Buzzing dimmer and LED lamps

Darren Evans · Sep 16, 2019

Morning chaps!

Advice needed please. Is there a tried and tested combination of manufacturer(s) for reducing the annoying buzz from dimmer connected (dimmable!) LED lamps?

In the particular example I am having right now, I have 5 lamps on one dimmer switch, 3x ES and 2x SES. One or more of the lamps routinely makes quite an audible buzz. However it tends to be random which one of the lamps is making a noticeable buzz. Client has tried various combinations of lamps including cheapo and expensive.

Circuit checked and passes insulation testing (>2M), R1+R2 is as expected for the length of run of 1.5mm2.

The dimmer itself does make a low buzz, but they all do, right?

Anyone experienced this before?

Thanks in advance

buzzlightyear · Sep 16, 2019

Througt of trying varilight ones ,most dimmers buzzes when you turn them right down .

Darren Evans · Sep 16, 2019

buzzlightyear said:
Througt of trying varilight ones ,most dimmers buzzes when you turn them right down .

I'm looking at varilight dimmers right now actually! I'll pick one up and run some tests. Thanks Buzz!

buzzlightyear · Sep 16, 2019

Varilight where the firsts dimmers made for leds and have always used them i remmember when leds first came out and put in leds in kitchen dinner and put in mk dimmer it was like a disco when you turned down the ligthts i rang up mk. they told me are dimmers dont work on leds charp.

DT1991 · Sep 16, 2019

Have you tried Zano?

These are my go to for LED dimming, use with Philips DimTone lamps.

Depending on the size of the install a Mode dimming panel is always a good choice, obviously depending on budget etc.

WallaceP · Sep 16, 2019

Check the wattage of the dimmer switch, there may be a minimum wattage too. if you change one of the lamps to a higher wattage incandescent lamp it may fix your problem.

marconi · Sep 16, 2019

1 Gang 120W V-PRO Silent LED Dimmer - White | Varilight (JQP401W)

Saxby Lighting - Commercial and Domestic Lighting Supplier

Supplying commercial and domestic lighting to electric wholesalers. Offering a wide range of LED fittings for indoor and outdoor use.

www.saxbylighting.com

We have in the conservatory a varilight pro soft start trailing edge dimmer controlling 20 Saxby LED ceiling downlights - not a murmur at any % light level. I don't know the power rating of the dimmer and don't want to crack the paint around it to find out. Varilight have a help line number: 01293 851563
[automerge]1568644378[/automerge]

mydigitalhome · Sep 17, 2019

Hi, look on the dimmer paperwork or go to their website and it will tell you what lights it has been tested with. Dont mix lamps on same circuit as that can also cause issues. Never use cheap drivers as they will increase dirt on line and cause issues more issues. Buying cheap is never a good long term solution and can create loads of intermittent problems.

JoeHeilman · Sep 17, 2019

Darren Evans said:
Morning chaps!

Advice needed please. Is there a tried and tested combination of manufacturer(s) for reducing the annoying buzz from dimmer connected (dimmable!) LED lamps?

In the particular example I am having right now, I have 5 lamps on one dimmer switch, 3x ES and 2x SES. One or more of the lamps routinely makes quite an audible buzz. However it tends to be random which one of the lamps is making a noticeable buzz. Client has tried various combinations of lamps including cheapo and expensive.

Circuit checked and passes insulation testing (>2M), R1+R2 is as expected for the length of run of 1.5mm2.

The dimmer itself does make a low buzz, but they all do, right?

Anyone experienced this before?

Thanks in advance