Brand new shop fluorescent lighting.. BUZZ?!

T

ThrillHo

New member
I just added a twin 48" fluorescent shop light to my work bench area and after a few minutes of being on, it has started emitting a very annoying buzzing sound. I googled the situation, but didn't find any help as most of those answers either had to do with a dimmer switch, or old ballasts or bulbs. This is not on a dimmer, and both the ballast and the bulbs are brand new, as I just purchased them today. Anyone know what could be going on? Admittedly the ballast was incredibly inexpensive (9 dollars from home depot), but does that mean that it's OK to buzz? I appreciate any help.
 
It's def the ballast... I'm a certified commercial electrician and the buzzing is coming from the electro-magnetic ballast... you can't expect the world when you buy cheap stuff... Typical 2 lamp ballasts run around $25
 
ADetailedFinish said:
It's def the ballast... I'm a certified commercial electrician and the buzzing is coming from the electro-magnetic ballast... you can't expect the world when you buy cheap stuff... Typical 2 lamp ballasts run around $25
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So chances are this is the price range I need to shoot for in order to have a buzz free light fixture? I mean, I know they tend to hum a little, but this is absurd.
 
The buzzing comes from the magnetic ballast, not the bulbs. Electronic ballasts emit no sound at all. Change the ballast to an electronic ballast and enjoy the silence.
 
if you dislike the buzzing, you will dislike the "strobe" effect they give off when it gets cold outside...that doesnt go away till it warms up.
 
Focus2069 said:
if you dislike the buzzing, you will dislike the "strobe" effect they give off when it gets cold outside...that doesnt go away till it warms up.
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I live in southern california. What is this "cold" that you speak of? : )
 
You should upgrade your lights to digital ballasts, it will make them more quiet, and efficient. Check with your local utilities department, they may have a "Green" project in your area where you will pay next to nothing to get them replaced. If I were you I would make the whole shop even louder and get a bunch of metal halides, and do what Focus 2069 says and turn up the radio.





John
 
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