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Albert · Oct 31, 2005, 12:35 PM

Need help with Recessed Lighting.
The included picture is an electrical diagram I used in wiring up some recessed lighting. The switches used are 600w Dimmer Switches with push on/off feature. The problem is that on the center switch the dimming feature burns out consistently but I am still able to turn the center lights on and off. Dimming feature burns out even when the other bank of lights are off so I don’t think it’s a overload issue but is the wiring schema used faulty?

labman · Oct 31, 2005, 12:53 PM

The only thing I can think of is that the center switch is sandwiched between the other 2 and doesn't get enough cooling. If you have an ammeter, you might check all 3 branches and see if they are all drawing the 2-3 amps they should. If so, try switching the feed from the center and one side, and see if the center still burns out. If so, you may try a higher rated switch with more cooling fins.

If tkrussel drops by with another idea, try it first.

Albert · Oct 31, 2005, 12:58 PM

Thanks Labman for the fast response... I actually moved the center switch to it's own switch box thinking the same thing but the dimming feature burned out the next day... sorry I forgot to mention that...

labman · Oct 31, 2005, 01:19 PM

In that case, carefully check all the connections in the center circuit. Somehow, there must be some sort of an excess current draw. Check the resistance of each circuit and see if the center one is as high as the other 2. What sort of lights are you using? Are the dimmers OK to use with them?

Albert · Oct 31, 2005, 01:38 PM

Good idea on checking the resistance on each of the circuits.. Lights are from Home Depot don't remember the brand other than insulation can be placed around the Can (not that I did that... I am overly cautious I guess). I'll need to check if dimmers can be used with the lights.. did not even occur to me.

Also, you see no faults with the circuit layout?

Thanks Again Labman.

tkrussell · Oct 31, 2005, 02:09 PM

Circuit and wiring layout looks perfect.

Only issue with the 3 gang switch box and all three dimmers together is the heat created. Need to read the manufacturers instructions and install as directed.

This would cause the unit to over heat after a reasonable period . But you mentioned you already relocated the center dimmer, so that reason is out.

Labman offered some sound troubleshooting methods to find the problem.

This one really beats me, if none of Labmans suggestions find the problem.

The only thing I can think of at the moment is if you connected or replaced dimmers with the power on. This will cause a dimmer to fail.

By the way the if insulation is in the ceiling the lights are in is in an area that has a heat loss, you really should install insulation up to the lights as designed. With costs of energy rising, and possible damage by condenstation, and local and national codes requiring the insulation there.

Albert · Oct 31, 2005, 02:25 PM

You guys are great... Thanks tkrussell for the response! I need to run though the suggestions it may take some time but I'll keep you posted. And yes I will move the insulation up to the lights as you mention. Makes sense.
I hope I can figure this one out...

koolb · Apr 26, 2011, 10:37 AM

IF you have 3 lighting dimmer switches adjacent to each other then the center one would be a wattage concern as this is the one that you clip the side off twice and all of a sudden it isn't a 600W dimmer anymore. It becomes something like less than 350w which would still be OK but I would check this out.. it may be you need a higher wattage dimmer in the center.

tkrussell · Apr 26, 2011, 01:03 PM

Koob, this thread is from Oct, 2005.

Dimmers need to be derated 80% of the full rating, so a 600 watt dimmer could only loaded up to 480 watts. This information is detailed in the installation instructions of all dimmers.

I thought I addressed this issue with this statement:

Originally Posted by tkrussell

Circuit and wiring layout looks perfect.

Only issue with the 3 gang switch box and all three dimmers together is the heat created. Need to read the manufacturers instructions and install as directed.

This would cause the unit to over heat after a reasonable period of time . But you mentioned you already relocated the center dimmer, so that reason is out.