Hello, I have a flouresent light fixture above my sink.
When it is on it humms loudly.
I have replaced the tube and it has no starter.
What is causing the hum?
PS it is an old fixture

The ballast transformer





"mo" wrote in message
news:WDNIf.16264$7C3.9981@trnddc08...
Hello, I have a flouresent light fixture above my sink.
When it is on it humms loudly.
I have replaced the tube and it has no starter.
What is causing the hum?
PS it is an old fixture

"Magnetic ballasts modulate electrical current at a relatively low
cycle rate, which can cause a noticeable flicker. Magnetic ballasts may
also vibrate at a low frequency. This is the source of the audible
humming sound people associate with fluorescent lamps.

Modern ballast designs use advanced electronics to more precisely
regulate the current flowing through the electrical circuit. Since they
use a higher cycle rate, you don't generally notice a flicker or
humming noise coming from an electronic ballast. Different lamps
require specialized ballasts designed to maintain the specific voltage
and current levels needed for varying tube designs."
more about flourescent lights at:
http://home.howstuffworks.com/fluore....htm/printable

wrote:
On Wed, 15 Feb 2006 22:08:54 GMT, "mo" wrote:


Hello, I have a flouresent light fixture above my sink.
When it is on it humms loudly.
I have replaced the tube and it has no starter.
What is causing the hum?
PS it is an old fixture



Like others said, its the ballast
The metal core pieces are vibrating probably due to a loose housing.
Some of the old ones that were held together with a metal piece that
goes around 3 sides can be quieted by squeezing that metal piece.
Otherwise, replace the ballast, but first price a new fixture. Many
times the fixture costs less than a ballast.


If squeezing it doesen't quiet it down, try removing it, placing it on a
firm surface and denting it SLIGHTLY with a ball peen hammer in a few
places. Sounds drastic, but it's worked for me.

Jeff

--
Jeffry Wisnia

(W1BSV + Brass Rat '57 EE)

"Truth exists; only falsehood has to be invented."

Jeff Wisnia wrote:
wrote:
On Wed, 15 Feb 2006 22:08:54 GMT, "mo" wrote:

Hello, I have a flouresent light fixture above my sink.
When it is on it humms loudly.
I have replaced the tube and it has no starter.
What is causing the hum?
PS it is an old fixture

Like others said, its the ballast
The metal core pieces are vibrating probably due to a loose housing.
Some of the old ones that were held together with a metal piece that
goes around 3 sides can be quieted by squeezing that metal piece.
Otherwise, replace the ballast, but first price a new fixture. Many
times the fixture costs less than a ballast.


If squeezing it doesen't quiet it down, try removing it, placing it on a
firm surface and denting it SLIGHTLY with a ball peen hammer in a few
places. Sounds drastic, but it's worked for me.

Hmmm. You didn't mention replacing the ballast in the fixture, so this
is how you "teach" the ballast some respect? Beat the crap out of it
with a ballpeen hammer? You're a tough man, Jeff.

R

On Thu, 16 Feb 2006 02:54:15 -0600, wrote:

On Wed, 15 Feb 2006 22:08:54 GMT, "mo" wrote:

Hello, I have a flouresent light fixture above my sink.
When it is on it humms loudly.
I have replaced the tube and it has no starter.
What is causing the hum?
PS it is an old fixture


Like others said, its the ballast
The metal core pieces are vibrating probably due to a loose housing.
Some of the old ones that were held together with a metal piece that
goes around 3 sides can be quieted by squeezing that metal piece.
Otherwise, replace the ballast, but first price a new fixture. Many
times the fixture costs less than a ballast.

One could then donate the old fixture to someone who wouldn't mind the
humming, like a factory or a band without a rhythm section.


Remove NOPSAM to email me. Please let
me know if you have posted also.

RicodJour wrote:
Jeff Wisnia wrote:

wrote:

On Wed, 15 Feb 2006 22:08:54 GMT, "mo" wrote:


Hello, I have a flouresent light fixture above my sink.
When it is on it humms loudly.
I have replaced the tube and it has no starter.
What is causing the hum?
PS it is an old fixture

Like others said, its the ballast
The metal core pieces are vibrating probably due to a loose housing.
Some of the old ones that were held together with a metal piece that
goes around 3 sides can be quieted by squeezing that metal piece.
Otherwise, replace the ballast, but first price a new fixture. Many
times the fixture costs less than a ballast.


If squeezing it doesen't quiet it down, try removing it, placing it on a
firm surface and denting it SLIGHTLY with a ball peen hammer in a few
places. Sounds drastic, but it's worked for me.


Hmmm. You didn't mention replacing the ballast in the fixture, so this
is how you "teach" the ballast some respect? Beat the crap out of it
with a ballpeen hammer? You're a tough man, Jeff.

R

Hi,
You have to hit it with an experienced authority or you'll kill it good,
LOL!