We are finishing our basement and have a dimmer switch wired to 10 recessed lights. The screws that connect the gang plate to the dimmer are hot after only a short time with the power on.
2007-07-26 15:38:44 · 8 answers · asked by Eurocarguy 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
The dimmer switches have a solid state component that controlls the voltage to the lights to cause dimming; it needs a heat sink to stay cool enough. Usually the front plate of the switch is made of aluminum and serves this purpose. It is normal for this aluminum plate to be warm but I've never seen them get alarmingly hot. Since the plate screws go into this aluminum plate they will get hot if the plate is hot. These switches are rated for a certian amount of wattage; if you exceed the rating it will overheat and probably fail. 10 lights sounds like a lot for one dimmer; but it depends on what wattage bulbs are being used. I think the average dimmers are good for about 600 watts or so. Add up the total wattage of all the bulbs and compare it with the switch ratings (usually stamped on the switch); you might have to use 2 dimmers with 5 lights on each, or use lower wattage bulbs.
2007-07-26 16:08:38 · answer #1 · answered by Flying Dragon 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
As far as the "gang" thing goes, what they are refering to is the number of device's (switches or dimmers) that are together under one finished switch plate. The plate you have, if you were to go into HD and ask for a new metal one, you would ask for a "3 gang toggle switch plate".
Even though according to the numbers your technically within safe operation I still don't like the fact that the dimmer is as hot as you say it is. I would advise you to do one of 2 things, starting with the easiest. Reduce the wattage in your sconces and other lights controlled by this dimmer if you can afford to cut back on the light. The more you can reasonably cut back the better. If you could trim a 100 watts that would make a significant difference. Also getting that metal plate will make a difference. I would try this first then check the plate. You should find that the screw and the plate are noticeably cooler. The other option is upgrading to a 1500 watt dimmer but try the first option and see how it looks.
2007-07-26 15:57:24 · answer #2 · answered by Joy L 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Don't panic. Dimmers get hot by their power restricting nature, so they usually use the case they are mounted in as a heat sink. the mounting screws are the only visible (access able) temperature connection to the case (outside of the plate itself). Checking the dimmer capacity (watts) is a good idea but not for safety, but for continual reliable service. i.e so the dimmer won't burn out.
2007-07-27 02:39:44 · answer #3 · answered by len b 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
CUT THE POWER IMMEDIATELY!! This is usually caused by a dead -short. This needs to be looked at immediately. I would check inside the box that the dimmer switch is installed in. Chances are there is a short there. A short is when positive meets ground. This is when the wire has been exposed and is touching a ground source. Check that the screws that hold the switch in have not contacted the wire thus causing a short (this sound most suspect). If no short is found, the switch itself maybe mis-wired or faulty.
2007-07-26 15:59:32 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
The electrical switch as well as the recessed lights must have ratings that you must follow - electrical wiring rating, recessed lights rating, electrical switch rating - in amps and volts ( the maximum permissible ). If the plate feels hot its an indication that you are either drawing too much current or you may have a lose connection. Review the following website pages and explore it further to become well informed about electrical safety:
http://www.findoha.com/Articles/Electricity/basic-electric-wiring.htm
http://www.bobvila.com/HowTo_Library/Electrical_Boxes_and_Wiring-3-C144.html
2007-07-26 15:53:18 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
10 recessed lights @ 65 watts
650 watts divided by 120 v = about 6 amps
a small device like that will get hot ....check that the device is rated for atleast 10 amps and double check your wiring, and that all screws are tight.... check for smell of burnt plastic and look for charred wires and components
2007-07-26 16:02:18 · answer #6 · answered by Mr. Ree 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you probably overloaded the switch. 10 lights is a lot for one dimmer.
2007-07-26 15:57:51 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
flying dragon has it. the plate screws are directly mounted to the heat sink and that is where the heat is coming from.
2007-07-27 02:34:09 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋