| 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 dimmer’s 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). |