When your heating or air conditioning turns on, electricity gets routed to the circuit breaker. This breaker can stress the circuit, stopping the flow of power to the HVAC system with the flip of a switch. Generally, a circuit breaker box runs quietly, producing little or no noise when working correctly. If you notice a hum or buzzing sound coming from the breaker box at any time, this is a strong indication that something isn't right.
Several things could be the cause of the issue you're experiencing. To help you with debugging, we will explore some of the possibilities for the buzzing and humming that you're hearing.
Loosely Connected Wire
A common reason for a breaker box buzzing or humming is a loosely connected wire. If you notice an unexpected humming or buzzing when your HVAC system is in use, a loose wire could be the culprit. If a cable doesn't have a secure connection, or you have a damaged cable running between the power source, the breaker, or the HVAC unit, this could fizzle or buzz, or even spark. Like all loose wires, they can be dangerous, and they indicate themselves by making noise. Other vectors of safety hazards include tripping the breaker and cutting power.
A faulty breaker can also cause buzzing and fizzling. When an electrical panel buzzing becomes defective, this serves as an early warning system that a repair is needed.
Trip Failures
Circuit breakers play an essential role in protecting your electrical systems from overloads, surges, and overheating. When these events happen, the circuit breaker "trips" and shuts down, cutting electricity to the affected area. This system helps to protect the wiring throughout the structure, as well as the major appliances that are connected.
Depending on the design and age of your home, the frequency of trip failures can vary. For instance, if you live in an older home with a less modern electrical system, you might trip the breaker if you use too many counter appliances at the same time. The electrical requirements of a countertop convection oven in combination with a toaster that surges electric is too much for the circuit.
Older wiring and electrical systems may struggle to keep up with the increased energy demands of today's modern life. When these homes got designed originally, back in mid to late 1900's, the designers and architects had little idea how the demands to handle electricity would change in the home and commercial applications. However, new wiring can help to get older homes up to speed relatively quickly. By doing so, owners can avoid brownouts, short circuits, and other issues that are common in homes with older electrical and wiring systems.
Newer homes with more modern electrical systems can typically handle more electrical demands without tripping the circuit breaker. Modern home builders and electrical contractors understand the growing requirements for electrical outlets throughout the home. As such, they can install smarter wiring to accommodate these needs throughout the house.
A faulty breaker may lose control of 'tripping' even when overloaded. When this occurs, it can generate a breaker box buzzing. This problem, like loose wire connections, creates the potential for a fire hazard. If a breaker fails to trip, it should get replaced as soon as possible. By doing so, you're taking steps to protect against loss of life and property.
Regular Vibration
Circuit breakers connect with an alternating current. This alternating current is energy that moves rapidly and can cause a vibration in the circuit box. Usually, you can hear a buzz or a low hum, which is normal. This sound may or may not be audible, or it could be loud because of the vibration shaking a component lose inside the box.
If you don't see loose wiring or other visible damage around the circuit box, nor do you hear excessive electrical panel buzzing, this is a strong sign that everything is OK.
Breaker Replacement
One of the fastest ways to stop the hum or buzz coming from your circuit box is by replacing the faulty breaker. Before doing so, always make sure to shut off the power to the box (you may need to shut off the main electrical.) When working, be sure to stand on plywood or a rubber mat to protect against electrocution. Use a voltage meter to confirm there are no live currents in the box. Then pull on the side of the bad breaker to the middle of the box. Then, on the outermost breaker side, pull towards the center. It should break loose. Using an insulated, flat-blade screwdriver, remove the wiring and install the new breaker.
In many cases, this can help to resolve circuit box buzzing and humming.
Call Expert Electricians For Help
Residents of the Rockwall, Texas, area, who don't feel comfortable doing electrical work, can take comfort knowing that you aren't alone. Electricity is dangerous, and there's no room for error.
Rockwall Electric provides expert electrical repair and installation services to residential and commercial clients throughout the region. As licensed, bonded, and insured electricians, you can entrust us with your electrical needs.
Our team is available to provide free estimates on all of our work, and fast, friendly financing provides qualifying property owners with the way to spread the costs of repairs, improvements, or new electrical installations into affordable payments.
Contact the pros at Rockwall Electric today to discuss your needs.