on what’s causing the outlet to buzz, but the situation is generally quite dangerous. Contact with a faulty outlet can result in anything from a tingling sensation to a mild shock to electrocution. A buzzing outlet can also cause a fire, especially if the wiring is overheating and conductors are exposed. It can result in major property damage.
Why Is My Outlet Buzzing?
A few issues can make an electrical outlet buzz. The cause often isn’t obvious, which is one reason you need a licensed electrician. They can investigate the issue and determine the source, which can include the following:
- Loose Connection: Loose wiring can cause the outlet to vibrate and make a buzzing sound. Connections can loosen over time, so loose wires are common in older homes. Outdated wiring is a risk for this kind of problem. Therefore, your outlets should be checked if your house is over 30 years old. However, even newer outlets and wiring systems can wear out, so a buzzing noise should prompt you to call an electrician right away.
- Faulty Circuit Breaker: A problem with a circuit breaker can cause too much electricity to be sent into an outlet, causing it to buzz. An electrician has the tools and equipment to determine the source of the issue. The affected circuit breaker must be identified and replaced to resolve the problem completely. The outlet will too if it is damaged.
- Polarity Issue: If an outlet makes a humming noise as more items are plugged in, reverse polarity may be the cause. Polarity issues often result from shoddy electrical work or if someone attempted a DIY fix and didn’t have the proper knowledge, experience, or equipment to fix the problem.
- Poor Installation: If an outlet is improperly installed, reverse polarity and other issues can affect its performance. Aside from an annoying buzzing sound, you may also notice issues such as flickering lights, tripping circuit breakers, and an outlet that’s warm to the touch. The only way to mitigate the hazards of poor outlet installation is to hire a licensed electrician to repair or replace the outlet.
Can I Fix a Buzzing Outlet?
Electrical outlet repair is not a DIY project. The risks of injury or causing more damage are too high. Do not attempt to fix the buzzing outlet yourself; call an electrician instead. Addressing the issue often requires working near high electrical currents. However, a professional can safely replace the faulty outlet; this is usually not a time-consuming or costly repair. The technician will also test the new outlet to ensure it works properly and won’t cause further problems.
Contact Express Electrical Services
If “Why is my outlet buzzing?” is your most pressing question, call us and we’ll send our Los Angeles electricians to your home. Our team specializes in outlet repair, home rewiring, and other electrician services such as GFCI installation and whole-house surge protection. We’re also available 24/7 to provide emergency services.
Express Electrical Services has been operating since 1982 and is a trusted residential electrician in Southern California. We can respond in 60 to 90 minutes. Our electricians also travel with the parts and components needed to fix any electrical problem. If you have a buzzing outlet, they can quickly diagnose and repair the underlying cause to eliminate safety hazards and prevent further damage. Call (323) 727-7799 for immediate service.
Robert Hogward says: