Causes of a Buzzing Electrical Panel and Good Solutions
An electrical panel is one of the most important parts of your home and its electrical system. This panel ensures you’re safe from common problems and helps distribute power to every room and outlet. When it is in good shape, it runs so quietly that you never hear it. Once the electrical panel starts buzzing, it’s time to look at what causes the sound and which solutions are best for your home.
Bad Breaker
The panel works with circuit breakers, which are what determine the amount of power every outlet has. If the panel sends too much power, the breaker kicks in and shuts off. The sudden disruption of power keeps the outlet from overloading and prevents fires. Though breakers are a good alternative to old fuse boxes, they don’t last forever. As the breaker wears down, it can emit a loud buzzing sound. This is a sign you need to replace the breaker.
Damaged Wires
While you might hear a minor humming noise coming from the electrical panel, a loud buzzing noise can occur when the panel has one or more damaged wires. Faulty wiring can cause similar noises. If the sound goes along with a sizzling noise or you see sparks coming from the panel, you need to turn to an electrician to replace the old wiring. Wiring wears down with time and can also wear out when someone installs the wrong wire type or size.
Old Panel
Electrical panels can last for years, but they will not last as long as your house does. Many panels show signs of failure after 40 to 50 years, but they can wear out much faster, especially if you have a large home or use a lot of power. Replacing the panel helps you get steady power when you need it. You can also upgrade your system to work with larger appliances. Old panels may buzz with the sound growing more intense over the years.
Electrical Arcing
Electrical arcing happens when electricity jumps from one spot to another through the air. Loose wires or connections, a bad breaker, and system failure can all lead to this problem. As the arc jumps, the panel releases a loud buzz. You might hear this noise a few times a day or when you use certain outlets. While you can live with the noise, keep in mind that arcing increases the risk of an electrical fire. You need an electrician to determine what causes the arcing and whether you need a panel upgrade, a new breaker, or another repair.
Why deal with an electrical panel that constantly buzzes and disrupts your life? Whether you’re dealing with issues like arcing, a faulty breaker, damaged wiring, or simply have an outdated panel, there’s a solution. Reach out to Henninger Electric in Cedar Falls, IA to end that buzzing with electrical panel replacement.
