Dimmable Lighting Buzzing

[ort67]

Hi, I'm looking for some help regarding buzzing in my dimmable lighting system.

I replaced filament bulbs with LED ones but they now make a buzzing noise.

The light fixture has 4 bulbs on it.

The bulbs I installed are LAP GU10 - Dimmable 5W bulbs.

I was thinking of replacing the dimmer switch as I suspect that may be the problem and its not compatable.

If I replaced it with the one listed below does anyone think that would cure the buzzing?

http://www.screwfix.com/p/british-general-1-gang-2-way-push-dimmer-switch-400w-antique-brass/74444

 

[bernardgreen]

What is the minimum power rating on the dimmer ? If it is greater than 20 watts then the dimmer is un-suitable for the 20 watt load.

There are several other possible reasons for them not being compatible.

They may also be low cost import LED lamps that will inter-act with each other.

More information about types is needed before any valid advice can be given.

 

[omega015]

Most likely the dimmer is not suitable for the low load. The dimmer you linked is also probably not suitable as it doesn't mention suitable for LED or give a minimum load rating. Find one that's suitable for LED or the small load (total wattage of all the bulbs).

 

[JohnW2]

Most likely the dimmer is not suitable for the low load. The dimmer you linked is also probably not suitable as it doesn't mention suitable for LED or give a minimum load rating.

I'm not so sure about that. - see click here .

Assuming they've got it right, they say:

... LED load min 5W - max 50W

Kind Regards, John

 

[ort67]

I'm not so sure about that. - see click here .

Assuming they've got it right, they say:

Kind Regards, John

Thanks you found it cheaper for me.

Yeah I think the current one isn't suitable for low load as you say, will have a check.

 

[JohnW2]

Thanks you found it cheaper for me. Yeah I think the current one isn't suitable for low load as you say, will have a check.

You're welcome. The price difference probably isn't as great as you think, since the Screwfix price includes VAT, whilst the other one probably doesn't (and I didn't look at their delivery charges).

However, whilst that one certainly appears to be be OK in the sense that it can handle small LED loads, there is never any certainty that any particular dimmer will work satisfactorily with any particular LED lamp - so there is always an element of gambling involved.

Kind Regards, John

 

[omega015]

I stand corrected on that one John I just went by the specs from the link and didn't look elsewhere for more detailed specs. Usually I find Screwfix to mention LED/minimum load for suitable dimmers but in this case (and probably more) they omitted the relevant and helpful information.

@ort67 I would go with Screwfix rather than online as its probably easy to return & replace should it not be suitable/faulty and they probably could offer advice if you double check with them before purchase.

 

[JohnW2]

I stand corrected on that one John I just went by the specs from the link and didn't look elsewhere for more detailed specs.

Sure - like you, I would usually rely on what Screwfix said. It was only because Screwfix were totally silent on the question of minimum load or suitability for LEDs that I decided to look elsewhere!

Kind Regards, John

 

[ort67]

I stand corrected on that one John I just went by the specs from the link and didn't look elsewhere for more detailed specs. Usually I find Screwfix to mention LED/minimum load for suitable dimmers but in this case (and probably more) they omitted the relevant and helpful information.

@ort67 I would go with Screwfix rather than online as its probably easy to return & replace should it not be suitable/faulty and they probably could offer advice if you double check with them before purchase.

I went with the screwfix one in the end, as including delivery, the other one was the same price.

 

[ort67]

You're welcome. The price difference probably isn't as great as you think, since the Screwfix price includes VAT, whilst the other one probably doesn't (and I didn't look at their delivery charges).

However, whilst that one certainly appears to be be OK in the sense that it can handle small LED loads, there is never any certainty that any particular dimmer will work satisfactorily with any particular LED lamp - so there is always an element of gambling involved.

Kind Regards, John

There is still buzzing with the new dimmer switch.

Think I'll get a different type of led bulb, see if they are part of the problem.

 

[JohnW2]

There is still buzzing with the new dimmer switch. Think I'll get a different type of led bulb, see if they are part of the problem.

Sorry to hear that. As you say, the particular LED bulbs/lamps/whatever might be the problem (even though they claim to be dimmable). I wonder if they always buzz, even if not dimmed - you could try temporarily replacing the dimmer with an ordinary switch if you wanted to find out!

Kind Regards, John

 

[ort67]

Sorry to hear that. As you say, the particular LED bulbs/lamps/whatever might be the problem (even though they claim to be dimmable). I wonder if they always buzz, even if not dimmed - you could try temporarily replacing the dimmer with an ordinary switch if you wanted to find out!

Kind Regards, John

Its the dimmer itself that is making the buzzing sound.

 

[JohnW2]

Its the dimmer itself that is making the buzzing sound.

Oh, has that always been the case? Dimmers often do buzz a little, particularly when they are 'tuned down low'. I thought it was the lamps themselves, because you initially wrote:

I replaced filament bulbs with LED ones but they now make a buzzing noise.

Kind Regards, John

 

[ort67]

Oh, has that always been the case? Dimmers often do buzz a little, particularly when they are 'tuned down low'. I thought it was the lamps themselves, because you initially wrote:

Kind Regards, John

Sorry I was being a bit ambiguous. I hadn't pinpointed the issue.

 

[JohnW2]

Sorry I was being a bit ambiguous. I hadn't pinpointed the issue.

No problem - but, as I said, it sounds as if you have just got "a dimmer that buzzes". You can try changing to different LEDs, but I rather doubt that will change anything.

Kind Regards, John