Hi, I just replaced the halogens in my kitchen with Ecosmart/CREE LED fixtures. 2 of the circuits are on dimmers so I replaced those with Lutron LED compatible units. When I tried them out I was surprised to hear a very noticeable humming sound coming from the lights on the dimmers. I have the same combination in my basement and it works without humming. I am guessing the design of the lights has changed since I installed the basement (about 2 years). Read online that Leviton dimmers may be better compatible with the Ecosmart/CREE lights, so I tried those. Same result, noticeable humming. This is disapointing considering the investment in the lights.
Has anyone else had this problem and been able to solve it?
Thanks,
Tom
Replies
I removed most of the dimmers in our house when we went to CFLs, but my "office" (spare bedroom) has a dimmer and two of three overhead lamps are LED. I would guess there's a slight hum, but nothing you'd really notice.
I gather that these are dedicated fixtures, so you can't simply try different lamps?
Tom
The transition to led's will not be real perfect till all hands starting to work together.
contact both the lite and switch makers, give them a chance to work with you on the problem.
Thanks Tom. I have sent notes to both Ecosmart and Lutron. According to Lutron's cross reference, at least one of the combos I tried should have worked. Tried 5 different dimmers so far, all buzz. Home Depot no help at all, as usual. I hate to pull down the lights but thats where I'm heading. I 'm starting to think they are just crap lights. I can't believe they can sell this stuff, say it works, but it clearly does not.
Is it the dimmers that buzz, or the lamps?
It's the lamps. Picked up a similar, but different model CREE lamp tonight. Will try it in the am.
Make sure it's not simply a matter of the housing vibrating because it's loose or lacks damping.
Good tip but the housings are ok. All 14 are buzzing! Will try the CREE lamps after the kids are done with presents! Merry Christmas!
Well, someone's got to say it: Maybe they're humming because they don''t know the words.
Problems solved. Switched out the Ecosmart lamps for the CREE brand carried at HD. Put the original Lutron LED compatible simple dimmer back in and they work fine. HD was happy to take back the Ecosmart lamps, but had very little reaction when I told them they really shouldn't be selling them as dimmable LED's if they cannot provide a compatible dimmer. All the guy could say was that it says dimmable on the box!
HD reaction should not suprise you...glue it we can help!!!! glad you found a solution.