Low volt light bulbs have high pitched whine

[hillbilly1]

I did a quick search but didn't find what I was looking for, I know we have discussed tis before on this forum, but I have a customer with three 50 watt low voltage pendant fixtures that the lamp whines when dimmed, not all that loud, but about like a gnat buzzing near your ear. It has the correct dimmer, and he has had several other electricians that changed it several times. Is there a choke or something that would correct this? I know its probably the filament vibrating causing the noise, but it irritates the homeowner when they are sitting at the bar.

 

[DTLight]

If you are looking for a listed solution including the choke and a housing.

http://www.crestron.com/resources/p...ine_catalog/default.asp?jump=1&model=CLX-2IND

The price for Crestron parts is likely to be somewhat high, Lutron also has some functionally similar solutions.

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...mpjjd49mEyzRNjMPg&sig2=tP24dcMBuXhIcLrjQ1LKzQ

Lutron spec sheet.

 

[hillbilly1]

I think the dimmer is an ELV type, and the instructions said not to use with that type, so that may not be my solution, I didn't write down the dimmer number, but it is a Lutron, and it has a neutral connection and is designed for electronic transformers, though he may have magnetic transformers, the electrician that installed it put the transformer above the sheetrock ceiling, so I could not verify which type it was, just assumed it was a new enough installation that it would be electronic. But then you know what you get when you assume!

 

[stickboy1375]

I think the dimmer is an ELV type, and the instructions said not to use with that type, so that may not be my solution, I didn't write down the dimmer number, but it is a Lutron, and it has a neutral connection and is designed for electronic transformers, though he may have magnetic transformers, the electrician that installed it put the transformer above the sheetrock ceiling, so I could not verify which type it was, just assumed it was a new enough installation that it would be electronic. But then you know what you get when you assume!

Generally, you can use Electronic dimmers with magnetic transformers, you can never use magnetic dimmers with electronic transformers. BUT, you always need to go off of what the transformer requires... I would change the lamps with a different brand, just for giggles, because lamps are made all over the place, you really don't know what you're getting. And are you sure its the lamp and not the transformer making the whine? Because magnetic transformers will do that, where as electronic won't...

 

[Dennis Alwon]

I would change the brand of bulb. That has always fixed my problems with the whining

 

[stickboy1375]

I would change the brand of bulb. That has always fixed my problems with the whining

I concur, I sell mostly Ushio lamps, never have any issues.

 

[hillbilly1]

Generally, you can use Electronic dimmers with magnetic transformers, you can never use magnetic dimmers with electronic transformers. BUT, you always need to go off of what the transformer requires... I would change the lamps with a different brand, just for giggles, because lamps are made all over the place, you really don't know what you're getting. And are you sure its the lamp and not the transformer making the whine? Because magnetic transformers will do that, where as electronic won't...

I left the globe off, and could tell the whine was coming from the bulb. Not sure if the transformer is magnetic or electronic because the previous electrician that installed it used round cut in boxes and threw the module above the Sheetrock ceiling.

I would change the brand of bulb. That has always fixed my problems with the whining

The homeowner tried several different brands to no avail.

 

[hillbilly1]

I concur, I sell mostly Ushio lamps, never have any issues.

If I remember correctly, that is the brand the homeowner is currently using.

 

[stickboy1375]

If I remember correctly, that is the brand the homeowner is currently using.

The other issue could be cheap transformers, you won't know though unless you investigate and try changing out certain components... we stick with certain brands and don't stray from them because they work.

 

[stickboy1375]

If I remember correctly, that is the brand the homeowner is currently using.

I've never encountered the problem you are describing, so I'm kind of at a loss with it, I've had magnetic transformer humming when dimmed, but thats the extent of it.