How to Get Rid of Resonances in Vibrating Fixtures

Loosen the screws around the base of any glass sconce surrounding the bulb on a lighting fixture employing a set-screw arrangement. These screws thread through the metal base of the fixture, holding the glass sconce in place around the bulb. The glass in these fixtures can vibrate against the tips of the set screws holding in the glass.

Stretch a thick rubber band around the base of the glass sconce surrounding the bulb. Replace the glass and tighten the screws against the rubber band without penetrating it.

Remove any fluorescent bulbs from the ballast if they hum and buzz but refuse to fully illuminate. Seat a new bulb into the fixture. If the bulb fails to properly illuminate even after replacing the bulb, the ballast is at fault. Replace the fixture.

Locate any dimmers in use in the space. Cheap dimmers begin to buzz from the constant on-off cycles used to fool the eye into perceiving dimmed lighting.

Replace the dimmer if you hear buzzing from the switch, upgrading to a higher-end model.

Check the starter if you have an older fluorescent lamp. Pop out the bulb. Pull out the starter cylinder, then re-seat it to ensure solid electrical contact. Do this a few times to remove oxidation from the pin terminals on the starter. Replace the unit with a new fluorescent fixture if the starter is failing, since these parts are relatively scarce and unused on newer fixtures.