When a light bulb starts malfunctioning, it’s important to get to the root cause as soon as possible.
To do this, you will have to pinpoint the symptoms associated with the problem. In this case, you will want to ask, why is the light bulb making noise when off?
A light can start making noise when off because the socket is loose, the dimmer is not down, or there’s a re-striking issue in the circuit. To fix this problem, turn off the power supply, remove the socket, and tighten it. Also, check the dimmer switch to see if anything is loose. This should stop the noise.
It’s recommended to go through each step carefully.
Turn off the power before doing any type of electrical work especially when it comes to sockets and dimmer switches.
If you can pinpoint where the noise is coming from, you can also figure out why the issue is happening.
This article will explain more on what to look for and how to fix a noisy light bulb.
Table of Contents
Best Light Bulbs For Less Noise (EDITOR’S CHOICE)
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How To Fix Light Bulb Making Noise When Off
1. Shut Off The Power Supply
The power supply has to be turned off before doing anything.
Since the most common reason for a buzzing light bulb has to do with the socket, you will have to eventually remove the light socket.
To do this, you should have current going through to the light fixture.
By turning off the power at the circuit breaker, you will have full control of the socket without worrying about electrocution. Do this before anything else and make sure you are fully protected while working on tightening the socket.
This is a must if you want to stay safe.
2. Unscrew The Socket
If a light bulb is making noise, you will have to unscrew the socket.
If a smart bulb is making noise when off, you are going to pinpoint the sound. This is likely coming from the socket, which means something is wrong in that part of the circuit.
Each light socket is different.
You will have to figure out where the screws are and then loosen them. Remember to keep the screws handy or you will have a hard time putting the socket back on!
Once you unscrew the socket, start taking a look at the wiring to see whether or not something is damaged or frayed.
3. Tighten The Wiring & Socket
During the inspection, you will have to test the connectors inside the socket.
Each wire plays a role in getting electrical current to the socket. If there is something wrong with the wires, you may be going to hear the buzzing noise.
Some even notice the light bulb popping sound effects.
As you figure out how to stop a light bulb from making noise, it’s important to begin tightening the wiring. Go to each one and tighten it including the socket itself once you put it back.
Everything should be sealed properly. This is important to get rid of the noise.

4. Remove And Check The Dimmer Switch
You are now going to move to the dimmer switch if there is one.
A lot of people complain about a sound coming from a dimmer switch. This happens when the dimmer is loose and that is causing it to not go to zero once you turn it off.
As a result, there is a bit of current going through when it shouldn’t.
Make sure it is set to zero and then begin tightening it. This will ensure your dimmer isn’t the root cause of the noisy light bulb.
If you tighten it, this should get rid of the problem for good.
Final Thoughts
These are the things to do if your light bulb is making noise when off.
A light bulb making noise when off is likely doing this due to a loose socket or dimmer switch. Inspect where the noise is coming from, turn off the power supply, and remove the socket. This will reveal the wiring. Now tighten the wiring and re-install the socket correctly. If the issue persists, remove the dimmer switch and tighten it too.
This will ensure the problem is resolved as you want it to be.
When a light bulb is making too much noise, don’t panic. It is often easy to fix. Begin tightening each part of the fixture one by one beginning with the light bulb.
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