How to Fix the Buzzing Outlet in Your Bedroom Wall That's Driving You Crazy at Night

Having a buzzing electrical outlet in your bedroom is incredibly annoying, especially when you're trying to sleep. Don't worry - that buzzing outlet can likely be fixed with some basic troubleshooting and electrical work. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you diagnose and repair the buzzing outlet in your bedroom wall that's driving you crazy at night.

Inspect the Outlet

The first step is to inspect the outlet that is buzzing. Here are some things to look for:

• Loose outlet or wall plate - If the outlet feels loose or the wall plate is shifting, this can cause buzzing from vibrations. Tighten the outlet screws or wall plate screws.

• Signs of overheating - Look for discolored wires, melted plastic, or a burnt smell. This indicates overheating that requires replacement.

• Cracked outlet - Cracks in the plastic outlet can lead to buzzing. Replace cracked or damaged outlets.

• Corroded connections - Check for green or white corrosion on the outlet terminals. Clean off corrosion and reconnect wires.

• Backstabbed wires - Outlets with wires simply pushed into the backstab connectors often buzz from poor connections. Convert to screw terminal connections.

Check Wire Connections

Issues with the electrical connections can cause buzzing outlets due to arcing or loose wires. Turn off the circuit breaker for the outlet before inspecting these connections:

• Verify all wire connections are tight and secure in the outlet and at wire nuts. Loose wires can vibrate and buzz.

• Check that bare copper ground wires are connected to the green screw terminal on the outlet. Missing ground wires can buzz.

• Make sure the hot and neutral wires are connected correctly and not reversed. Reverse wired outlets can buzz.

• Try disconnecting and reconnecting wires to obtain a tight connection.

Test the Voltage

Use a multimeter to test the voltages on the outlet to find any wiring faults:

• Hot to neutral - Test between the brass screw terminal and silver screw terminal. The voltage should be 110-120 volts. A lower voltage indicates a wiring issue.

• Hot to ground - Test between the brass screw and outlet box. You should get 110-120 volts. No voltage means an open ground wire.

• Neutral to ground - Test between the silver screw and outlet box. There should be 0 volts. Voltage indicates a grounded (shorted) neutral wire.

Check for a Loose Outlet Box

If the outlet box itself is loose or vibrating, it can cause buzzing sounds. Here are some fixes:

• Secure the box - Tighten the screws securing the outlet box to the studs or wall materials.

• Test for buzzing - Plug in a small appliance and hold the outlet to block vibrations. If buzzing stops, the box is loose.

• Shim the box - Install non-conductive shims or spacers between the outlet box and stud to snug the box.

Replace the Outlet

If the buzzing persists after troubleshooting the outlet and connections, it may need replacement:

• Purchase a new outlet that matches the wire connections of the old outlet.

• Shut off electrical power and remove the old outlet.

• Carefully connect each wire to the matching terminal on the new outlet.

• Secure the new outlet in the wall box and install the wall plate.

• Restore power and test that the buzzing noise is gone.

Be patient during troubleshooting and make sure to work safely. With some diligent electrical work, you should be able to silence that annoying buzz coming from your bedroom wall outlet and finally get some peace and quiet.