I have several 4″ recessed cans in my kitchen. over the island there are 5 on one dimmer switch. usually I use the little 40w “director” bulbs.
I recently went to replace some bulbs and I saw they make compact flourecants that fit the cans, and they are a little cheaper to purchase and operate.
I replaced 2 bulbs. but now I have noticed that the dimmer switch buzzes when the lights are dimmed down. the more dim the more buzz
is this a problem and is there another type of switch that will not buzz?
Replies
Standard CFL's are not made to be dimmed.
There are more expensive "dimmable" ones. I have not used any, but everyone that has says that they don't dim very well. Get down to 70-80% and then flicker or just go off.
William the Geezer, the sequel to Billy the Kid - Shoe
Sometimes placing ONE incandescent bulb with the remaining 4 CFL's will help with the Buzzzzz
Oh never mind.
I thought this was gonna be a thread about my helper.
ROFLM#O.
Only question I've got is, how did my former helper wind up workin' for you? BTW, we called him 'Wingnut'. Whadda you call him?
Dinosaur
How now, Mighty Sauron, that thou art not broughtlow by this? For thine evil pales before that whichfoolish men call Justice....
Yeah, it's a problem -- they're supposed to hum the Star Spangled Banner.
First off, did you get DIMMABLE CFLs?? If not, then you are creating a fire hazard (and shortening the life of both the CFLs and the dimmer).
Even with dimmable CFLs, though, buzzing of the dimmer is not that unusual. A new dimmer may fix it, may not.