Buzzing Dimmer Switch

[jlperry]

A friend has told me that her light is buzzing, and also a dimmer switch is buzzing. Could it be that the lamps are not compatible with dimmer switches? Or have you got any other ideas please. Many thanks.

 

[Doc Hudson]

There are a lot of variables with a question like this and as you have not said what type of lamp this is a bit of guess work without more information. It is not uncommon for some of the cheaper brands of dimmer switches to make what some describe as buzzing or high pitched noise. It is also not uncommon for some cheap CFL lamps to make similar noises. Not all lamps are compatible with all dimmers and some lamps should not be dimmed at all some LED's are not dimmable most CLF's should not be dimmed. All dimmers have a max and a minimum wattage rating, to much power will typically damage the dimmer too small a load could exhibit flickering and possibly buzzing noises at the dimmer. If the customer has replaced lamps with lower wattage or if some lamps from a multi lamp fitting are blown or removed the dimmer may not have sufficient load for correct operation. If they do have dimmable LED's fitted the dimmer switch may not be compatible but that would normally be evident by flickering rather than noise. Any noises from lights or dimmers are obviously more noticeable to people with better high frequency hearing, so one persons problem may not be identifiable to someone else.

Doc H.

 

[Evans Electric]

Heed what the Doc says in #2  .    If the lamp is a CFL try changing it / them to a standard GLS lamp , see what happens.