Causes of Electric Circuit Buzz Crackle or Sizzle
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What is causing a buzz and crackle sound in the electric box? How to Locate the Cause of Electrical Circuit Buzz or Crackle, The Most Common Problems that Cause Electrical Circuit Buzz or Crackle and What Should Be Done. |
Circuit Buzz or Crackle May Indicate a Serious Problem
Electrical Question#1: What is causing a buzz and crackle sound in the electric breaker box?
- If there is a loose connection somewhere in the electrical circuit will this cause the fuse box to buzz, crackle and sizzle, and cause problems with selected plugs?
- Yesterday there were two plugs not working and now they are working.
- Even without using these devices the noise from the fuse box is still there.
This electrical repair question came from: Anthony, a Handyman from Aberdare, UK.
Additional Comments: Fabulous.
Electrical Question#2: Can I change the wiring in my panel to stop the buzzing and frying sound?
- I just moved into a house and I have a 60 amp breaker feeding the inside box and it makes a buzz sound or frying however you choose to say it.
- I was wondering why not just hook it up directly to bottom out feed instead of using a 60 amp breaker for establish connection through the breaker outside what is your opinion that I should do. Thank you, Tracy.
This electrical wiring question came from Tracy, a Handyman in Clio, Alabama.
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical repair question Anthony and Tracy.
How to Locate the Cause of Electrical Circuit Buzz, Crackle, or Sizzle
Application: Electrical Troubleshooting the Cause of Electrical Buzz or Crackle sound.
Skill Level: Advanced. This electrical work is best performed by a Licensed Electrical Contractor.
Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools, Ammeter and Voltage Tester.
Estimated Time: Depends on age of the home, the condition of the electrical system and available access to the electrical components.
Precaution: Electrical troubleshooting of this level is best performed by an experienced electrical contractor service technician who can evaluate the problem and make the necessary repairs.
The Most Common Problems that Cause Electrical Circuit Buzz or Crackle and What Should Be Done
- Loose Connections in Electrical Wiring
- If there is a loose connection somewhere within an electrical circuit will this cause the fuse box to buzz and crackle and cause problems with selected wall plugs.
- Temperature Conditions and Aluminum Wiring
- Fluctuations in temperature can create electrical components to expand and contract which can cause a loose connection and a deteriorating condition, as well as a buzz or crackle sound. This is a serious condition that can eventually lead to electrical circuit failure and damaged equipment.
- Isolate and Identify the Problem
- To help isolate the problem each circuit at the electrical panel should be turned off one at a time to see if the buzzing or noise stops.
- If the noise does stop then make note of the circuit and identify the type of circuit breaker or fuse because it will need to be evaluate for potential problems.
- Electrical Noise or Interference
- Electrical circuit problems can sometimes produce line disturbances that can create noise that may be heard on a radio or other electronic devices in the home.
- Attempt to isolate the circuit that causes the noise.
- Begin unplugging other devices that are sharing the same circuit.The problem may be within a separate device that needs to be serviced or replaced.
- Electrical line noise that is produced by other devices may sometimes be eliminated by installing noise filters, line conditioners or surge suppressors.
- If the problem still exists and is not isolated to a specific device then the circuit wiring and device connections will need to be inspected for burnt or corroded splices and connections and then repaired as needed.
- Circuit devices such as outlet receptacles or switches that have burnt terminal connections should be replaced.
- Circuit Breakers that Make Noise
- Sometimes AFCI breaker and GFCI circuit breakers may produce a slight hum or noise which may be normal.
- If a crackling noise or loud buzz is heard then the circuit breaker should be checked and replaced if necessary.
- Electrical Panel Noise
- A short within an electrical circuit could cause a buzz or hum sound at the electric panel right before a fuse blows or a circuit breaker trips off. The affected circuit should be identified so the circuit load may be identified and evaluated so the necessary repairs may be performed.
- Overloaded circuits should be decreased by disconnecting devices that are causing the circuit overload condition.
- If the sound you hear is a crackling sound then your electrical fuse box or panel should be checked out by a qualified electrician right away.
- There may be a deteriorating electrical connection that can cause serious damage to the electrical panel and cause circuit failure as well.
- A loose connection of either a wire or a circuit breaker inside the panel could potentially create a big problem and should be evaluated and repaired by a professional electrician right away.
NOTE: Electrical panels are energized and pose electrical shock and arc flash hazards. Homeowners should not work within the electrical panels. For best results contact a local licensed electrical contractor or certified electrician.
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Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.
The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!The Non-Contact Electrical TesterThis is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use.
The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring!The Plug-In Outlet TesterThis is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring. It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect Very handy and easy to use.
Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire!The Wire Stripper and Wire CutterMy absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires. This handy tool has multiple uses: The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation. The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets.. The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use. |
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I have a screw type fuse box in my home. One of the 15 amp fuses has been blowing periodically as well as becoming loose in its socket. Recently I checked the fuse and found it was very hot so I removed it immediately. this fuse supplies a section of the house with minimal power needs for lamps and clocks. Do the fuse box sockets get loose with age and would this cause overheating?
Hi RG,
While it is possible that a Edison based screw-in fuse may loosen up a little, I would be more inclined to think that the loosening may be affected by temperature changes which can certainly have affect electrical circuit connections because fluctuations in temperature will produce expansion and contractions of the metal parts and electrical circuit components which can produce a deteriorating condition which can result in a bad connection that can eventually cause arcing and circuit failure. Be sure the socket of the Edison based screw-in fuse is free from any objects that may interfere with the electrical connection and operation of the fuse.
Dave
When the outdoor part of our HVAC system at our house turns on we hear a heavy buzzing sound for a few seconds. We’ll hear this at the main electrical panel or in our bedroom, which has the blue plastic conduit with the wiring running across the ceiling of this room. We have Bryant units that are of the heat pump type. I’m wondering why we hear the lines buzzing. It’s a harsh, loud and somewhat alarming buzzing that happens.
Would you say this is normal or an indication of the wire sizing being inadequate?
Hi Marbert,
When large electrical equipment starts there may be a slight sound which is produced by the inrush of the electrical current. Wiring inside the electrical conduit may buzz if the level of current is excessive or an abnormal electrical condition is occurring. I would certainly have the circuit wiring checked, the electrical connections and the size of the circuit breaker and any fuses as well. If the circuit wire and circuit protection is found to be correct then the buzzing sounding noise that you are hearing may be from a condition with the relay, the condenser fan or the compressor that needs to be identified and repaired. In any case I would contact a qualified HVAC technician who can examine the unit completely and perform some electrical checks and circuit load tests and make any necessary repairs.
Dave
Thanks, I’ll check the wire gauge versus length of run versus conduit size versus appliance requirements. It’s been running like this for 10 years, but it seems to be getting a little louder with each passing year. Hard to quantify that. I need to do some homework. Thanks.
There is a crackling sound coming from the extractor above the shower in our bathroom.For a while now, there has been short-circuiting from somewhere that flicks one of our mains switches off. I now think it’s probably triggered by this bathroom extractor. Is the extractor crackle an immediate fire hazard? Will get it checked by electrician asap but wondered if we need to do emergency callout tonight or not? If you can help with this it would be greatly appreciated. Many thanks!
Hi H.T.,
I would definitely encourage you to have this crackling condition checked right away. It would be best to NOT use the shower and turn OFF the circuit until a qualified electrician can have a look at it, find out the problem and then make the necessary repairs.
Be Safe!
Dave
What would cause a crackling sound behind the light switch when I turn it on in the bathroom?
Hi Sherrie,
A crackling sound coming from a light switch may be due to a deteriorating wiring connection to the light switch or an electrical wiring splice that may be deteriorating. Other indications may be flickering lights or the exhaust fan may work erratically. The circuit should be turned off and the switch should be removed so the components may be inspected to reveal the problem, and then the appropriate repairs may be applied, which may include replacing the light switch.
I hope this helps you,
Dave
This morning one of the GFCI outlets in my kitchen started making a loud buzzing sound and then popped. Nothing was plugged into it, and no appliances in the same circuit were being used. We bought an older home and had the GFCI outlets installed about 2 yrs ago. I haven’t checked to see if the outlet is working but I checked the main circuit breaker and nothing was tripped. How serious is this, and should I call the electrician right away or is it safe to test the outlet?
Hi April,
Given the circumstances, I would have the outlet checked by an electrician. It may be that the GFCI outlet is going bad and needs to be replaced, and if so then the GFCI outlet may not be providing ground fault protection to at least that outlet if not others in the kitchen as well.
So yes, this should be taken care of right away.
Be Safe!
Dave
I’ve been renting my home for almost 2 months and have had an issue with flickering/dimming lights from the beginning. Recently 3 of the 4 outlets in my living room stopped working. Now I hear a sizzling/crackling noise in the breaker box that comes and goes. The landlord said that he will look at it next week. How dangerous is this and what should I do?
Hi Shavonne,
The flickering lights are directly related to the sizzling and crackling noise that is heard from the breaker box, and most likely the outlets that have stopped working. The danger is that the condition will continue and could cause damage to electrical components in the panel as well as continued loss of electrical services in the home.
The electrical panel should be checked by a qualified electrician and repairs made as needed.
I hope this helps,
Dave
There is a slight audible buzz in my newly wired recessed led lights. I have 2 other rooms with the same lights that do not buzz. I am not using a dimmer switch and there is nothing else on the circuit. Thoughts?
Hi Chris,
My first thought would be to swap out the buzzing light with one that does not buzz. This way you will know if the light fixture is the cause, and if so you may want to exchange it for a new one.
Let us know what you discovered,
Dave
Every 10 seconds or so I heard a very loud POP sound coming from my entertainment system. After about the fourth pop I turned everything off and have not heard anything for about a half hour. I was playing a game on my Xbox 360, with my new Yamaha surround sound system and my new 70″ Flat screen TV on. All the electrical devices from my system are plugged into one power strip which is plugged into a wall outlet. I put my hand over the things that were turned on, and none of them were abnormally hot. The wall around the outlet felt cold. I am very worried because it is too late to call an electrician for advice, and I am not sure if the pops are coming from the devices or the wall.
What should I do?
Hi Kat,
How to Isolate Electrical Components to Identify a Problem
Here is a method to Identify the Cause of a Popping Sound:
Try to identify which device is making the pop sound by unplugging one device at a time. The pop sound may be due to an internal component that is failing, or a problem with other devices connected to that device.
Once the device has been identified then see if anything else is connected to it, and if so go through this isolation process again by removing the connected devices individually, one at a time. Once the problem device has been isolated check all the cords and connections for wear or damage to the cords and connectors. Also make sure all of the devices are connected properly according to the specifications.
I hope this helps,
Dave
HELP! My main breaker is sizzling. We replaced all new circuit breakers. It is too late to call an electrician. Is this a problem that will be safe until the morning?
Hi Tammie,
The sizzling of the main circuit breaker will increase or decrease depending on how much electricity is being used. Reduce the amount of electrical devices being used as much as possible until the electrician can troubleshoot the problem and make the repairs.
Be Safe,
Dave
Last night while watching TV, my TV flickered a bit and turned on and off. Then I heard Hissing sound from the Breaker Box, and then the Wall outlets where I have the TV connected. I disconnected them and nothing happened, but as soon as I connected them the Hissing and Buzzing started up again. I need to know what might his be, and what needs to be done?
Hi Enrique,
The hissing and buzzing sound is most likely due to a deteriorating connection of the electrical wiring of the circuit, or the circuit breaker and panel components. The circuit and panel should be evaluated by a qualified electrician who can accurately assess the fault and make the appropriate electrical repairs. Until the problem is corrected the devices should be disconnected from the circuit and the circuit breaker should be turned off.
Be Safe,
Dave
I decided to clean up my aircon (air conditioner) today, so I turned off my aircon wall outlet, then when I turned it back on I realized the button is loose and heard crackling noise so I quickly turn it off and sort of play around with the button. Afterwards I turn it back on and the crackling noise is gone. I’m wondering whether its alright now since the noise no longer there or should I get someone to check it out?
Hi Tamao,
I am wondering to what extent you have cleaned up your air conditioner? Keep in mind that not all of the parts or components are waterproof, therefore water and cleaning agents should be avoided. For best results follow the recommended maintenance procedures as provided by the aircon manufacturer guide or owners manual.
Thanks for sharing your electrical question,
Dave
I have a loud buzzing noise coming from my 220 outlet to plug my cook stove. We shut off the 220 at the box and unplugged the cook stove and we still have that buzzing noise. Any idea?
Hi Shirley,
The cook stove outlet circuit should be turned off, so an inspection can be made for loose wire connections, damage to the circuit components, or factors that will be causing the buzzing noise. The necessary repairs should be made to the affected circuit components, and a new 220volt receptacle outlet should be installed if the old one has been damaged.
This type of repair is best performed by a licensed electrician to ensure a safe repair job.
I hope this helps,
Dave
Hi Dave.
I live in an apartment building that has all the electrical wiring coming up from the basement and running through an enclosed metal box which then feeds the individual apartments.
The enclosed box randomly emits a loud buzzing noise or “bangs” loudly and rhythmically; sometimes it is silent.
The maintenance people think that the noise is coming from the 220 lines that run to a few of the apartments, and that when the lines are in use, the noises occur.
They think there is nothing wrong here. Do you?
Thanks for your help.
Hi Alan, The loud buzzing may be from a transformer where the main service is located and the sound emanating through the conduit. The loud bangs may be caused when large equipment starts up, but typically this does happen in a rhythmic pattern. This could be an indication that equipment may not be performing normally, however this could only be determined by a careful study of the electrical systems, and then making various circuit observations and meter readings. This is where preventive maintenance and periodic electrical system readings and thermal scans are invaluable for preventing equipment failures that may ultimately lead to downtime and high repair costs.
Be sure you have plenty of flashlights and batteries on hand just to be prepared.
I hope this helps,
Dave
My electric cooker has a hissing noise, it’s coming from the electric cooker box connection. I checked and tried to tightened the connection but I see nothing wrong with that. Do I need to disconnect it from the socket and reinstall it?
Hi Allan,
The circuit power should be turned off so all of the power connections may be inspected, one at a time. If burnt or deteriorating connections are found the wiring should be trimmed back and restored to shinny bare surface material. New connections should be made using a corrosion resistant inhibitor and new wire connectors should be applied.
Be safe,
Dave
I am an amateur radio operator. When both my 200 amp entrances are turned off and running from batteries, no RFI ( radio frequency interference ) is present on the radios when either one transmits. As soon as one or the other of the main panels is turned on, the interference is extremely bad. Mind you, this ONLY occurs when one radio is transmitting on one frequency, like 7 MHz, and the other one listening on 14 or 21 MHz. The interference can be 50 kHz wide; this is not just a simple harmonic problem. This happens even with ONE watt of power. Also, this occurs ONLY when the yagi antennas (directional) are pointed at the house. When they point in other directions, no problem.
With one of the two panels off, I have found a breaker on the other panel which when turned on/off makes the interference ( during transmitting ) come and go. As soon as the other panel (that had been off entirely) is turned on, turning the troublesome breaker found earlier on/off makes no difference.
I believe I have a yet discovered ground loop. Opinions?
Hi Jeff,
There are several things that could be causing RFI with your radio transmissions, and it sounds like you are going in the right direction to identify a possible source connected to one of your panels. The best way to find the specific source of RFI would be to turn all the circuits off, and then bring them back on one at a time while monitoring using the radio or a RF meter. You may find a specific device that is connected to a circuit, or a component within a electrical circuit that has started to develop a problem that can cause RFI. Electrical connection failures can become progressive until the point of complete breakdown in some cases. Ambient temperature as well as electrical load fluctuations can also have an impact on electrical components. Ground loops can be a problem as well, but they can be prevented by making sure all the grounds are well bonded and ultimately connect to a single source at the main electrical service where the earth ground originates.
Keep us posted about what you discover, and I hope this helps you!
Be Safe – CQ,
Dave
House Has Dimming Lights
My entire house has been having “dimming” lights. I didn’t think much about it until today when multiple power flashing episodes started. TV, refrigerator, AC, lights going off and on. Went to the breaker box and heard crackling. Would the main breaker be needing replaced?
Crackling Noise in Electric Panel
Hi Billy,
If a crackling noise is heard coming from the electrical panel then this is typically an indication of a failing electrical component or loose electrical connection. This could be a serious matter that could cause further damage and loss of electrical circuit power. A qualified electrician should be contacted as soon as possible so the problem can be identified and resolved.
Please Note: Due to the Danger of Electric Shock, Electrical Panel Problems are best repaired by a Qualified Electrician.
Be Safe,
Dave
My electrical panel is making a cracking, sizzling noise when something is being used from the 120v outlets, like a corded drill. Its a 200amp panel. The lights also are dim. I tested the voltage at the panel and one phase was jumping from 70 – 90v. The other phase would jump to 160v at times depending on certain breakers that were flipped on. Does this sound like a problem at the panel or in the internal house wiring? Any ideas?
Hi Darren,
From what you have described the internal house wiring is usually not the problem. However, the 200amp electrical panel should be checked by a qualified electrician for faulty connections or a problem with a circuit breaker. This should be done as soon as possible to avoid further damage and electrical circuit failures.
Be Safe,
Dave