It is always a good idea to be observant around your home. If you look and listen carefully, you’ll likely be able to identify problems before they spiral out of control. So, you’ve been paying closer attention to your electric panel and you’ve noticed that it is producing a humming noise. Modern electrical systems are designed to work efficiently and quietly.
Nevertheless, there is always a chance that you’re going to hear a humming noise and it might not be a problem. Still, the noise could be a sign that something is wrong with your electrical system. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, you’ll want to compare it to the information below so you can determine what is wrong.
Light Buzz
Do you hear a faint buzz around your breaker? The buzz isn’t too loud so you’ve likely ignored it for the time being. It doesn’t keep you awake at night. And, you barely notice it when you walk past the panel box. Is this a problem? It probably isn’t. Remember that the current flows through the breaker and wires. It flows in one direction like water. So, it is natural for the system to create a faint buzzing noise. This is typically normal and nothing to worry about. If you hear other, louder noises, you’ll need to start worrying about it.
Medium Hum
The sound might be louder. You might hear it when you’re five feet away from the panel box. You may hear sparking or clicking. If your electric panel is creating a sizzling sound, there is a good chance that something is wrong. There is a risk that the wires have frayed or loosened. If you’re worried that this has happened, you should stop what you’re doing and call a professional electrician. This is very dangerous so you shouldn’t try to fix the problem alone. Get professional help.
Consistently Loud Buzzing
Is the noise getting so bad that it keeps you awake at night? A consistently loud buzz coming from your electric panel can be frightening. If the noise is loud enough to disturb your sleep, you’re dealing with a serious problem and need to remedy it as quickly as possible. This normally happens when the breaker isn’t tripping when it should. The breaker might be bad so it will need to be replaced. If the breaker isn’t tripping as it should, it is going to lead to extra heat and a loud buzz. If you don’t fix the problem immediately, your risk of experiencing an electrical fire is going to be significantly higher.
When the noise gets too obnoxious and concerning to ignore, it is time to call a professional.
Is The Buzzing Sound Normal?
Most electric panels will produce a faint buzzing sound. If it isn’t too loud, it is likely normal. The noise may start when your air conditioner turns on but ceases a few moments later. If the problem is severe, you should never try to fix it on your own. It is too dangerous. Instead, you’ll want to hire a licensed electrician so they can fix it for you and keep your loved ones safe.
