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Hi all,

I'm attempting to replace a 1-gang dimmer switch that broke. I wired up the new switch and switched it on to test, but when doing so I noticed a buzzing noise coming from the black box at the back of the switch that holds all the electronic gubbins. Is this cause for concern? I'm very much a newbie and want to make sure I don't accidentally burn my house down!

If it helps, the noise is similar to what you hear when you stand under a pylon. It's most noticable when the dimmer's on low, but it's always audible as long as it's switched on to some degree.

The new switch is rated for loads of 60-250w (same as the previous one), and there's a single 100w bulb in the light. The old switch is 200-250v and this one's 230-240v, but I assume this is fine as google tells me UK mains is 230v? I've also wiggled the wires a little to make sure they're not coming loose!

Edit: The switch is an Arlec 250w 1 gang 1-way dimmer, if that helps!

Its nothing to worry about other than annoying. It is quite common with dimmers that use inexpensive components, you may also find the more you dim with it the more it buzzes.

You may find that changing the bulb to a dimmable LED may reduce the buzzing, if you get an incompatable bulb type it won't dim.

I want to get a Zigbee compatible gateway, and use dimming bulbs, as I have had such a problem getting electronic switches to work with LED bulbs, standard BA22d or E27 OK, but small bulbs seem to be a problem, flashing when off, a shimmer when running, this means it will not dim, and this means it will. However although it says it will dim, it does not say with what, leading edge, trailing edge, variable transformer, it is a complete mess up.