It is not always typical for a surge protector to make loud noises as it is for all electronic components.
However, the clicking sound is typical.
But when the sound becomes too loud and noisy, it’s a problem.
Why is the surge protector making noise?
The loud and noisy sound coming from the surge protector is an indication of faults. During sudden surges, surge protectors make clicking, popping and buzzing sounds. Popping may be the sign of a capacitor or MOV exploding. If you smell burning plastic then it’s time you replace your surge protector.
Besides the sudden surge, surge protectors also make certain noises for various reasons. They may also generate sound just because a surge protector has poor-quality components.
Let us go check the kinds of noise that surge protectors make and why they make it.
Surge Protectors Make Different Kinds of Noise!
Due to different underlying reasons surge protectors may make different kinds of noise. They may produce beeping, humming, and crackling sounds.
Let us see the reason behind the 3 standard sounds that surge protectors make.
Surge Protector Beeping Noise
You won’t hear regular surge protectors making beeping sounds. If it does, it has a diagnostic function, making it beep during a surge spike.
Sudden voltage spikes occur due to high power requirement appliances. That’s why you need a surge protector for the washing machine.
Also, the surge protector has UPS, which might beeping to alarm. That specific appliance might be sucking too much backup power from the surge protector.
If the beeping noise is because of UPS. Simply shut the connected devices. Remember that this backup power is not supposed to keep your high-voltage device running.
Surge Protector Humming Noise
Humming sound is also a regular thing in electric components. But hearing it from far away is not a good sign.
The first reason for humming sounds is loose internal wires. So, that’s the first thing to check in case of a humming noise from the surge protector.
Also, don’t forget to check for poorly grounded wall outlets.
Surge Protector Crackling Noise
The crackling noise from surge protectors most likely indicates frayed or damaged wiring. The crackling sound means that the components inside the surge protector are deteriorating.
The same could happen with the wall outlet components so don’t forget that.
Additionally, you also might smell burning along with the crackling. This would mean the wiring circuit or other component burning inside the surge protector.
3 Reasons Why Surge Protector Making Noise
The sound of electricity is noisy. But the reasons for the noise in your TV and surge protector would be different.
For instance, high-voltage power lines may be making buzzing sounds. This is because electrical discharge is passing near the power lines through the air. So sounds are normal for electricity.
But all the sounds or noise you hear are not necessarily coming from the surge protector. It could also be because the appliance is plugged in. The higher the voltage requirement of the appliance, the louder the sound will be.
Improper use of surge protectors is a big cause of noise as well. An example of improper use of surge protectors is plugging a power strip into a surge protector.
I will tell you about the different kinds of sounds that your surge may make. And why do they make such a sound? So let’s go.
Reason 1: Surge Protector Noise In Case of a Surge
The surge protectors’ name indicates that they are made to protect from sudden surges. They do protection by absorbing and redirecting excess current.
Surge protectors are designed to make clicking when they encounter a surge. So, a click is an indication that your surge is doing what it was meant for, which is to protect your power strip and appliances from the sudden surge.
So, the clicking sound from a surge protector is good. But a problem when it’s continuously clicking. Continuous clicking is a sign of continuous spikes in voltage. This occurs due to the high demand for certain plugged appliances.
To avoid sudden spikes of voltage look out for compatible appliances. Avoid plugging in too many power-hungry appliances at the same time.
Also due to poor-quality components surge protectors may go bad. Check out some of the best quality surge protectors:
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Using high-quality surge protectors would keep you relieved in the long run.
Reason 2: Noise Coming from Appliance
It is not wise to immediately hurry up blaming surge protectors when you hear sound. Sound could be of something else. Carefully check what appliances are plugged into your surge protector.
The quickest and most straightforward solution is to remove any appliance plugged in. Suppose the sound stopping would indicate that the surge protector is fine. Also, try to use your surge protector somewhere else to see if it stops.
If it doesn’t stop, then first check for any other electric device in the nearby area. Then check for any frayed wires in the wall that would most likely make a buzzing noise.
Reason 3: Spark and Failure
You might hear popping or sizzling sounds inside the surge protector. That’s probably because something inside the surge protector has exploded. It could either be a capacitor or a MOV.
This metal oxide varistor (MOV) will protect the circuit from high-voltage spikes. And this component makes your power strip a surge protector. So, popping would surely be a failure if it were because of the MOV explosion.
A sparking sound or visible spark is directly related to power-hungry appliances. So, you might hear it right when you are plugging such an appliance into the surge protector. It is because they demand sudden high voltage.
Furthermore, surge protectors used for a long time may face loose wire and component deterioration. And their noise will become more continuous and loud.
FAQs
Can a surge protector explode?
Most probably yes, they can. But exploding surge protectors means exploding parts inside them. It could be a capacitor, fuse, breaker, or MOV component. You might see the blackish color of the socket opening. This occurs when surge protectors face high voltage spikes due to power-hungry appliances.
Can a surge protector start a fire?
Yes, surge protectors are known for sometimes catching fire. Improper use of surge protectors is the main cause of fire hazards, such as plugging one surge protector into another and making daisy-chaining. This is a strongly discouraged practice and poses a severe risk.
What causes the surge protector prong to melt?
The most common cause due to which the surge protector’s prong may melt is loose wiring. It could also happen because of the oxidation of that specific prong. The voltage drop across the connection would generate heat. Eventually melting the prong or plug.