Have you ever sat in your home and heard a low electrical hum? Sometimes this noise can be absolutely maddening; especially when you can’t figure out where it is coming from. There are a couple of different tactics you can try to help you locate this electrical hum. Simon Electric is here to not only help you locate it, but explain some of the most common causes for the problem.

How to Locate Low Frequency Electrical Humming Noise

Following are some of the strategies that are most helpful in locating the source of a low frequency electrical hum.
– Stethoscope: When you suspect that the noise is coming from your outlets or light switches, you may find that a cheap stethoscope is an easy way to hear what’s going on behind those wall plates.
– Ear Trumpet: Ear trumpets have been around for ages, assisting people in hearing more efficiently. You can use an old megaphone or even make your own ear trumpet with a piece of paper to help you locate the hum.
– Process of Elimination: You can turn off all the switches on your circuit breaker and start the process of elimination by the sounds you hear when you turn the breaker back on.

Causes of Low Frequency Electrical Hum at Night

Sometimes this humming can be completely harmless; irritating, but harmless. There are other situations where these humming sounds are indicative of a larger electrical issue being present. Here are some of the most common causes for low frequency electrical humming.
– Electrical Fixtures: there are some fluorescent light bulbs and fixtures that emit these low hums and the only way to get rid of them is to switch out the fixture for something different.
– Gas & Electric Meters: If you have an older meter, there are many moving parts that could cause noises. Most new meters make very little to no noise. You can contact your utility provider about a meter replacement.
– “Mains Hum”: Many of the appliances in your home will put off a hum while they are running. This includes your refrigerator, dishwasher, clothes washer and dryer as well as electrical transformers outside your home.
– Electrical Outlets & Wiring: Whenever you hear a hum come from these areas, it is usually a cause for concern. When an outlet isn’t properly grounded or your wiring is transferring voltage higher than it is rated for, it will usually cause this humming to happen.
– Circuit Breakers: Your circuit breaker is designed to trip when there is too much voltage coursing through it, but sometimes these circuits malfunction. The hum comes from them staying in this overloaded state and are a big problem.

Electrical Services & More in Delray Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Jupiter & Boca Raton & Palm Beach County Florida

If you hear a low frequency electrical hum coming from your home and are concerned that it could be an electrical issue, call on the professionals at Simon Electric to check it out for you. We can ensure your electrical system is working properly and keep your home safe from the risk of electrical fire as well as you safe from electrical shock. Call us today!