what does it mean when?

Question

your light switch plate get warm or hot when your light is on? I have a dimmer light switch in my dinning room and it gets very warm when the light is on.

Answer 1

Dimmer switches are electrically rated at how many watts they can handle--allow 20% under this rating for good measure>safety. For example >> a 300 watt rated dimmer switch>> 300x20%=60 watts --- 300-60=240 watts.If the D/R light is the only "load" on this dimmer switch and it"s getting warm or hot ---then shut it down and replace it. The dimmer is not supposed to get "too hot" under normal loads--replace it with a good quality one.

Answer 2

A dimmer switch RESISTS the current to dim it so it does have a tendancy to get warmer than a normal switch. However if it is getting HOT, then call an electrician to replace it. I wouldn't do this job myself because there are a couple other factors that could be contributing to the over heating, ie - bad wiring, the circuit breaker or fuse is allowing too much current into a line thats not wired for that high of load, etc.

Answer 3

First check the total bulb wattage of the light fixture (make sure they are within the fixtures limit) then remove switch plate cover and compare the wattage rating of the dimmer, if this is correct call an electrician to check this out, immediatly.
Good luck

Answer 4

It means you probably don't have the lights turned up very high so the resistor in the switch is reducing the voltage and giving off heat. Try leaving the lights on high and see if it gets as warm.

Answer 5

You need to have the wiring to the switch checked. It may be overloading the switch or it may not be attached correctly. I wouldn't waste time getting it check. It could cause a fire.