Ask Experts Questions for FREE Help !
Ask
    ldieter2's Avatar
    ldieter2 Posts: 3, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Mar 23, 2009, 07:10 PM
    Dimmer switch, Hot
    Our contractor just installed new lights with a dimmer switch. When the lights are on, the switch gets too hot to hold your hand on. Our contractor said this normal. Is a hot dimmer switch normal? If not what is the problem and how do you correct it?
    stanfortyman's Avatar
    stanfortyman Posts: 5,598, Reputation: 279
    Electrical & Lighting Expert
    		  
    #2

    Mar 23, 2009, 07:15 PM
    It is completely true that dimmers get hot. "Too hot to hold you hand on" is a subjective term.

    What is the dimmer rated? 600 watts or 1000 watts?
    How many watts is it controlling?

    No dimmer likes to be very near it's maximum capacity.
    ldieter2's Avatar
    ldieter2 Posts: 3, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #3

    Mar 23, 2009, 07:53 PM
    There are two dimmers in each box. One has 9 lights @ 65 watts each for 520 watts. I don't know the wattage of the dimmer. The other dimmer has 5 ea. 30 inch strip lights with four halogen bulb in each strip. I don't know the wattage of these lights, but with halogen lights I think it would be high.
    stanfortyman's Avatar
    stanfortyman Posts: 5,598, Reputation: 279
    Electrical & Lighting Expert
    		  
    #4

    Mar 23, 2009, 07:57 PM
    OK then. The two dimmers in a box thing presents a problem. When you gang dimmers together you must derate them. Typically by 100 watts per added gang.
    So two 600 watt dimmers next to each other would derate them to 500 watts each.
    If these are standard 600 watt dimmers they are not good to use for 520 watts. They will certainly work, but they will get much hotter than they are supposed to.

    I think we have our answer.

    Was this a builder who put them in, or a real electrical contractor?
    ldieter2's Avatar
    ldieter2 Posts: 3, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #5

    Mar 23, 2009, 08:27 PM
    The remodeling contractor installed the dimmer switches.
    I will find out the rating of the dimmers switches and calculator the wattage we actually have.

    Thanks for your help!
    KISS's Avatar
    KISS Posts: 12,510, Reputation: 839
    Uber Member
    		  
    #6

    Mar 23, 2009, 09:34 PM

    Usually if the dimmers are installed in the middle or the end of a box, you have to "break off" part of the heat sink and derate them for two reasons. Less surface for the heat sink and multiple dimmers.

    A metal face plate helps with some dimmers.
Not your question? Ask your question View similar questions
 

Question Tools Search this Question
Search this Question:

Advanced Search

Add your answer here.


Check out some similar questions!

Dimmer switch [ 5 Answers ]

Are dimmer switches tested differently from a regular switch? I have a brand new dimmer and do not get continuity in the On position? Thanks, Bill

Dimmer switch [ 1 Answers ]

I have a dimmer switch with a red wire and a black wire and a yellow wire what goes where

Dimmer switch [ 1 Answers ]

Does dimmer switch save electricity Switch rated for 600 watts Circuit has 5 65 watt bulbs total 325 watts When dimmer is used does it save energy and electricity ?

Dimmer switch hot [ 4 Answers ]

We recently changed over fluorescent lighting to track lighting with a dimmer switch. Recently I noticed that there was a bit of a blue spark when we turned the switch off and the switch itself was warm. What would the problem here be?:confused:

Dimmer Switch [ 1 Answers ]

I have a set of four standard toggle switches next to each other all controlling different lights within the house. I want to replace one of those toggle switchs with a dimmer for one of the lights. I just wanted to maker sure that putting a dimmer switch in between the other toggle switches...

View more questions Search