ECN Electrical Forum
Discussion Forums for Electricians, Inspectors and Related Professionals

I just replaced two receptacles with gfci's in my own kitchen and they both emit a slight hum-buzz. I can't say I have ever encountered this before. Any thoughts on this? Make me look smart for my wife.

[This message has been edited by Electricmanscott (edited 12-28-2002).]

E-Scott,
Are the GFCIs in question the "new" ones (UL 1699, I think I got that right...) ?

That's a new one on me...

I've had them supposedly "beep" (dying internal meal worms- don't ask...) but not hum.

Boy, a symphony of GFCIs!

If they are not mis-wired, they are probably
the type which use an energised solenoid to
keep the outlet active, and de-energise the
solenoid to open the contacts, depowering the
circuit.

I once replaced a buzzing GFCI that was in an outside WP Cover. The cover was not so WP as it turned out and the recp actually had accumulated some water in it. I figured that was contributing to the buzzing. I think the manufacturer was P&S. I replaced it with a Leviton and a new gasket and cover.

Had a homeowner on a recent job complain of the same thing. I went to check it and I could not hear the hum. I took the gfi out but left the wires hooked up and could feel the hum,so to speak, sort of like a doorbell transformer. Replaced it with one of the same brand, no hum.Never run into it before.

Sounds like a meal worm problem