All the common reasons for a light might start to buzz, and how to stop it once and for all.
Although the buzzing from a light bulb is generally not hazardous, it can be quite bothersome. The irritating buzzing sound in a light can be attributed to several reasons, and there are some potential solutions to address it.
Tighten the bulb
The prevalent cause of a light emitting a buzzing sound is often a loose bulb. While this can occur with any type of light bulb, it is more commonly associated with fluorescents. In fluorescent lights, the ballast, responsible for regulating electricity flow to the bulb, can also become loose and generate buzzing. To resolve this issue, simply turn off the light, secure the bulb tightly, and then turn the light back on. Be cautious, especially with incandescent bulbs, and allow them to cool down before touching to avoid burns.
Replace the ballast
If readjusting the bulb in your fluorescent light doesn’t resolve the issue, it’s possible that the ballast is faulty, causing vibrations in the fixture and resulting in a buzzing sound. The ballast serves as an electromagnetic resistor controlling the electricity flow to the fluorescent tubes. To address this, turn off the breaker connected to the fixture, remove the cover over the ballast, and then disconnect the wires and take out the problematic ballast. Ensure to leave sufficient wire—around three inches—to connect the new ballast. Replace the ballast, reconnect the wires following the color code on the fixture, reassemble the light, and turn the breaker back on to test the repair.
Update the dimmer
When it comes to LED bulbs, a prevalent reason for buzzing is the use of a dimmer switch designed for incandescent bulbs with an LED bulb. This mismatch can lead to vibrations in the electronic components of the LED, resulting in a buzzing noise. To resolve this issue, you should replace your dimmer switch with one specifically designed for LED lights. Check the packaging of your LED bulb for compatibility information, but generally, CL, ELV, and LED+ dimmers work well with most LED bulbs.
Other common problems with LEDs
If your LED light is producing a buzzing sound without the presence of a dimmer, it’s likely due to loose wiring. In this situation, you can either replace the bulb or, if necessary, turn off the breaker to inspect the light fixture itself. Ensure that all wiring is securely connected. If the issue persists, it’s possible that the LED bulb you’re using isn’t compatible with the fixture. Check the package to confirm you’re within the recommended wattage for the bulb. Additionally, consider replacing the bulb with a different one to test if the buzzing ceases.
When to contact an electrician
In uncommon situations, a buzzing noise may emanate from the wiring or connection in a switch within your home’s electrical system. If the buzzing is originating from the wiring or switch, rather than the light fixture, it is crucial to turn off the breaker supplying power to that specific circuit and seek assistance from an electrician. This type of buzzing could signal a potentially hazardous short circuit, posing a risk of fire.