The buzzing or humming sound that can occur with a dimmer is often caused by the filament of the lamp.

When a dimmer repeatedly interrupts the voltage, it creates voltage fluctuations. These changes lead to:

• Variations in the current

• A fluctuating magnetic field in the small coil of the filament

The coil then acts like a tiny magnet, with its magnetic field rapidly changing polarity. This causes the filament to vibrate, resulting in the characteristic buzzing or humming noise.

How to prevent a buzzing dimmer

Completely eliminating this sound can be challenging. In many cases, it occurs because the lighting is connected to a low-quality dimmer.

Tips to avoid buzzing:

• Choose a high-quality dimmer that is compatible with your lamps

• Ensure that your lamps are dimmable

• Avoid combining different types of lamps on the same dimmer

By following these steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of a buzzing or humming dimmer.