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Why is My Light Fixture Buzzing?

Valerie Albarda

By Valerie Albarda
Published July 24, 2023

A buzzing light fixture can be an annoyance. There are many reasons for the buzzing, however, it usually begins with the light bulb, the light fixture or the light switch. In this guide, we’ll discuss reasons your light fixture is buzzing and whether it’s a DIY project or a job for a professional.

A bathroom with vanilla walls, a mirror and two allen + roth vanity lights.

Buzzing Light Bulbs

Light bulbs may begin to buzz just before they’re about to burn out. However, sometimes it’s more than that. Older fixtures that need to be replaced, bad ballasts, aging bulbs and faulty dimmer switches can be the culprit.

Fluorescent Bulbs

Sometimes the ballast — a device that regulates the amount of a circuit’s current — creates enough heat to loosen the brackets, causing the buzzing sound. A fluorescent light ballast keeps the lamp from burning out.

Fixes:

  1. Remove the cover of the fluorescent bulb. Rotate it a half or a quarter turn, and then return it back into the light housing. You may need to do this for each light bulb to fix the issue.
  2. Replace the fluorescent bulb with one that’s more modern.
  3. Replace the ballast. Note that not all bulbs, like halogen, LED and incandescent, need a ballast.

Good to Know

If you’re unsure about what type of ballast you need, read our guide to help you choose the right ballast for compatibility with the light bulb.

LED Bulbs

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LED bulbs don’t have filaments. One reason LED bulbs buzz is because of an overload on the circuit resulting in a higher voltage going to the bulb. Typically, the light is using a frequency of 120 hertz. This causes the LED bulb’s components to buzz. Buzzing could also be caused by electromagnetic interference from other instruments like a microwave or toaster oven.

Another cause could be that the dimmer switch is incompatible with the LED bulb. The voltage of the dimmer goes up when the light is dimmed. You should also check the dimmer switch load. Dimmers have a minimum load requirement to prevent the light from flickering, flashing when it’s turned off or not working.

Fixes:

  1. Try replacing the LED bulb with a different model LED.
  2. Upgrade the dimmer switch.

Incandescent Bulbs

A wire hanging light fixture with a Newhouse vintage incandescent light bulb.

If you’re still using incandescent bulbs and they’re buzzing, it’s likely the filament vibrating. As with LEDs, the problem may be caused by the dimmer switch.

Fixes:

  1. Replace the incandescent bulb with an LED bulb.
  2. Upgrade the dimmer switch.

CFL Bulbs

CFL bulbs (compact fluorescent lamps that are also called compact fluorescent lights) are being phased out, however, they’re still in use. If a CFL bulb is buzzing, it’s likely caused by a faulty ballast.

Fixes:

  1. Replace the CFL bulb.
  2. Replace the ballast.

Other Reasons a Light Fixture Is Buzzing

In addition to the reasons noted above, there are other reasons your light fixture is buzzing.

  • loose fixture
  • worn insulation
  • frayed wiring
  • loose wiring inside the outlet
  • rusty sockets
  • worn insulation

When Is It Time to Call an Electrician?

A man wearing a blue shirt and white gloves holding an LED light bulb.

Some buzzing issues are easily fixed as a DIY (do-it-yourself) project if you have the technical know-how and you’re aware of the necessary safety precautions you need to take when working with electricity. If the buzzing is caused by an electrical short, don’t attempt to fix it yourself. It’s time to call on a licensed professional. You should also call an electrician if your lights are flickering on and off, or you hear buzzing in the walls.