why do halogen lights on dimmer buzz when turned down?

Question

i have just replaced 2 regular wall lights with with 2 fittings that have 3 low voltage bulbs each and 2 cieling fittings with 5 bulbs each. both are powered through the original dimmer swithes but i hear a buzzing sound from the lights when turned on

Answer 1

You have to have enough power for the small transformer in the fixture so it can heat the gas in the halogen bulb. What your hearing is the electricity trying to jump the gap across the bulb. A dimmer switch drops the voltage.

Answer 2

Dimmer For Halogen

Answer 3

The buzzing sound is because there is more resistance from these bulbs. Are these bulbs compatible with a dimmer switch?
I never feel comfortable when electricity makes noises.

Answer 4

Just a guess and I'll check back to see what is really happening but...I think the bulb when at full power has a higher amplitude. Always the same frequency. As the amplitude is dropped, the wave length becomes shortened. A short wavelength at 60htz is audible. So it's always buzzing, you just can't hear it when up all the way.

Answer 5

These bulbs are not meant to be on a dimmer. You need to have bulbs that are rated to have multiple voltages. The bulbs you have now are for 110V and no deviation. It shouldn't blow up but then how is your luck these days.

Answer 6

Rheostats dim the lights because they reduce the output past the switch, but they do not draw less current. When you dial in anything less than full power, you are going to create a problem with the fixtures that it controls. Turn off the power and change the switch to a normal on/off switch and your problem will disappear.