fluorescent fitting humming!!

[e4electrical]

I recently fitted 2 58w twin vapour-proof switch-start fittings in a garage with a low ceiling, customer complained of loud humming noise coming from fitting. Had fitting replaced but still happening. Wholesalers said its a common thing caused by the ballast, can anybody add to this?

 

[Marvo]

The ballast is the most likely suspect especially if it's a wirewound type. You could just fit an electronic ballast or even better sell the customer on saving money with LED's and install 2 x retrofit tubes that don't require a ballast.

 

[ian.settle1]

I recently fitted 2 58w twin vapour-proof switch-start fittings in a garage with a low ceiling, customer complained of loud humming noise coming from fitting. Had fitting replaced but still happening. Wholesalers said its a common thing caused by the ballast, can anybody add to this?

What tune is it humming?

Sounds like it is not suitably attached to the body of the fitting.

 

[ChrisElectrical88]

Had the exact same problem on a recent job. 2x 58w NVC vapour proof fittings humming like mad. Couldn't work it out, was told by NVC technical that they were fixed to tight to the ceiling even though they were on chain. Replace them for Thorn HF fitting and worked perfect since.

 

[Knobhead]

It's happy and so hums a happy tune.

How loud is it?

 

[telectrix]

hmmm, humming. has someone left a kipper in it?

 

[Adam W]

The ballast is the most likely suspect especially if it's a wirewound type. You could just fit an electronic ballast or even better sell the customer on saving money with LED's and install 2 x retrofit tubes that don't require a ballast.

View attachment 18825

It's a nice idea, but LED tubes are a little bit more expensive than fluorescent ones, by which I mean about 10x more expensive.

 

[Brightspark2]

It's a nice idea, but LED tubes are a little bit more expensive than fluorescent ones, by which I mean about 10x more expensive.

Yes but you get your money back in 20 years. Its win win...

 

[Richard Burns]

Just use high frequency fittings not switch start and you are at the level of energy efficiency that LEDs provide at the moment. No humming and no excessive cost, win, win!

 

[lauriehurman]

I agree with Richard.
You'd have to be a real cheapskate to fit Low-Frequency battens these days.
(get Tri-Phos tubes as well)
Laurie

 

[e4electrical]

Cheers for the feedback folks, didn't realise a common issue, will fit elec ballasts in future , customer only had a small budget, hence going for switch start!! Lesson learnt

 

[Brightspark2]

Get quotes for both from wholesalers youll find usually theres not a lot in it...

 

[cobrauk]

It would be cheaper to replace the whole fitting by the time you rewired the internal wires because the HF is not wired the same is it.