These sounds suggest electrical energy is not flowing smoothly and may be “jumping” across air gaps, a condition known as arcing. Homeowners can perform a safe preliminary check by listening closely to localize the noise source. When they start tripping, overheating, or making strange noises, it's more than just an inconvenience - it's your home's cry for help. In this guide, we'll walk through these. There are plenty of reasons why you hear that electrical box humming noise. It's supposed to sit behind a door or panel and do its job without making a peep. Resolution: Operational noise has been a question for a long time and it is generally a stacking up of factors which by themselves go unnoticed, but which together are noticed.