halogens

[depatie]

I installled some track lighting with a dimmer and now it has a loud hum. The bulbs were the mr16 small halogens. How do i fix it?

 

[spsnyder]

Re: halogens

I looked a little and found this. You might want to call them.

http://www.lutron.com/product_technical/faq.html

 

[hurk27]

Re: halogens

If this bulbs are MR16 12 volt you will need a spiecal dimmer that is rated for lovoltage lighting and the transformers need to be rated for dimming too.

 

[steve66]

Re: halogens

You should also determine if your transformers are electronic or electro-magnetic. If they are electronic (which is likely since they are making a noise when you try to dim them), then Hurk is right - you need a special dimmer. Be ready for price shock.

Steve

 

[kuchenig]

Re: halogens

If halogen lamps are simply incandescent fixures with a different inert gas than standard incandescents why do they need a special dimmer?

 

[steve66]

Re: halogens

Follow the link spsnyder gave and under the question "How do I tell magnetic and electronic low voltage transformers apart" follow the link to application note #19.

Steve

 

[jeffrose]

Re: halogens

Make sure you have a low volt dimmer and make sure the transformer is loaded correctly if it is less than 80% capacity there will be a humming issue.