What to do with popping sound from light fixture when turned on?

Susan Fernandez May 05 2022

The LED technology in some light fixtures can make a popping sound when turned on. This is normal and not cause for concern. If the sound is accompanied by sparks or smoke, however, there may be an issue with the fixture and it should be inspected by a certified electrician.

Why do LED bulbs make a popping sound when turned on?

LED bulbs are designed to be more efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs, and they use less energy. However, the LED technology in some light fixtures can make a popping sound when turned on. This is normal and not cause for concern. If the sound is accompanied by sparks or smoke, however, there may be an issue with the fixture and it should be inspected by a certified electrician.

Replace Faulty LED Bulbs To Avoid Popping

The LED technology in some light fixtures can make a popping sound when turned on. This is normal and not cause for concern. If the sound is accompanied by sparks or smoke, however, there may be an issue with the fixture and it should be inspected by a certified electrician.

This popping sound is caused by the electrical current passing through the LED bulb. When the current passes through the bulb, it causes a small explosion that creates a popping sound. This is completely normal and is no cause for concern. However, if the sound is accompanied by sparks or smoke, there may be an issue with the fixture and it should be inspected by a certified electrician.

If you have any further questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us. Thank you for choosing LED bulbs!

What are the causes of this clicking noise?

Every time when you come into the room, do you hear a faint clicking noise? And it seems to be getting louder each day. If so, there are several potential causes for this issue.

Fixture

This is one of the reasons that you should get your light fixtures checked by a certified electrician. The clicking noise could be caused by a loose connection in the fixture. Over time, the connection can loosen and cause the popping sound that you are hearing.

When the can lighting fixture is not constructed from a good thermally insulating material, the body of the fixture warms up and cools down unevenly, causing the metal to expand and contract with the plastic noises. The trim, if it is not screwed on tightly enough, can also rattle slightly against the housing.

For that reason fixture and popping sound caused by it, should be fixed as soon as possible.

Dimmer Switch

Another potential cause of the noise could be the dimmer switch. If the switch is old or not functioning properly, it can make a clicking noise when you turn on the light. To fix this issue, you will need to replace the dimmer switch with a new one.

The point is that when you turn on the light dimmer switch, it should not make any noise. So, if it does, it is a sign that you need to replace it as soon as possible. The wattage of your dimmer, as well as the number of LEDs on the circuit, will have to be considered. For example, if your dimmer wattage is 150 W and you're using fifteen 9 W bulbs, you'd believe you were in the clear.

But when you turn on the LED bulb, it can cause a power surge that could potentially damage the dimmer switch. So, it is always better to consult with a certified electrician before making any changes to your light fixture.

Thermal Issues

As LEDs produce light by running an electrical current through a semiconductor material, they tend to get hot. If the heat is not dissipated properly, it can cause the LED to fail. In some cases, the heat can build up and cause the LED bulb to make a popping sound when turned on.

To fix this issue, you will need to ensure that the LED bulbs are not placed in enclosed fixtures. Additionally, you will need to make sure that the fixtures have good ventilation so that the heat can escape.

You should also check the LED bulbs to see if they are rated for enclosed fixtures. If they are not, then you will need to replace them with bulbs that are rated for enclosed fixtures.

Bulb

The problem may be hidden in the very bulb you're using. If you have an LED bulb that is not compatible with your fixture, it can cause the bulb to make a popping sound when turned on. Incompatible bulbs can also cause other problems, such as flickering or dimming.

To fix this issue, you will need to replace the incompatible bulb with a compatible one. You will also need to make sure that the new bulb is compatible with your fixture. It is always better to consult with a certified electrician before making any changes to your light fixture. Besides, bulbs may be too loose in the socket which can also cause a popping sound. In that case, you need to screw them in tightly.

The majority of the most recent LED bulbs become extremely hot, and this noise is generally caused by the base heating up. As the base of the LED bulb expands, it makes contact with the metal socket, causing a popping sound.

Overheating can also be caused by incorrect wattage bulbs being used in the fixtures. If you are using a 60-watt bulb in a 40-watt fixture, this will cause the bulb to overheat. As a result, you will need to replace the 60-watt bulb with a 40-watt one. It is always better to consult with a certified electrician before making any changes to your light fixture.

Is it dangerous?

So, when you hear this popping sound, you should not ignore it. In most cases, it is a sign that something is wrong with your light fixture or the bulbs you're using. If left unchecked, this issue can cause further problems, such as flickering or dimming lights. Additionally, it can also lead to overheating and fire hazards. Therefore, if you hear a popping sound coming from your light fixture, you should consult with a certified electrician as soon as possible. They will be able to diagnose the problem and recommend the best course of action.

For example, you may need to replace the dimmer switch with a new one. Additionally, you may need to make sure that the LED bulbs are compatible with your fixture and that they are not placed in enclosed fixtures. Lastly, you will need to make sure that the fixtures have good ventilation so that the heat can escape.

It is always better to consult with a certified electrician before making any changes to your light fixture. They will be able to diagnose the problem and recommend the best course of action. Additionally, they can also help you avoid any potential hazards.

How can you get rid of the popping sound?

If you turn on a light fixture and it emits a popping sound, it is most likely due to a loose connection. You can fix this by:

  • Turning off the power to the fixture at the breaker box
  • Remove the globe or shade from the fixture
  • Tighten any loose screws or bolts that you see
  • Reattach the globe or shade
  • Turn the power back on at the breaker box

If you have done all of these things and the popping sound persists, you may need to replace the light fixture. In case you think that the problem is with your dimmer switch you can follow the same process to get rid of the popping sound. All you need to do is to replace your light switch with a new one. And if the issue is with the fixture, you need to replace your light fixture. To remove the high-pitched clicking or humming, replace the bulb and hope for the best.

Make sure that your fixture fittings and wires are firmly fastened without any room to loosen up. The only solution to stop the high-pitched click or hum is to change the lightbulb, which hopefully will be of excellent quality.

What are the safety precautions?

Clicking sound from your LED bulb is not only annoying but can also be a sign of a potential fire hazard. If you notice this sound coming from your light fixture, you should take the following safety precautions:

  • Immediately turn off the power to the fixture at the breaker box
  • Do not touch or attempt to repair the fixture while it is still energized
  • Contact a certified electrician to inspect the fixture and determine the cause of the problem
  • Use the correct size and type of bulb for your fixture
  • Do not use more than the maximum wattage allowed for your fixture
  • Make sure that the bulbs are screwed in securely and that there is no loose connection

Following these safety precautions will help you avoid any potential hazards. Additionally, it is always best to consult with a certified electrician before making any changes to your light fixture. They will be able to diagnose the problem and recommend the best course of action.

What if your bulb is popping when turned off?

If your light bulb is popping when turned off, it is most likely due to a loose connection. In general, a loose connection can cause a light bulb to pop when turned on or off. To fix this problem, first, make sure that the power is shut off to the fixture. Once the power is off, remove the bulb and unscrew the socket cap. Next, use a wire brush to clean any corrosion off of the socket threads. Finally, screw the socket cap back on and screw in a new light bulb.

If your light bulb is still popping after following these steps, it is possible that there is a loose wire in the fixture. If this is the case, you will need to call an electrician to have the fixture repaired. Besides, when the light is turned off, the popping sound could also be caused by the cooling of the filament inside the light bulb. This is perfectly normal and is no cause for concern.

However, if you notice your bulb flickering and making a popping sound when turned on, this could be a sign of a more serious problem. If this is happening, you should contact an electrician as soon as possible to have the fixture inspected. Also, in case of an accident, please immediately contact emergency services.

Bottom line

If you notice a popping sound coming from your light fixture, it is most likely due to a loose connection. To fix this problem, you can turn off the power to the fixture, remove the globe or shade, tighten any loose screws or bolts, and reattach the globe or shade. If the popping sound persists, you may need to replace the light fixture. Additionally, if you notice a high-pitched clicking or humming sound, you can try changing the lightbulb.

If this does not work, you may need to replace the light fixture. Finally, if you notice your bulb popping when turned off, it is most likely due to a loose connection. To fix this problem, first, make sure that the power is shut off to the fixture. Once the power is off, remove the bulb and unscrew the socket cap.