Lighting, Light Fixtures, Ceiling and Exhaust Fans - Humming lights

Doityourself.com community forum was created to provide answers to all questions related to home improvement and home repair. Doityourself community can help you find information about how-to topics on small fixes to large remodeling projects. With comprehensive how-to content and expertly moderated community forums DoItYourself.com makes it easy to tackle even the most complex home improvement projects.



PDA

View Full Version : Humming lights

CycleZen
12-21-06, 04:19 PM
What causes certain light fixtures to hum? I've noticed fluorescent lights that hum, as well as incandescent lights on a dimmer switch.

Mother-in-law has asked me to replace some fluorescents because they hum; I want to make sure I don't replace humming lights with other humming lights.

Thanks!

william tell
12-21-06, 04:47 PM
All flouresant lights hum - the nature of the beast -the ballast is what is causing the humming,

A dimmer switch that hums -well I have never incountered that - perhaps change out the dimmer to a newer model

I personally do not like flouresants because of the light color they put out , incandesants do not hum but do draw more electricity - it is a question of preferance
joed
12-21-06, 05:35 PM
Manufacturers give the ballasts a sound rating from A to F.
An A ballast produces the least hum, and should be used in quiet areas (offices, homes).
An F ballast produces the most audible hum, and may be used in places where noise is acceptable (factories, outdoors).

CycleZen
12-21-06, 08:31 PM
Thanks, William Tell and JoeD- I'll investigate replacing the ballasts instead of the lights. Thanks for the info- enjoy the holidays!
chandler
12-22-06, 03:30 PM
The ballasts will be installed by slipping tangs into a matching notch in the light frame, and a screw on the other end. To help with the humming, wrap the tangs with a couple of wraps of electrical tape before you insert them into the notches. Metal-to-metal with an air gap is a hum waiting to happen, but with the tape, you will eliminate the air space and provide sound insulation.
twelvepole
12-22-06, 04:43 PM
Depending on required ballast, it can be expensive. Compare cost of new ballast to new light fixture.
CycleZen
12-23-06, 08:42 AM
Thanks, Chandler and Twelvepole. I'll try the tape idea, and will keep the dollars in mind when we go to make things happen.

Enjoy the holidays!