Quick Spark Blogs

Ideas, explanations and examples about electrical topics and issues.

Reasons Behind the Electrical Panel Humming Noise

Reasons Behind the Electrical Panel Humming Noise

If you hear your electrical panel humming, don’t panic. It can make many different sounds depending on the phase of operation it is in, or it could indicate a problem. To help keep yourself safe, we’ve listed three noises that your circuit breaker box may be making, along with a description for each one, so you know how to react appropriately if they happen around or near you:

Humming – This noise indicates something has gone wrong, but hasn’t caused any damage yet since the electricity still functions. If this happens, immediately shut off power at the main switchboard until maintenance arrives and fixes whatever needs fixing. Your safety comes first!

How to fix the electrical panel humming noise?

The electrical panel is more than just a power supply; it also keeps your home safe. This equipment contains circuit breakers that can trip in case of an emergency, but usually remain untouched for the majority of homeowners’ lives; unless there’s something wrong with them, or there is a fault in the house wiring. When electricity flows through these wires, they create a humming noise, and as long as everything remains normal and nothing has been damaged by faulty appliances or improperly installed wire connections, then this is normal.    

Follow these steps to fix the noisy electrical panel;

  1. You’re going to need some tools for this one. First, you’ll want to grab a flashlight so you can see what’s happening in the dark depths of your electrical box panel. Next, open it up and find all those circuit breakers that are labeled with their corresponding letter on them (A-G). You should be able to flip each breaker switch off quickly enough since they don’t have any electricity running through them at the moment anyway.
  2. There could be an electrical problem with your home. The humming sound is likely coming from the connection between the power cable to your main electricity box on the outside of your house. Call a qualified electrician if you can’t find any other faults or leaks, but don’t try to fix it yourself, as this kind of task requires years’ worth of experience and knowledge. Most people just aren’t aware of how dangerous electricity can be and must be fixed by a professional.    
  3. To fix a faulty circuit breaker, flip the switch to the “Off” position and then replace it. But before that, start from left to right and flick one of them on at a time. Wait for your buzzing indicator; if there isn’t any noise, you’ll be good, but in case there is an indication again – make sure not to overlook this; because somebody might end up getting hurt with their power switched off! They’re generally inexpensive so go grab some replacements at those electrical stores nearby, or order online today.
  4. If you hear a noise coming from an electric panel, it could be one of the breakers. To identify which breaker is making this sound: Flip each switch to “Off,” if any make more humming sounds than others, then flip them back to “On” and start flipping again until the circuit breaker no longer buzzes. Keep these in their “On” position for now; because we don’t want your power going out while you’re looking for replacement parts!

Other electrical issues that cause humming noise

A circuit breaker that isn’t tripping when it’s supposed to will allow an unsafe amount of current to run through your home’s wiring. This high level of current can cause a loud buzzing noise and requires professional repair/circuit replacement. A loosely connected wire may also be the culprit for this problem, which is dangerous and needs a professional’s attention as soon as possible!

Quick Spark

Read more posts by this author.

Have an electrical emergency? Call Now to Book an Appointment!

    Call us on 1300 877 275

    OR

    Quick Connect