ECN Forum Forums General Topics of the Trade General Discussion Area Brief buzzing from breaker

Have an interesting issue here:

Turning on the outside christmas lights (I have alot of them), the 20A breaker for the circuit that some of them are on, buzzes briefly before quieting down. Circuit in question is a dedicated 20A line for this purpose, one of two installed. The other one does not buzz. Perhaps a worn breaker needing replacement soon?

Put a clamp on it and see what you are pulling. This is probably telling you that you have exceeded the 16a continuous load you are allowed.

Does the breaker feel warm? That could also be from a lose connection.

Some breakers buzz and some transformers and ballasts buzz. Replace them when the annoyance factor makes the cost worthwhile.

It's stopped doing it at this point.

I have heard Buzzing emitted from correctly installed and functioning MCCBs.
Always figured the sound is Generated from the Spring in the Reset Assembly.

Would be nice to know exactly which entity is vibrating, and what factors determine it to be Audible.

-- Scott

Isn't there usually a lot of buzz around Christmas time?



Sorry for that bad joke! I just had to say it.