[Droff]

Hi,

I got a lot of great info on wiring a sub panel from this site (tkrussel) and now have another question.
I am replacing a 3 way switch with a 3 way dimmer switch, only one of the switches will be a dimmer. I have wired it the way I think it should be wired but the thing is very hot, so hot that it gets uncomfortable to touch after about 5 to 10 seconds. It gets this temp after being on for roughly 5 minutes or so and I just have it hanging out of the box, not screwed into the box yet. It's a 400 watt switch controlling 2 recessed lights, 75W each.
Wiring connections are;

(Switch)Green - Bare(Light)
(Switch)Black - White(Light)
(Switch)Red - Black(Light)
(Switch)Red - Black(Light)

The White(Light) was connected to the common terminal on the old switch. Just how hot should this get? I'm going to have 3 dimmers in one 3 gang box, one of them this 3 way.
Thanks.

[tkrussell]

All dimmers get hot, this is why you will need to derate the dimmers when ganging them all in one box. What brand and number dimmer do you have?

[Droff]

They are all Lutron dimmers. The 3 way is a GL-603PH-DK and the others are GL-600H-DK. They are all rated at 600 watts, but I broke off the ears (sides) on the 3 way, which derated it to 400 watts. Makes it easier to fit them in the box. Is this what you mean by derating them when ganging them?

[tkrussell]

Yes exactly, breaking off the ears reduces the heat dissipation surface,so the dimmers will get hotter and cannot handle as much wattage as the original.

And Lutron is an excellent brand, check out their FAQ at their website, Lutron Electronics, Inc. - Dimmers And Lighting Controls