Low energy bulb - buzzing sound!

moggie 939 | 15:18 Mon 28th Nov 2011 | DIY

6 Answers

I have an 11w low energy mini coil bulb in my bedside lamp which works well. However, I needed more light so I purchased a couple of the same type bulbs but this time 15w (different mfr)

Now I get a constant low buzzing noise when the lamp is on. Have tried the other 15w bulb I bought and is the same.

The original 11w is ok. Both are SSC. Any ideas? Could they be cheap bulbs - I bought them online and they are not a known make.

Thanks

Melamine paint?

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Old_Geezer

Low energy bulbs are basically florescents. I guess it must be the starter part of the bulb buzzing. Disappointing two do so though, but it may be a less than adequate design ? Inexpensive were they ?

JonnyBoy12

I hear a buzzing sound all the time. In my case it is called tinnitus though!

heathfield

It will be the ballast in the base of the bulb that's making the noise. As OG says, you sometimes hear these in florescent lights. This means the bulbs are not the latest design, since newer ones have an electronic form of ballast. Best to replace them with bulbs where the package displays the ''Energy Star''. All such designated bulbs these have the newer design incorporated...

http://www.energystar...?c=cfls.pr_cfls_about

moggie 939

Question Author

Thanks so much for this both of you. Yes they were fairly cheap, but I cannot seem to find a good make such as Philips in anything more than 11w. Any ideas?
Thanks