Circuit breaker question

[maple1]

Noticed one day when I walked past my panel this summer that the breaker for our electric hot water heater had a bit of a slight buzz or hum to it when the heater was heating. (It's a Siemens). Don't think I've noticed any of the other ones making any kind of noise. Not sure it does it all the time the heater is heating or just sometimes.

Is that a bad sign - should I replace it?

 

[BrotherBart]

I have always heard that is a sign that the breaker is overloaded but not popping. But wait for folks that know more about wiring than me to weigh in.

 

[bpirger]

I'm not an electrician either, but I'd change it. Quick and easy to do....I'd sleep better....or at least enjoy the hot shower more.

 

[heat seeker]

Agreed - I wouldn't trust that breaker. Can you check the current draw on that circuit? As stated, the circuit may be overloaded, but not enough to trip the breaker. Either way, I'd look into it ASAP.

 

[Husky]

Has the water heater been replaced now or in the past. Maybe the new water heater (if it has) draws more power than the original install. Just something to check.

 

[greg13]

Start with the cheap stuff first, $20 breaker vs $100K house do the math. If there is still an issue at least you know the breaker will trip.

 

[burnham]

That can be a sign that the main bus is corroded. Sometimes a breaker that draws a high load will heat up where the breaker makes contact. It's worth pulling out the breaker and looking at the bus.

 

[maple1]

Thanks for the input. It's been shut off for a couple of months now & will be until I stop burning wood next spring sometime. I'll check it out further before I turn it on again, so planning now on at least a breaker replacement.

 

[seige101]

Could be loose wires on the breaker or like someone else said the buss is corroded from water leaking in from your meter socket making a bad connection.

/electrician