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Originally Posted by Joan Breckwoldt
After another solid week of rain here in Houston I must do something about providing light in my 'studio'.
Holly and Garth, it looks like you're both using the same T-8 light fixtures from Home Depot (and one from Loew's for you Holly) but Garth, you mentioned your doesn't hum, but Holly, your light fixtures do.
The light tubes themselves wouldn't cause the humming, would they? As I understand it, it's the ballast in the fixture that may cause humming.
I don't listen to music when I paint, or anything else, so I would prefer to find a quiet set up.
Does anybody have an explanation as to why some light fixtures hum and some don't?
Thanks!
Joan
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Joan,
My husband, an electrical engineer, has come up with an explanation and perhaps a remedy for your dilemma.
You were right about the ballast, aka, as the transformer being the problem. The bulbs do not hum as you so correctly observed. The transformer in the fixture is failing and depending in the kind of fixture you have, it may or may not have to be replaced. Sometimes a fixture will be equipped with a starter, a 3/4" silver cylinder at either end. If you can find that, remove it and take it with you to a hardware store to get the proper replacement as they often differ. If you cannot find a silver cylinder then you need a new fixture as the transformer is inside.
I hope that will help!
That puts to rest the myth that a partner should have equal interests! His scientific knowhow has bailed me out of many a pickle.