Why is my light fixture humming?

Answer by  Sparky101 (366)

If your fixture is a fluorescent one it is not uncommon for them to hum, this generally means you have a magnetic ballast or transformer. Replacing the ballast usually lowers the humming level. Retrofitting to an electronic ballast will eliminate the hum altogether.

Answer by  john11 (617)

It might hum because its natural resonance frequency is near 60Hz. That is, the electricity powering your light is an alternating current that oscillates at 60Hz. The light fixture acts like a tuning fork and amplifier if its natural oscillating frequency is near this. Another reason might be that a transformer connected to it is vibrating at 60Hz.

Answer by  sparky35 (196)

The cause of the hum depends on what type of light fixture it is. If the fixture is a flouresant, more than likely the fixture has a magnetic ballast that is on its way out. If the fixture is incandesant, there could be a loose wire that is arcing or the lamp is loose.

Answer by  fancbiz (952)

The humming is usually because of the choke in the fitting. When it gets worn out, it hums and over heats and with time it does not hold again and breaks down. It is almost going to waste and with time it will break down though this can also take some time.