Why Is My Circuit Breaker Buzzing?

When it comes to your home’s wiring, you expect everything to work flawlessly at all times. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case, and a wiring problem can be understandably scary to deal with on your own.

One such wiring problem you may be facing is a buzzing sound emanating from your circuit breaker. You probably noticed the sound because it’s so annoying—and lucky it is because circuit breaker buzzing that goes unresolved can be a serious danger. Learn some of the reasons why you might be hearing a buzzing noise and how to resolve it.

Reasons for Circuit Breaker Buzzing

• Normal vibrations: First, consider that a barely audible hum or buzz is perfectly normal. Energy travels in and out of the panel at a rapid rate, causing vibrations that may be audible if you listen closely. However, if the buzzing is louder than usual, you could have a problem on your hands.
• Failure to trip: The purpose of a circuit breaker is to “trip” or cut power to a circuit when the electrical current gets too high. When a circuit goes bad, it fails to trip and leaves the strong current flowing through the wire. This could be the problem if you hear the circuit breaker buzzing when the air conditioner, hair dryer, or another electricity-guzzling device kicks on. A faulty circuit could lead to overheating and is a serious fire hazard.
• Loosely connected wire: A wire inside the circuit breaker may not be connected securely, or it may be damaged, either of which cause an intermittent buzzing noise. Opening the panel may even reveal sparks. You can determine the troubled circuit by shutting off all the circuits and turning them back on one by one until you hear the buzzing sound.

Circuit Breaker Repair & Replacement in Tampa & St. Petersburg, FL

Whether the circuit breaker buzzing is caused by a circuit failing to trip or a loose electrical connection, the first and only step to fixing it is to call an experienced electrician. Fire and electrocution are very real possibilities, and you don’t want to mess around with live wires and dangerous currents.

The location of the breaker panel or box needs to be carefully planned due to strict regulations on their placement. Our team at Hoffman Electrical & A/C can help you determine the right location for your breaker panel.

For help resolving the issue quickly and safely, call Hoffman Electrical & A/C at 866-238-3243 as soon as possible for a circuit breaker repair or replacement. We have served the Tampa and St. Petersburg area with professionalism and integrity since 1989.