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Thread: LED bulb hiss

  1. #1
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    LED bulb hiss

    Is it normal for LED lightbulbs to hiss?

    I put a "Utilitech Pro #0382623" 75W equivalent LED bulb from Lowes Hardware in the light by my bed and it hisses. It makes a soft "white noise" type of hiss that I can hear when my head is ear it. The sound isn't unpleasant. However, on the web one finds reports of accidents such as: http://www.saferproducts.gov/ViewIncident/1222032

  2. #2
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    Some of the LEDs I have exhibit transformer hum. But it sounds like you're hearing something different...

  3. #3
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    If it is truly hissing (and not just buzzing), it could be the electrolytic caps venting... that means they are short-lived for this world and will very soon give up the ghost altogether. A dry cap can catch fire, as was likely the case with the accident report you link to.
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  4. #4
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    Stephen,

    Other than that, how do you like the light quality?

  5. #5
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    Frank,

    After replacing 2 bulbs, 1 designer globe and one regular, with 40 watt equivalent LEDs, being happy with the light and the reduced actual wattage (8 vs 40).......my wife bought another dozen globes this afternoon and just left to buy another dozen of 40 watt equivalent regular shaped LEDs while Costco has their 1/2 off sale going. The sale ends today.
    Ken

    So much to learn, so little time.....

  6. #6
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    Quote Originally Posted by Frank Drew View Post
    Stephen,

    Other than that, how do you like the light quality?
    It's satsifactory. The bulb is "soft white" and in a reading lamp. I would prefer light that was more yellow - like that from an incandescent bulb.

  7. #7
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    Ken, Stephen

    Thanks; if I find some nice pricing I might get a few to replace some CFLs (which I don't hate).

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