If you have a light buzz, it doesn’t mean you had too many martinis. Some lights make a humming noise to alert you there’s a problem. If you have lights buzzing, you need to take action.
Fixtures’ Lights Buzzing
If lights buzzing is an issue with fixtures in your home or office, there’s no need to evacuate the building. But you do need to fix it. Buzzing or flickering lights can often indicate you need an electrical inspection.
The types of light bulbs more likely to hum or buzz are:
- CFL – Compact fluorescent lightbulbs
- Fluorescent
- Incandescent – Creates light by heating a filament
- LED – Light-emitting diodes
CFL
Compact fluorescent lightbulbs are an energy-saving solution to fixtures requiring incandescent bulbs. You get the same amount of light for about 10 times longer using half the electricity.
CFLs are often spiral-shaped and connected to a screw-in ballast/base. (Ballasts regulate the amount of voltage the light fixture receives.) Buzzing sounds are usually coming from the ballast. If your CFL light is in a dimmer-switch socket, remove and replace it.
Fluorescent
Fluorescent lightbulb buzzing is normal when your ear is close to the fixture. If you can hear the noise across the room, there’s a problem. Make sure the tube is properly mounted and secure.
The problem could be caused by:
- The diffuser may need to be reinstalled.
- The fixture’s housing may be broken or bent and should be replaced.
- The old ballast needs replacement. Ballast-free LED tubes are a good idea but require minor, professional rewiring.
Incandescent
Few incandescent lightbulbs remain in circulation because there’s a ban on manufacturing and importing them. But it’s not illegal to use them. When you hear incandescent lights buzzing, there are most likely problems with the filaments. And if a buzzing incandescent bulb is in a dimmer-switch socket, remove and replace it.
LED
LED lights buzzing occurs when older dimmer switches cannot accommodate LED lightbulbs. The incompatibility might be resolved by another type of lightbulb, but your home needs to be LED-compatible anyway. The solution may be minor rewiring by a licensed electrician.
Your electrician will install a compatible dimmer switch:
- C.L – CFL/LED
- ELV – Electronic low frequency
- LED+ – Maximum-performance LED dimmers
When Electrical Outlets Make Noise
Never ignore any electrical outlet that makes buzzing or popping noises. Stop using it and immediately contact your local electrician. No matter what the problem is, it’s caused by an electrical malfunction. Electrical outlet repair is never a DIY (do-it-yourself) job because of the hazards.
Common causes of electrical outlet noises are:
- Breaker – If you’re sending too much or too little voltage to outlets, the imbalance can cause a buzzing sound. This fix usually involves replacing your breaker box.
- Polarity – If you bought your home from a previous owner that effected DIY electrical fixes (or if the original electrical installations were cheap/shabby workmanship), wiring may not be properly connected. This can cause electricity to flow in the wrong direction. The buzzing noise may be louder when an appliance is plugged into the outlet.
- Wiring – Old or frayed wiring connections may be loose. The “buzzing” sound is actually the vibration of loose wires. Seasonal weather changes can also cause components to expand/contract and cause loose wiring.
Trust TIO Electric
If any electrical component, outlet, light fixture, etc. makes noise, smells like burning wires, or shows signs of overheating, please call us immediately. If it is not an emergency, you can trust us to tell you what to do to protect your home and family.
Business longevity creates customer trust. Turn It On Electric has been Central Arizona’s preferred licensed electrical contractor for over 25 years. We are eager to earn your trust.
Integrity, community involvement, and industry-best workmanship are how we will keep your trust for decades to come. For electrical solutions and ideas that will work with your lifestyle and budget, contact TIO Electric.
