[slc258]

Im in newer house and noticed dimmer switchbox/plate gets very warm especially the screws holding plate on... how normal is this? I've read that this may be OK, but how warm is OK or should I replace the switch?
Thanks

[Credendovidis]

It all depends on what you use it for !
What is the power drawn by the equipment? 50 W , 250 Watt , 1 KW ?
What type of load is it ? A bulb, a motor, or a transformer ?

:)

[slc258]

Thanks for response... Im sure your question is clear, but due to my ignorance of electrical terminology, not sure how to answer that question... if this helps... the switch runs approx 4-6 recessed lights all about 75 watt each... thanks

[ballengerb1]

Dimmers do get warm but hot is not acceptable. Open the box and inspect the switch, it has a rating for the wattage it can handle. In your case the switch must be rated for at least 450 watts, if not buy a more robust switch.

[Stratmando]

You may have a 300 watt dimmer and need a 600 watt dimmer. You should see the rating just by removing wall plate and look at wattage stamped onto dimmer, some you will have to remove the dimmer for specs.

[ballengerb1]

Since you already bought a new switch you might as well replace the old switch even if its correctly rated. You said it was very warm, sounds somewhere between my warm and hot in post #4

[slc258]

Thanks for help everyone... I realized for such a minor investment it was probably better just to replace it than woder if this was a possible fire hazard... hope it will resolve the problem

[KISS]

There are pretty specific issues relating to dimmers. They don't recommend removing the tabs that are part of the heat sink. When you do, the dimmer is derated, meaning the 300 W dimmer might become a 150 W dimmer.

A metal wallplate will help the heat dissapation.