Why do fluorescent light fixtures hum/buzz?

[rivan]

I just put new undercabinet lights in my kitchen, and they buzz.

How do I make them STOP!?

 

[Ronstang]

I notice that usually with units that do not have ballasts when the temperature in the room is low. I do not think you can do anything about it except buy better fixtures. I have some quick start non-ballast type shop lights in the garage that buzz this time of year but the one over my welding table is a ballast type and does not buzz.

 

[MikeyIs4Dcats]

it's the ballasts, and aside from buying better fixtures next time, not a lot to do.

 

[Whoozyerdaddy]

Oh that melodic 60Hz hum...

 

[WHAMPOM]

Originally posted by: rivan
I just put new undercabinet lights in my kitchen, and they buzz.

How do I make them STOP!?

They are cheap, they buzzz. Replace with 12volt halogen fixtures. Try the rail/plug-in models, they work great for putting light where I need it.

 

[Jeff7]

Originally posted by: MikeyIs4Dcats
it's the ballasts, and aside from buying better fixtures next time, not a lot to do.

Yup; if you get a fixture with electronic ballasts, that should take care of the hum.

 

[WolverineGator]

LED under cabinet lights FTW.

 

[rivan]

Originally posted by: WolverineGator
LED under cabinet lights FTW.

I thought about doing LED lighting, but the only ones I saw for sale were much more expensive and were a horrible *color* light - way too blue/cold. I want something warmer for the kitchen.

As for build quality, *damn you, Home Depot!*