Is a buzzing light bulb dangerous?
Not necessarily.
However, it can still indicate a number of things, including issues with the light bulb itself. A light bulb buzzing is more common in LED bulbs. In this blog, we’ll explore exactly what this means and what to do about it.
Why is my LED light bulb buzzing?
Is your light bulb buzzing? If so, then there might be a couple of reasons why this might be happening. Some causes include:
- Incompatible light bulb and dimmer switch
- Faulty LED light bulbs
- EM interference (EMI) between the dimmer switch and the driver (LED power supply)
- Loose wire connections
- Voltage fluctuations
- Overloaded circuit
- Electrical shortage (requires immediate attention!)
Can a buzzing light switch cause a fire?
The answer is: yes.
Though rare, a buzzing light switch can lead to an electrical fire if not addressed properly. Electrical fires occur due to a malfunctioning, damaged, or overheated electrical system or source.
This can be hazardous for all types of properties, including both residential and commercial ones. No matter if you’re a homeowner or business owner, you have a responsibility to keep yourself, your family/employees, and visitors/customers safe.
So, is a buzzing light bulb dangerous?
There is the possibility that a buzzing light bulb can be dangerous, especially if there’s an electrical short in the line. In this case, it is crucial that you seek the assistance of a professional electrician immediately.
Nevertheless, a buzzing light bulb doesn’t always indicate imminent danger - but it should still be a cause for concern.
Signs to look out for
If you notice any of the following alongside the buzzing noise, it’s essential that you inform an electrician immediately:
- Burning smell - the smell of burning plastic, wiring, or rubber is distinct and requires prompt attention
- Smoke - if you see smoke coming from your light bulb or switch, even if it’s just faint, this is a clear warning sign that a fire may happen
- Frequent circuit trips - if your circuit breaker and fuse constantly trip, you need to call an electrician to get this repaired as soon as possible; failure to do so could result in electrical fires
- Sparks - regardless of whether sparks appear intermittently or all the time, these could signal that an electrical fire is bound to happen; make sure to keep an eye out for sparks from switches or outlets
Check out our guide for other reasons why your LED lights might not be working.
How to fix a buzzing switch (Or, perhaps you’re hearing a humming sound?)
So, how can you fix a faulty LED light? We’ve broken it down into the following simple steps:
1. Disconnect the light from the dimmer
The best way to identify if there is a problem with the bulb and the dimmer switch is to disconnect the light from the dimmer temporarily. You can then try connecting it to a different switch to see if the problem persists.
If you notice that the buzzing has stopped, then the dimmer switch was the likely culprit. You’ll need to find a compatible LED dimmer switch for your LED light bulb and replace the old one.
Compatible dimmers typically include:
- CL dimmer
- LED+ dimmer
- ELV dimmer
Using a compatible dimmer switch for your LED light bulb can also extend its lifespan and optimise its performance.
2. Secure any loose connections/bulb
If the above doesn’t work, make sure to secure any wires and/or the bulb itself. Loose wires or connections can cause the buzzing noise, as well as other issues such as flickering light bulbs. Tighten everything down and you might just notice that the buzzing sound has disappeared!
3. Check your driver
If you are using an LED driver with your lights, an incompatible driver might also be the reason that you hear a buzzing noise. Make sure that you are using the correct driver for your LED lights, choosing one that meets their specific requirements. You might also want to think about replacing your LED driver if it is old and needs an upgrade.
4. Check your total wattage
Overloading the circuit is something that you certainly want to avoid, particularly if you don’t want to damage your fixture and/or start an electrical fire. Check the total wattage requirement for your circuit to ensure that you’re not exceeding the limit. If you realise that you’ve been overloading the circuit, remove unnecessary devices or appliances and check whether this fixes the buzzing noise.
If you require assistance or guidance when it comes to choosing the right LED lighting products and/or lighting accessories, please contact the experts at Vision Lighting! We’ll be more than happy to help.
And if they’re still buzzing?
If your GU10 bulb, A60 bulb, or other type of light is still buzzing (and you’ve tried the above fixes), this might mean that it is nearing its end of life. Now might be the time to order a replacement.
Here at Vision Lighting, we supply a wide range of LED lighting solutions. We have provided quality services and LED products for both homeowners and businesses for years, ensuring that each LED lighting solution is tailored to individual needs and requirements.
Browse our full collection of LED products to find your next energy-efficient LED today!