Buzzing Light Switch?

Question

Whenever i dim my remote controlled ceiling fan the light switch will buzz. but only when the light is dimmed. when the light is on full power, it doesnt buzz.

its not a loud buzz, i just noticed it today when walking by.

Is this normal????

Answer 1

Annoying, isn't it? Go ahead and replace it with a better switch. What you are hearing is the resistance caused by the dimming function.

Answer 2

You are using a dimmer switch designed for incandescent lights which actually turns the electricity on and off very fast to provide the dimming effect on a light without wasting a lot of electricity to heat like a rheostat would. AC motors will not work properly with modern light dimmers.

Many ceiling fans require a rheostat type dimmer and are not compatable with a light dimmer switch. You can find these dimmers in the ceiling fan section of most home improvement stores. Don't worry about starting a fire or anything like that - but you'll find the fan will work better with a more compatable switch.

I hope that helps.

Answer 3

what is probably happening is this is a cheaper dimmer that uses a metal strip to provide resistance - like a shunt resistor of a sort. As the full current passes it heats up to a small degree.
As you dim the light you increase the resistance, this causes heat to be generated in the metal strip. Heat in turn causes the strip to expand which may be causing it to change its position. Now it may be closer to the wire where the current is passing. As current passes the magnetic field about the wire ( also generated by moving current) is attracting the metal stip - but since it is AC current it is not constant and it does swing from one maximum to the opposite maximum points. This fluctuation is causing the metal strip to 'Vibrate' at a very specific frequency directly related to the 50 / 60 Hz cycle.

As you increase the brightness there is less heat, so position changes and so does the frequency until it is too far away for the magnetic field to effect it.

Newer switches isolate this effect much better - i mean new in design as in more expensive dimmer switch.

Answer 4

I read the other answer I don't like the buzz sound could be bad switch could be loose connection in eather case I don't like it find the breaker that powers up this light turn it on flick breakers one at a time until light shuts off easyer with other person but you can do it your self running back and forth but TURN it off NOW you don't want to see you in the paper tomorrow or when ever being killed by a house fire don't laugh it could happen. replace or have it replaced ASAP and don't turn it on until you do HomeDepo has easy to follow switch replacement manual you can do it your self if you take your time and make sure wire connections are tight before you turn power back on to this switch. Dave.

Answer 5

It sounds such as you have a mild change that's a dimmer change. Turning it each and every of ways does not eliminate the reality its a dimmer. Florescent lighting fixtures furnishings require a particular dimmer change, if in any respect. replace the bulb to incandescent or replace the change.

Answer 6

The buzzing you hear is the dimmer switch.... if you notice it getting louder, that means it is 'burning out', and you need to replace it.

If you let it go long enough, it actually will burn out... ive seen them smoking after they blew, hehehe.

Good Luck

Answer 7

The dimmer is a reostat or adjustable resister it may be going bad or if you just installed the fan the switch may not be made to work with the fan.

Answer 8

I don't think that it is normal. You should get an electrician to check it out as it could be dangerous.