Buzzing in plug socket when clicking PC power button on, happens on the odd occasion

[Wayfall]

My computer specs:
-i5 4460 3.20GHz
-ASRock Z97 Anniversary Motherboard
-MSI GTX 970 4GB
-Corsair Vengeance DDR3 1600Mhz 2x4GB Dual Channel 8GB kit
-EVGA G2 Supernova 550w Gold Modular PSU
-Samsung EVO 850 250GB SSD (OS and a few main played games)
-1TB Western Digital Caviar Hard Disk Drive (Least played games, music and junk)
-Windows 7 Home Premium OEM
-1920x1080 LG monitor

Hi Community

So basically i'm looking for a way to stop this odd split second buzz from the plug socket when i turn the computer on which only happens now and then.

I've been told by my Dad who has worked in the computing industry i just need a 13-amp surge braker in the wall that the PC is then plugged into. I currently have a 6 plug decently made surge protector extension cable which has 3 of the plugs used which is the computer, monitor, speakers and then the extension lead goes into the wall which is the socket i hear the buzz from.

Does anyone have any suggestion on what i should do?

Thank you

 

[aldan]

sounds more like you have a bad connection at the wall socket.check for loose wires inside the plug socket itself or a loose fit with your extension cable where it plugs into the wall.

 

[weberdarren97]

I would actually be less worried about your equipment and what's between your computer and the wall. I would turn my attention to a possible defect in the wiring in the wall. The sound could be the two opposing wires being close enough to each other that their electromagnetic fields are interacting with each other. Not a huge problem unless of course you hear an electrical snap or arc sound or notice a hot or burning smell. If you notice anything from that last sentence, it's time to look into getting some electrical work done inside the wall before you burn down the house.

But as long as it's just a gentle hum during the one to one and a half seconds to it takes to initialize the power supply before the startup power spike drops down to normal levels, you're okay in terms of any immediate danger.

 

[weberdarren97]

sounds more like you have a bad connection at the wall socket.check for loose wires inside the plug socket itself or a loose fit with your extension cable where it plugs into the wall.

That's a good start on a long list of possible problems. But I always recommend checking the simple things like that first, before doing anything expensive like having the house rewired.

 

[weberdarren97]

I meant buzz, not hum, but I think you got the point out of my previous message.

 

[videobear]

Your Dad is partly right...ALL the circuits in your house are protected by circuit breakers, at the electrical panel. Most of the circuits will have 15 amp breakers, but some of them intended for heavy use will have 20 amp breakers. Since the breaker is in the electrical panel, that's not the buzzing that you're hearing. Turn off the power to the wall socket at the electrical panel. Verify that it's off by trying to turn on your computer. Once you are sure the circuit is disabled, open up the wall box and check the connections to the electrical outlet. If they are firmly connected, the outlet itself could be bad, especially in an older home. I suggest running down to Home Depot and buying a replacement outlet for about six bucks. It's an easy ten minute do it yourself replacement job. Reinstall the outlet cover, turn the breaker back on, and fire up your computer.

Using a power strip with a surge arrestor feature is a good idea, but getting an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) is an even better one. They have better surge protection and can keep your computer running long enough for you to save your work and shut down gracefully in the event of a power outage.

 

[weberdarren97]

Your Dad is partly right...ALL the circuits in your house are protected by circuit breakers, at the electrical panel. Most of the circuits will have 15 amp breakers, but some of them intended for heavy use will have 20 amp breakers. Since the breaker is in the electrical panel, that's not the buzzing that you're hearing. Turn off the power to the wall socket at the electrical panel. Verify that it's off by trying to turn on your computer. Once you are sure the circuit is disabled, open up the wall box and check the connections to the electrical outlet. If they are firmly connected, the outlet itself could be bad, especially in an older home. I suggest running down to Home Depot and buying a replacement outlet for about six bucks. It's an easy ten minute do it yourself replacement job. Reinstall the outlet cover, turn the breaker back on, and fire up your computer.

Using a power strip with a surge arrestor feature is a good idea, but getting an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) is an even better one. They have better surge protection and can keep your computer running long enough for you to save your work and shut down gracefully in the event of a power outage.

I agree with your UPS idea. And Wayfall, make sure that when you replace the outlet that both of the wires (or all three if it's a newer outlet) have their insulating covers. If the casings are cracking or missing leaving the wires bare, it's time to rewire the outlet entirely. If the ground doesn't have a casing, that's okay, it's the ones that carry current that you need to be sure of.

 

[Wayfall]

I do not have the experience to do this task so I have asked my Dad and the houses insurance covers problems with are electronics. He is going to call them in to look at my plug sometime soon.

 

[aldan]

why dont you try holding your power strip plug firmly in the wall recepticle and have someone turn your computer on.if you hear the sound and feel the vibration in the plug its likely the wall recepticle at fault.i would put money on it being no more than a loose connection at the plug.