Hello

I have a ceiling fan dimmer switch controlling 1 fan/light w/ 3 40w inc lamps, the first dimmer I installed, I back fed the wiring and the switch got hot. I read that you should never back feed a dimmer switch so I put the wires on the screw terms, it still got hot and arc'd.

I went to HD and got a new dimmer switch, all they had were factory back wired.

I installed it, and the cover plate screws are hot

Is this normal or any suggestions?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by johnp1785

Hello

I have a ceiling fan dimmer switch controlling 1 fan/light w/ 3 40w inc lamps, the first dimmer I installed, I back fed the wiring and the switch got hot. I read that you should never back feed a dimmer switch so I put the wires on the screw terms, it still got hot and arc'd.

I went to HD and got a new dimmer switch, all they had were factory back wired.

I installed it, and the cover plate screws are hot

Is this normal or any suggestions?

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Most fans are not designed to use a dimmer switch to control the fan, This is due to most fan motors do not have variable speed motors.But if you have a separate switch for the lights you should be able to use a dimmer switch for the lights.

Fan motors need a special speed controller, not a dimmer switch. Lights can use a dimmer.