Why is my outlet buzzing?

LOOSE/FAULTY WIRING CONNECTIONS

If your outlet is buzzing it is most likely due to loose or faulty wiring connections at the outlet.  Buzzing outlets is not something to take lightly,  it may seem like nothing bad is happening but they can be very dangerous.  If your outlet is buzzing you will want to shut the power down to the outlet immediately by shutting off the breaker. The outlet buzzing from a lose connection is the result of the wiring sparking in the box.  This can be a major cause for concern because this can result in a fire if the sparks persist long enough or they get big enough. This can also burn out the wires to the point where you will have to re-pull new wires making it a more expensive project than it has to be. 

Once you shut down the power to the outlet the buzzing will stop,  you will then have to take the outlet out of the box, there will most likely be black marks around the outlet where the wiring connections were made.  You will need to get a new outlet and strip the wires back so you do not reuse the burned out section of wire.  If you try and reuse the burned out section of the wiring,  even if the new outlet works there will be problems down the road.  In order to make sure that your outlet is installed correctly I suggest contacting and hiring a qualified electrician to install your new outlet.

CHANGES IN WEATHER can be a cause for the connections on your outlet to become faulty and loose. The expanding and contracting of the metal in the wiring or on the outlet itself can cause the connection to ware over time resulting in a loose connection and a buzzing sound. 

WATER if water or moisture got into your outlet box this can be another cause for the buzzing sound coming from your outlet.  Water is an excellent conductor of electricity and when water and electricity mix nothing good happens.  If water got into your outlet or outlet box then you will need to shut the power off to the outlet immediately,  make sure everything is dry and change out the outlet.

BAD INSTALLATION is another cause that the outlet is buzzing.  Bad workmanship or improper installation can be a cause for the buzzing.  If the installer did not properly tighten down the screws the outlet may work right away and for a period of time but over time the connections will slowly weaken and the outlet will start to buzz.  Another mistake could be that the outlets hot and neutral wires were installed on the wrong screws.  If the outlet continues to buzz or the buzzing gets louder over time or as you plug more things into the outlet you need to shut down the power immediately.  Plugging in items to buzzing outlet can cause damage to the items plugged in as well as to your home.

Contact a qualified electrician immediately if the outlets in your home are buzzing, other reasons to contact a qualified electrician are:

BUZZING BREAKERS.  Buzzing breakers are not always a cause for concern but over time you can develop problems with your system if the buzzing gets louder and louder.  Sometimes the fix is as simple as tightening a screw, other times the cause is more serious.  A qualified electrician will be able to determine the issue with your buzzing breaker.

SPARKING OUTLETS. Sparking outlets or breakers is a major cause for concern.  If your outlets or breakers are sparking you need to shut down the power immediately and contact a qualified electrician. 

WHY ELECTRICAL ISSUES ARE NOT A DO IT YOURSELF JOB.

Electrical issues should be handled by qualified electricians.  Electricity is dangerous and when someone who is not qualified tries to handle it, it can be extremely dangerous to that person as well as the home that they are working in.  The standard breakers feeding the items in your home are typically between 15-40 amps,  it only takes less than 1 amp to kill you.  Electricity is extremely dangerous and when in the wrong hands it could be a serious cause for concern for all involved.  All electrical issues are not simple fixes, there is much more that meets the eye for getting your home powered properly.  So if you have an electrical issue please be safe and contact the properly trained people to help you.