Power strip emits annoying, high-pitched buzz

[duragezic]

I think it has always done it, but since I've moved and now my computer is right next to my bed, it gets pretty annoying hearing that buzz. My roommate thought maybe it was all the cords laying around interfering with it, but really all I have is the power strip connected to a large, heavy-duty ext. cord and 3-4 devices connected to the 'strip. I tried a different 'strip and it does the same thing, but they are both pretty old powerstrips. Is this normal? Or would I be able to get rid of it by buying a new, good quality power strip?

 

[filterxg]

Probably nothing to worry about, but a strip is too important. If its a bad capacitor or something it could easily fry everything its attached to.

 

[duragezic]

Well it's not that I'm that concerned, more that it is just annoying when the whole room is quiet except for that buzz. No one elses makes such a buzz??

 

[Brian23]

beer makes a buzz

 

[Cruithne]

hahaha brian... I've never heard of that buzz before. I'm going to guess its buzzing at around 60hz though?

 

[duragezic]

Anyone?

 

[Tiamat]

i would try doing without the extension cord. Plug the power strip directly into the wall and see if it still buzzes. If so, try a different outlet. Generally, I find that its not a good thing when you can "hear" electricity.

Sophomore year, my dorms electric outlet made buzzing noise when I plugged my power strip to it. I immediately called the campus utilities guys, and they checked it out. Find out electricity was arcing inside the wall. When he took off the plate, you could actually see blue sparks. They had to shut down all the power and fix it.

 

[CrispyFried]

There may be a coil inside the powerstrip with loose windings.

If I hear stuff like that make noise, i replace it.