The dimmer switch has been buzzing lately. Not thinking the problem through, I went and replaced the existing switch with another dimmer switch that I had laying around. The new switch emitted the same buzzing. I looked up at the lights and immediately saw my problem.
Two recently installed CFLs. That's all I could find last time I was at the store. Fluorescent bulbs, even with electronic ballasts operate at a certain frequency. Modern dimmer switches operate by rapidly turning on and off the power to the bulb. This happens at a variable frequency that is set by the switch position. Long story short, the modern CFLs don't like the frequency they are being cycled at.
I'm off to the store to look for some good ole fashioned incandescent bulbs, but at some point I'm going to have to find another solution. Thanks technology.
2 years ago
Actually its not technology you should thank, it is politics. This is the result of the bipartisan efforts of a previous administration.
ReplyDeleteI hope you are not too late to stock up. We bought cases before they began to be phased out.