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LED lights remain an impressive modern-day lighting mechanism that consumes lesser energy than other options.
Besides, they are associated with better and incredible brightness, but we have some people that have confessed to having problems with LEDs.
These people have reported issues like TV and radio interference; it’s annoying, especially if you don’t know what could be the reason.
Some car owners claim that immediately after advancing the LEDs of their vehicle, they experienced disturbance with the AM radio signal.
Such an issue is famous for ruining the listening experience. But, if you have experienced such a complication with your radio, this report will try to offer an easy fix.
- The meaning of radio interference
- Why are LEDs the main causatives for radio interference?
- How to fix Radio interference from LED lights problem?
- Easy fix for radio interference in a vehicle
- Frequently asked questions
- Final words
The meaning of radio interference
Radio signals transfer or travel through the atmosphere. Immediately after turning on your radio, it will start to pick signals, being displayed in the form of a sound.
This explains why it’s possible to hear those buzzing or humming sounds when near a radio that’s on. Buzzing and humming sounds are what we can refer to as radio interference.
Radio signals utilize Radio Frequency, normally conveyed between 100 kHz-300GHz. You can face radio interference when there’s an electronic device close to your radio, stationed on a similar frequency range.
For some days, you may hear/feel a sound, though it is not audible sometimes.
Check our guide about satellite radio antenna fix
Why are LEDs the main causatives for radio interference?
Mostly, LED lights in your vehicle are the main culprits for radio interference, but that is not all. There might be other lights around that can lead to this problem.
Modern-day cars are equipped with various LEDs, positioned from overhead lights, door lights to spotlights, and illuminating bars.
An exciting fact about LEDs around your home is that they can interfere with the wireless signal, leading to radio interference.
Remember, LEDs aren’t only the cause of radio interference problems. The issue is the device powering the LEDs, leading to the disturbance.
LEDs incredibly operate as a result of controlled burst series, which are contained by duty cycling.
It’s the work of the ballast to determine the number of times for the LED to flicker within a second.
It’s therefore worth mentioning that while controlling flicker, the Hz will be converted to an electric signal, eventually receiving any receptive device around.
Once such action occurs, it’s possible to hear a sound from the speaker of your car radio.
Additionally, using low-class electronics can be another reason for radio interference issues.
This happens mostly when these low-quality gadgets are aligned with the same power supply.
Recessed lighting is another causative for radio disturbance that should be addressed.
Using the recessed lights and the radio at the same time, you are likely to experience this disturbance.
How to fix Radio interference from LED lights problem?
Before we get into constructive step by steps guidance on fixing the LED lights radio disturbance problem, it’s advisable to have some electronic skills.
Well, use the following procedure and tackle the issue with your car radio:
Step 1: Find the root of the problem
This is the first thing you will have to do so that you know whatever issue to treat.
You have to start by sensing the equipment using a Portable AM radio; it’s the perfect and portable option.
Besides, this radio is cheap and available too, but you should ensure that your radio is equipped with new batteries.
Step 2: Tune for a station
Switch to a particular station on the lower side of the AM dial. The meter or tuner should be anywhere around the dial, and you have to ensure you don’t hear anything; there should be no static too.
Doing so is necessary as it will work as your stud finder.
Step 3: Wave the radio over LEDs devices
After everything is in place; the radio is operating, the next thing will be to wave the radio over the available devices that feature LED lights.
Be careful and be a good listener to hear buzzing or boom sounds; there is your culprit.
Step 4: Replacement
After finding the causative of the radio interference, what you need to do is to replace either the bulb, ballast, or transformer.
Replacing bulbs can be straightforward, but a professional can do better for internal components such as the transformer.
An experienced electrician is capable of determining the faulty parts and handles the issue for you.
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Easy fix for radio interference in a vehicle
Once you experience such an issue, troubleshooting the problem is necessary. For this case, you are advised to cover/seal all the connected Led lights. For example, brake lights, headlights, fog lights, and panel lights.
So, after getting a causative in your vehicle, replacing internal components can’t be a suitable option.
What you may do is to replace the bad LED with a high-quality new one.
Besides, you may decide to invest in ferrite core clips. These clips remain special and essential filters that operate against radio interference (electronic).
Check our guide about improve radio signal in a car
Frequently asked questions radio interference
Can LED lights affect my TV?
Of course yes because TVs operate just like radios. The only difference is the pictures. However, the answer to this problem is very simple by installing a ferrite core filter.
The filters incredibly shield your Radio or TV cables that will significantly minimize the disturbance.
Can LED lights affect my Wi-Fi signal?
Yes, I know this is very unfortunate because LEDs work at a higher frequency. Wi-Fi usually runs at a frequency ranging from 2.4HGHZ-5GHz.
Can cheap or poor LED lights cause interfaces?
Yes, and this remains the prominent reason for radio interference. For such cases, buying a new and good-quality LED bulb(s) can be the best solution.
Why are my LED headlights humming?
LEDs don’t have firing arcs or a filament, therefore there won’t be ‘moving parts’ to trigger humming. Additionally, LED lights are affected by electromagnetic hum that’s triggered by incorrect dimming.
Final words
To wrap up, LED lights can adversely ruin your listening experience, whether you are in your car or your home. You may start to hear humming or buzzing sounds, that’s very annoying.
However, the main reason for radio interference is using poor-quality parts; thank God this article has provided you with necessary actions.
Troubleshooting can be a bit challenging, but once you have a reliable AM meter, everything will be like walking in the park.