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Is It Possible to Hear Electricity?

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While sitting near an electrical outlet or close to an electrical appliance, you’ll often hear a buzzing sound. Do you feel it is electricity talking to you?

Well, it can be. By the way, let us add that you don’t have any superpowers, and most people can actually hear this sound when there is complete silence.

Some people have strong sensations that can help them pick such meager sounds like that of electricity, while others might not even notice them. So, either way, you are completely normal.

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Why does that sound come?

As some people might say, this buzzing or humming sound is the by-product of electricity. It releases this sound when the electricity flows through the electrical outlet or the electrical appliances.

An important thing to note here is that the alternating current with high voltage will produce a louder sound than the low voltage current. So, if you have been missing the electrical noise, it could be because of this reason.

The idea of “hearing” electricity might seem odd, but perceiving the sounds with an electrical current is possible. Basically, it is referred to as “electromagnetic noise,” and electricity is not producing it, but the components of the system generate the noise. Below are a few examples when you hear the sound.

  • Transformer Hum: 

Transformers are devices that step up or down the voltage levels in an electrical circuit. Stepping up or down can produce a low-frequency humming sound.

  • Sparking: 

A sparking or arcing sound is heard when the system produces high voltages in an electrical circuit.

Moreover, certain sounds are heard in electronic devices due to electromagnetic interference as well. It is important to understand that the sounds are not produced by the electricity itself.

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Is there some other way to feel this noise?

Yeah, you can feel the noise or the static current in the operation of the appliance or equipment too.

You can feel the static signals while watching TV, while your dryer might behave a bit differently. This is the sound showing it off in ways.

From where does the buzzing sound actually come?

The flow of current in the outlets makes the transformer vibrate. This vibration is what humans feel as sound.

If you hear the buzzing sound from the high-voltage lines, it is because of ionizing. When electricity comes in contact with air, it discharges a bit, creating a hissing sound. It is even more audible in humid environments. The conductivity of air or atmosphere increases, and there is a higher chance of getting electrocuted.

You must be very careful with and around electrical objects in humid weather as it can be much more dangerous compared to the other seasons.

When does this sound become dangerous?

The electricity sound might be emitted regularly, but people usually don’t hear it for long. But if it is audible enough to make you concerned, then it is better to seek professional help from the electricians.

The sound can be the result of broken wires and other issues with your electrical equipment. Do not risk and call Chicago Electricians immediately.

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