Lighting, Light Fixtures, Ceiling and Exhaust Fans - Dimmer Switch Causes Fixture Noise

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JSkip
02-03-08, 06:56 AM
I installed two dimmer switches yesterday (one on a 3-way). Both of the light fixtures make a buzzing or humming sound when the dimmer is not set to the maximum.

Is this normal? Did I do something wrong?

It's annoying, especially for the light over the kitchen table.

Thanks

chandler
02-03-08, 12:45 PM
Check the tightness of the bulbs in their sockets. Did you install both dimmers on the three way set up? Some dimmers won't let you install two. You have to install a regular three way switch on one of the locations.
JSkip
02-03-08, 12:52 PM
I checked and the light bulbs are tight.

The two dimmers are not on the same light. The 3-way controls the light over the kitchen table with one 150 watt bulb. The other dimmer controls the light over the kitchen island with three 100 watt bulbs.

chandler
02-03-08, 01:10 PM
Hate to beat you with questions, but we may need to know the brand and style of the dimmers. A link to their page would help.
JSkip
02-03-08, 01:59 PM
The 3-way is a Leviton model # IP106-1L. The other is Lutron model #TG-600P.

Here are the links:

http://www.lutron.com/instructions/dimmers_switches_instll.asp

http://www.leviton.com/OA_HTML/ibeCCtpItmDspRte.jsp?item=35337&section=17189

Thanks
wayneskid
04-18-08, 07:02 AM
Go to http://www.lutron.com/product_technical/faq.asp#OLE_LINK12 to see what Lutron has to say about noise caused by dimmers.