Tell me more ×
Home Improvement Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for contractors and serious DIYers. It's 100% free, no registration required.
up vote 3 down vote favorite
1

Ok, is please bear with a little explanation:

My girlfriend had the master bath in her condo remodeled, and asked her contractor to install a new (GFCI) outlet. He apparently pulled it from the switch for the vanity light fixture. At the same time, he installed a dimmer switch for that same vanity light. The good news is there is no buzzing from the light fixture at all. The bad news is that the new outlet is buzzing and crackling like mad. These people told her there was nothing that could be done, and that it wouldn't hurt anything, it was because the dimmer and the GFCI amounted to two transformers on one circuit. This is a crock, but I wasn't around when the work was done. At this point I am wondering if anything can be done without pulling out the new sheetrock. The GFCI outlet works fine, it tests and resets normally, and you can use it nomally as well. It just sounds like an angry beehive. I was considering a lamp debuzzing coil, but my only experience with one of those, it made as much noise at this outlet is. Any suggestions?

share|improve this question
This question might be worth a look. – Tester101♦ Aug 1 '11 at 12:08

2 Answers

up vote 5 down vote

I have never encountered the situation of a buzzing GFI before. Sounds a bit fishy to me. The trouble shooting procedure would be to turn off the power to the bathroom, unscrew the GFI from the box, pull it out a bit and remove the "load" side wires which should go to the dimmer and check that "line" screws are tight. Turn the power back on, if the dimmer is on the load side then the light with dimmer should be inoperative. Does the sound go away? If it doesn't and the buzz remains, the GFI is probably defective. Now turn the power back off, put the load wires back on and test again. If the buzz comes back then replace the dimmer or swap it for a regular switch. If neither of these subtitution tests stop the problem, call a different electrician. Trust me, a buzz from a GFI or a dimmer is not a normal situation and could be a potentially dangerous situation. Feel free to ask follow up questions if any of this doesn't make sense to you. Maybe one of my buddies can do an edit to make this a bit easier to follow.

share|improve this answer
It's worth noting: the thing buzzes even when it is tripped with the test button, just keeps on . . . – OtherMatt Jul 31 '11 at 22:03
do the lights go out when you trip the GFI? – shirlock homes Jul 31 '11 at 22:34
no, they don't change at all. – OtherMatt Jul 31 '11 at 22:45
1  
It sounds like either a bad connection (which should be fixed immediately, as it's a fire hazard), or a faulty GFCI (which also should be fixed - faulty is not a good quality in safety devices). – gregmac Aug 1 '11 at 1:37
The lights are not on the load side, be aware. Did you do the tests I suggested? Would love to hear some feedback. – shirlock homes Aug 1 '11 at 21:37
up vote 1 down vote

I noticed several kitchen outlet GFIs all buzzing slightly yesterday. They buzzed both while ready and while tripped. I didn't check the wiring but they are all about one year old, installed by an electrician. I pulled one out, and it was cool to the touch.

This morning the buzzing had stopped!

I think the incoming line voltage may have varied and the GFIs buzzed when the voltage was a little low.

share|improve this answer
Why would a Gfci buzz with low voltage? Voltage swings are pretty normal, I've never noticed any Gfci buzz – Steven Dec 25 '12 at 23:07

Your Answer

 
discard

By posting your answer, you agree to the privacy policy and terms of service.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.