Light Bulb & Lamp Performance Questions:
An Incandescent bulb has a small filament inside the bulb. This filament is actualy experiencing a small vibration from the current running through it. The small vibration is what you are actually hearing as a ‘hum’
With age, your light bulb may experience flickering. Flickering can come from a number of reasons. Often times it can be a result from a faulty LED Driver, a bad connection (receptical or wiring), improper voltage, or a power surge
For fluorescent lighting (the most common lighting with a ballast), the current is what is regulated by the ballast providing an ample amount of voltage to power the light
Both Temperature and Humidity can affect a light bulb’s performance. Heat is a notorious killer of lighting a lighting is a generator of heat (either emitting heat or building as a junction temperature)
Indoor and Outdoor lighting primairly differ in terms of how the lights are enclosed. Typically with an outdoor light you have an IP rating and the fixtures are sealed and gasketed.
Dimming issues with LEDs happen because of the small amount of power used in general with the LED. Some dimming systems with LEDs as you get down to the lower dim settings, the light will shut off. Therefore, the dimming range is more like 60-90% with an LED vs. a Halogen or Incandescent which has a dimming range of 100%. Because of this reason, some Manufacturers have opted to call their 0-10v Dimmable LEDs “1-10v” LEDs as many LEDs do not dim completely down to 0.
You may need a special dimmer for your LEDs. There are two types of dimming, Line Voltage and 0-10v Dimming. Most LEDs use 0-10v Dimming. It is best to check the Specification Sheet from the Manufacturer to verify the compatibility of the Dimmer with the specific product.