Replies

1. 
   Samara | Mar 17, 2004 09:26pm | #1

   Hi Crockny,

   I wish I knew the answer to your question, because the buzz bothers me, too! Although I can't help you myself, your question might be a good one for the q&a section in the magazine, so I will forward it to that department's editor in case she would like to find an expert to answer it. In the meantime, you might try calling some of the companies listed on our web resources page under 'Lighting'--Lightolier, elights, and Lamps Plus all sell large selections of all sorts of lights, and might be able to give you some guidance.

   Thanks for reading!
   Samara Rafert
   Editorial Assistant
   Inspired House

2. 
   WayneL5 | Mar 18, 2004 12:47am | #2

   All lighting ballasts have a sound rating.  You need to buy one with a high rating to get one that's quiet.  The ballasts themselves are marked with the ratings, and they'd be listed in fixture catalogs.  If you order your fixtures through an electrical supply house they'll have all the catalogs and ratings and can help you out.

   Also, the better fixtures are made of heavier construction and are a bit quieter.

   A cheap $10 shop light will not be quiet.

   You have to mount fixtures solidly, too.  The should be fastened to studs tightly, not to drywall between studs.

   You may want to consider electronic ballasts (with a high sound rating, too, of course).  Electronic ballasts don't flicker like magnetic ballasts and are easier on your eyes.  I wouldn't go with anything else in a room you will occupy for any length of time.

1. 
   crosscutter1 | Mar 18, 2004 03:50am | #3

   that would be a good article for whats the diffrence home depot bargain lights ones that dont hume LOL

1. 
   Crockny | Mar 18, 2004 05:19pm | #4

   Thanks WayneL5 -- good suggestions.  He DID buy them at Home Depot and was trying to save money!