Is your light buzzing? What to do about it?

If you have a light buzzing, you should know that something is wrong with it. It may be the bulb or the switch, this directly affects the bulb, whatever type it is, LED, fluorescent, CFL or incandescent.

Reasons can range from dimmer switches and mismatched bulbs to old light ballasts that need to be replaced. You can fix most of these lamp buzzing problems yourself.

How do I stop my lights from buzzing?

If you’re experiencing buzzing from your lights, there are a few things you can try to stop it:

Replace the light bulb

Sometimes, the buzzing sound can be caused by a faulty or incompatible light bulb. Try replacing the bulb with a high-quality, compatible one to see if it eliminates the noise.

Check the fixture

Loose screws or a faulty fixture could cause buzzing, so check the fixture and tighten any screws that may be loose. If the fixture is damaged, it may need to be replaced.

Use a dimmer switch

If the buzzing is happening when you have dimmer switches in use, you may need to replace them with a high-quality dimmer switch designed for the type of lights you have.

Add a noise filter

Installing a noise filter between the light and the power source can help eliminate electrical noise that may cause buzzing

Call an electrician

If none of these solutions work, it may be best to consult a licensed electrician who can investigate and diagnose the problem for you. They can also help identify any potential electrical hazards that may be causing the buzzing sound.

In general terms and depending on the system you have you can resort to these steps as long as you are experienced in working with electricity

Now, how you can repair the buzzing according to the type of lamp:

LED lamp

It may be an incompatibility between the LED lamp and the dimmer. This is usually not dangerous.

• Check to see if the LED dimmer is causing the buzzing.
• The best way to find out if the dimmer is causing the buzzing is to temporarily disconnect the light from the dimmer.
• Turn off the circuit breaker first, remove the wiring from the dimmer, and connect the wires to a regular switch without a dimmer. Another way is to leave the dimmer in place, but remove the two hot wires (usually red or black), and attach them with a wire nut.
• If the LED light stops buzzing, you will know that the dimmer switch is the culprit.
• Size the dimmer switch correctly to the LED light.
• If you’ve replaced an incandescent bulb with an LED bulb, but left the old dimmer in place, you’ll need to replace it with a compatible dimmer.

Before you buy a new switch, check the LED bulb’s instructions. Most manufacturers publish lists of compatible dimmer switches. Generally, you will need a CL dimmer, LED dimmer, or ELV dimmer.

Fluorescent humming

It is normal for them to have a slight buzzing sound since they are ballast operated (the control mechanism for fluorescent lamps). All ballasts emit a slight buzzing sound, but only when approached. When the hum is audible from the room, it is time to fix the light.

Adjust fluorescent tubes

Fluorescent tubes can become completely or partially loose from their holders, which can cause buzzing. After removing the diffuser (the clear acrylic cover), check each tube to make sure it is tight. To reattach a tube, rotate it 90 degrees (a quarter turn) in either direction.

Replacing the ballast

The ballast is a magnetic or electronic controller inside the fluorescent lamp that regulates the flow of electricity to the fluorescent bulbs. It is normal for it to wear out and need replacement.

The black and white wires are line (or hot or powered) wires that come from the electrical service panel and feed into the ballast of the fixture.

Replace the fluorescent lamp

If it is not possible to replace the defective ballast, replace the entire lamp. Ballasts for two replacement lamps cost $20 to $40. New fluorescent fixtures are usually more expensive. Therefore, unless you need to replace several ballasts, it may be better to replace the fluorescent light entirely.

The humming CFL bulb

Those coiled bulbs that screw into the sockets are fluorescent lights. Like ceiling-mounted fluorescent lamps, they also contain a small ballast fixture that can sometimes buzz.

Most CFL bulbs should not be connected to dimmers. Remove and replace CFL bulbs that buzz.

Incandescent bulbs buzz

Even though they are no longer used, because they were removed from the market, if you still have this type and they are buzzing, it is likely that the filament is vibrating. Moving the light from a dimmer switch may help. The best thing, however, is to replace the bulb with an energy-efficient LED bulb.

Why are my lights buzzing and flickering?

If changing the bulb or switch alone does not solve this problem, you should know that there may be internal damage to the electrical circuit. See the following recommendations:

Overloaded Circuit

An overloaded circuit occurs when there are too many electrical devices or appliances plugged into a single circuit. This can cause the circuit to trip, leading to flickering or buzzing lights.

Loose wiring

If the wiring inside your electrical system is loose, it can cause a buzzing or humming sound. Loose wiring can also cause flickering lights and pose a significant fire risk.

Faulty light fixture

A faulty light fixture may cause flickering or buzzing lights. Loose bulbs, damaged wires, or a bad fixture could be the reason.

Voltage fluctuations

Such as power surges, which can cause lights to flicker or buzz. This can happen due to issues with the power company, faulty appliances or devices, or other electrical problems.

Faulty dimmer switch

If you have a dimmer switch installed, a faulty switch could cause flickering and buzzing lights.

Is it bad if a light bulb is buzzing?

If a light bulb is buzzing, it could be an indication of an electrical problem, and depending on the cause of the buzzing, it could potentially be dangerous. Here are some possible reasons why a light bulb might be buzzing:

Loose bulb

A loose light bulb may cause buzzing or humming sounds. Try screwing the bulb tighter to see if that eliminates the noise.

Incompatible bulb

If the bulb is not compatible with the fixture, it may cause light buzzing. Check the specifications to ensure that the bulb and fixture are compatible.

Electrical issue

A buzzing bulb may indicate a larger electrical issue, such as a problem with the wiring or the electrical circuit. This can pose a fire risk and should be investigated by a licensed electrician.

If the buzzing is a result of a loose or incompatible bulb, it may not be a significant issue. However, if it’s due to an electrical problem, it could be dangerous, and you should seek professional help immediately.

Is it normal for a light switch to buzz?

No, it is not normal for a light switch to buzz. A buzzing sound from a light switch could indicate an electrical issue that requires attention. Here are some potential reasons why a light switch may be buzzing:

Loose wiring

Inside the switch or electrical box can cause buzzing sounds.

Overloaded circuit

An overloaded circuit can cause a buzzing sound from the switch. This occurs when there are too many electrical devices or appliances plugged into a single circuit.

Faulty switch

A faulty switch can cause a buzzing sound, particularly if it’s old or has been damaged.

Dimmer switch

If the switch is a dimmer switch, a buzzing sound can be an indication that the switch is incompatible with the light fixture.

If you’re experiencing buzzing and flickering lights, it’s important to take action to address the issue. Call a licensed electrician to investigate and diagnose the problem for you. They can also provide you with advice on how to fix it and help you avoid any potential electrical hazards.

Written by Vanessa Gallanti. July 26, 2023

Enthusiast about planning, project management, construction materials and technology, and construction. A civil engineer from Los Andes University and a content writer for Kukun.