Dimmer Switches That are Warm to the Touch – Is This a Problem?

Correctly Sizing Dimmer Switches – Understanding the importance of properly sizing a dimmer switch…

Correctly Sizing Dimmer Switches
[ad#block]Electrical Troubleshooting Question: I have a dimmer that was previously installed before buying. I am now selling and during the home inspection it was noted that the dimmer switch was warm to the touch (I have yet to feel it warm). However, it was recommended to get a correct switch with a wattage rating to support the recessed lighting. The switch is a Leviton 800watt 120vac switch. I have four lights in the room and am using GE Reveal 65w BR40. With that info, is it required to get a new dimmer?

This home electrical repairs question came from: Alex, from Woodbridge, Virginia

See more about Home Electrical Repairs for Virginia

Additional Comments: Lot of good useful info for the amateur in me. Thank you.

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical troubleshooting question Alex

Warm Dimmer Switches

Sizing Dimmer Switches

Understanding the importance of properly sizing a dimmer switch is essential to prevent the dimmer switch from overheating. As with most electrical components it is best to load electrical devices to 80% of their rated capacity. Lets take a look at this question and see if the 800 watt dimmer should be replaced: 65 watts time 4 = 260 watts total load. So we can see that we are actually far below the 50% load of this dimmer switch, so with that I would ask the home inspector to reevaluate their request. It should also be pointed out that due to the electronic circuit components of the dimmer switch they normally do produce a small amount of warmth.

More about Light Fixtures and Dimmers Switches

How to Wire a Switch

Wiring a Light Switch – Diagram 1

Wiring Diagrams
Fully Explained Light Switch Wiring Diagrams. Detailed Electrical Wiring Diagrams and Pictures assist your Home Electrical Projects.

Wiring a Dimmer Switch

3 Way Dimmer Switch Wiring Diagram

Fully explained 3 way dimmer switch wiring diagram will take the mystery out of wiring a 3-way dimmer switch.

How to Install Home Lighting

Planning and Installing Home Lighting

Home lighting articles covering recessed lighting, under cabinet lighting, lighting terminology and more.

Installing Recessed Light Fixtures

How To Install Recessed Lighting

Installing recessed lighting for your home electrical improvements. Discover how recessed lighting can enhance the mood of any room in your home.

The following may also be helpful for you:

Dave's Guide to Home Electrical Wiring: » You Can Avoid Costly Mistakes! « Wire It Right with the help of my Illustrated Wiring Book Great for any Home Wiring Project. Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring Perfect for Homeowners, Students, Handyman, Handy Women, and Electricians Includes: Wiring GFCI Outlets Wiring Home Electric Circuits 120 Volt and 240 Volt Outlet Circuits Wiring Light Switches Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Electric Range Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Dryer Cord and Dryer Outlet Troubleshoot and Repair Electrical Wiring Wiring Methods for Upgrading Electrical Wiring NEC Codes for Home Electrical Wiring ....and much more. Learn more about Home Electrical Wiring with my Online Video Course: Basic Home Electrical Wiring by Example

Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.

Electrical Tips to Help You Wire it Right The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires! The Non-Contact Electrical Tester This is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use. The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring! The Plug-In Outlet Tester This is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring. It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect Very handy and easy to use. Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire! The Wire Stripper and Wire Cutter My absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires. This handy tool has multiple uses: The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation. The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets.. The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use.

More articles about Electrical Troubleshooting and Home Electrical Wiring:
« Previous	Next »
Calculating the Circuit Size for Lights and Ceiling Fans	Getting an ADA Approval for a Bathroom