any electricians around?

[surfergirl602]

Quick question for you -

one of the outlets in my girls bathroom is audibly humming. I can hear it when I walk into the room. There isn't anything plugged in and I've tried popping the test button and reset buttons a few times and its still humming. Should I be concerned about this and call my realtor company? We rent through them and they have their own maintenance dept.

Thanks!

 

[LadyZolt]

My DH says "I would change the outlet. They only last for so long and humming is not good. It only costs about ten bucks. If it were me, I'd change the outlet." This is a guy who is not an electrician, but he's installed outlets in our house, electric fans, a garbage disposal, ceiling fans, etc. If he says call and have them replace it, that's what I'd do. Hope this helps!

-Dorothy (LadyZolt)

 

[kbsparky]

As an electrical contractor, I can tell you it sounds like that Ground-fault receptacle is probably going bad. They are not supposed to buzz like that.

Since you apparently live in a rental property, do NOT change the outlet yourself! Call your rental office, and ask for a maintenance report to be filed - to replace the offending device.

If your lease agreement calls for you to bear the responsibility for routine maintenance things like this, then call a licensed electrician for assistance.

-KB

 

[JR6ooo4]

you can buy a little tester plug that will tell you if anything is wrong. it has three lights and different combinations of lights tell you whether everything is fine or what problems there might be. the tool is under ten dollars.

it also has a button that shorts the current which tests the ground fault protection.

it is a great tool to have.

Mikeeee

 

[kbsparky]

Those testers only show if the device is correctly wired.

They do NOT evaluate the condition of the internal electronics of the GFCI device. Buzzing is not a good sign, and can be indicative of a bad internal electrical connection, moisture contamination, or other imminent failure.

 

[GeorgeG]

Agreed that the outlet needs to be replaced. Follow the advice of kbsparky and you will be just fine.