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Dimmers & noise

JohnnieB
15 years ago

As part of a major renovation project our architect specified lights (and I mean LOTS of lights) on dimmers throughout the house. We liked the idea in theory but now that construction is (mostly) finished, I'm finding the dimmers really, really annoying because when dimmed, the lights make a high-pitched noise that drives me nuts. It pretty much defeats the purpose of having dimmers if I never use them. Is the problem with the dimmer or the bulbs? They are ordinary 60 watt incandescent bulbs; are there bulbs that can be dimmed without making this noise?

Comments (8)

  • mightyanvil
    15 years ago

    I assume the dimmers are solid state. What is the brand and model? How many lights on each dimmer?

    Many electricians put in inexpensive 60 w. A-19 lamps (regular light bulbs) unless something better was specified and they buzz a lot. Good quality lamps (ie, Sylvania from an electrical supply house not Home Depot) will probably solve most of the problem. Perhaps your fixture will take a halogen PAR lamp. If you don't know, give us the model and brand.

    This is Lutron's advice:
    Overview
    A solid-state dimmer is an electronic switch that
    rapidly turns the current on and off 120 times per
    second to produce the dimming effect. This rapid
    switching can cause incandescent lamp filaments to
    vibrate, resulting in a buzzing noise. Lamp buzz is
    generally noisiest at mid-range (50%) dimming level.
    Some lamps are noisier than others when dimmed,
    depending on the physical characteristics of the lamp
    filament. Lamps of higher wattage (100W and
    above) tend to produce a louder buzz. Therefore,
    use a lower wattage lamp whenever possible to
    reduce lamp buzz.

    Other factors that affect perceived noise level of lamp
    buzz are:
    ⢠Pitch of lamp buzz
    ⢠Type of light fixture
    ⢠Ambient noise level of room
    ⢠Surrounding surfaces/finishes
    ⢠Relative proximity of light fixture to ears
    ⢠Individual sensitivity to noise

    Recommendations
    ⢠Use lower wattage lamps (100W or less)
    whenever possible
    ⢠Selecting another brand of lamp can sometimes
    reduce lamp buzz
    ⢠Use a physically smaller lamp
    ⢠Upgrade to a specification grade dimmer

    Lamp Debuzzing Coils (LDCs)
    The most effective way to reduce lamp buzz is to
    install a lamp debuzzing coil (LDC) into the lighting
    circuit. When an LDC is wired in series with the
    dimmer, it slows down the in-rush of current during
    the rapid switching cycle of the dimmer. As the
    current inrush is slowed down, the lamp filament
    vibration and lamp buzz are reduced.
    Lutron has two LDC models available to help reduce
    lamp buzz. The type of LDC required depends on
    the total wattage of the dimmerâÂÂs lighting load. Listed
    below are the model numbers and their respective
    capacities. Note: For loads under 600W, call the
    toll-free Lutron Hotline: 1-800-523-9466.
    Model Rated Capacity
    LDC-10-TCP 600-1200W
    LDC-16-TCP 1201-1920W
    LDCs may be wired in series with the dimmer on its
    line side or load side. Each dimmer requires its own
    LDC.
    Lutron is a registered trademark of Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.
    During normal operation, LDCs may make an audible
    buzz and, therefore, should be mounted in an area
    where the noise will not be objectionable (e.g., an
    electrical closet, a basement, or above a drop
    ceiling).

  • JohnnieB
    Original Author
    15 years ago

    The bulbs are all 60 watt, all Sylvania except a couple (which don't seem to be making any more noise than the rest). Don't know about the dimmers--if I take the switchplate off, will I find the information?

  • mightyanvil
    15 years ago

    Try different lamps first. I would tell you what to try but you have provided no information about the fixture.

  • JohnnieB
    Original Author
    15 years ago

    They are recessed can fixtures. Sorry, I don't know the manufacturer.

  • lee676
    15 years ago

    In a fairly recent installation using a Lutron Nova dimmer rated for 2000w and GE halogen PAR30 or PAR38 bulbs (the latter the halogen/IR variety), I can't hear any noise from the bulbs or the dimmer at any setting. So it is possible. I switched one of them to a Philips Marathon dimmable CFL floodlight recently, and it buzzed loudly, especially when dimmed. I pulled it out and the noise went away. (The Philips bulb buzzes some even in a non-dimmed circuit, and takes way too long to reach acceptable brightness).

  • globx
    15 years ago

    I need information please, I have a 2000w Metal Halide bulb, I'm wondering if I can put a dimmer on it. If so what kind of dimmer would you recomend, and do you think there will be noise.

  • sbmargo
    11 years ago

    We just installed a track light with LED lights, hardly any watts, on an old dimmer for the old track lights. The hum is huge. It must be the dimmer, since the LED's have no filament. So, we need a new dimmer, right? But what do we look for in the new dimmer that won't make such a hum? Thanks in advance.

  • David
    11 years ago

    Track led lighting probably requires an elv or MLV dimmer. Check the light specifications