What to Do If Your Electrical Panel Is Buzzing After a Tornado in St. Louis

After a tornado, if you hear buzzing from your electrical panel, immediately switch off the main breaker only if you can do so safely, keep everyone clear of the panel, and call a licensed electrician right away. Do not ignore this warning sign: acting quickly prevents fires, electrical shocks, and further damage.

 

Immediate Actions to Ensure Safety

 

When your electrical panel buzzes after a storm, safety must come first.

• Locate the main breaker and turn it off if you can reach it without touching wires or wet surfaces.
• Keep children and pets away from the panel area to avoid accidental contact.
• Avoid using any electrical appliances or switches until a professional has checked the system.
• If you smell burning plastic or see sparks or smoke, call 911 and your electrician immediately.

 

Understanding the Buzzing Sound

 

A buzzing noise in an electrical panel usually means electricity is arcing or flowing improperly. Electrical panels contain circuit breakers or fuses that divide power among circuits in your home or business. When connections loosen, or damage occurs, electricity can jump gaps (this is called arcing), which creates a buzzing or humming noise.

 

Potential Causes of a Buzzing Electrical Panel

 

After a tornado, panels can sustain hidden harm:

• Loose Bus Bars or Breakers: Vibration from high winds can shake screws and fittings loose, causing poor connections that buzz under load.
• Water Ingress: Rain or flying debris can crack the panel enclosure, letting moisture inside. Wet connections arc and hiss.
• Internal Component Damage: A strong jolt of wind or debris can bend or misalign parts, disrupting normal current flow.
• Ground Faults: Torn insulation or damaged wires might touch the panel’s metal housing, creating dangerous paths for electricity.

 

Why You Should Not Touch or Fix It Yourself

 

Working on an electrical panel without training is extremely dangerous:

• Live parts inside the panel carry thousands of volts—enough to cause severe injury or death.
• Without proper tools and protective equipment, you risk shocks or arc blasts that can burn or blind you.
• Improper repairs can void insurance or violate building codes, leaving you legally and financially exposed.

 

When to Call a Licensed Electrician

 

If you notice any buzzing, sparking, burning smell, or flickering lights after a tornado, it’s time to call a pro. Make sure your electrician is licensed and insured. If you experienced tornado damage in St. Louis or Nashville, choose someone familiar with local building codes and storm-related repair techniques.

 

What to Expect During the Professional Inspection

 

A qualified electrician will:

• Test voltage levels and look for hot spots using a thermal camera.
• Inspect each breaker and bus bar connection, tightening or replacing parts as needed.
• Check for water damage, corrosion, or compromised insulation inside the panel.
• Verify grounding and bonding to ensure stray currents can’t energize metal parts.
• Provide a detailed repair plan and cost estimate before starting any work.

 

Preventive Steps for the Future

 

Once repairs are complete, you can reduce future risks by:

• Installing a weatherproof cover or relocating the panel to higher ground if flooding is possible.
• Scheduling annual electrical safety inspections with your electrician.
• Keeping the panel area clear of clutter and debris for easy access.
• Labeling circuits clearly to speed up troubleshooting after any event.
• Investing in surge protectors or whole-house surge arresters to guard against voltage spikes.

 

Resources and Additional Support

 

For help or questions, contact a licensed residential and commercial electrical provider in your area. After a tornado, swift professional action restores safety and peace of mind.