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The Importance of Sizing Dimmer Switches for Light Fixtures: All dimmer switches are rated according to the number of watts that are being controlled. The most common size dimmer switch is 600 watts By: Dave Rongey |
Hot Switches, Electrical Safety and Remodeling
Electrical Question: I just had my kitchen remodeled, and have a question about a light switch that was installed.
- There are 3 switches. One is for the outside light, and is separate from the other two. They are all close enough to each other to be covered by one outlet cover.
- Here is my question. The cover is off right now, as I just painted the walls. The metal surrounding the switches is hot. It is too hot to keep your finger on it. I am a woman, and I don’t claim to know that much about electricity, but this does not seem right to me. What would cause this, and should I be concerned?
Background: Karen, a Homeowner from Lombard Illinois.
Additional Comments: Glad to be able to ask questions to someone that really knows the answers!
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Karen.
Hi Karen – Great Question! and Thank you for your kind comments.
The Importance of Sizing Dimmer Switches for Light Fixtures
- Karen, I’m assuming that the switch that you are referring to is a dimmer switch? If this is true then the reason why the metal area feels hot is because of the electronic components, one of which is attached to the metal and is designed to dissipate heat, because during the dimming process it is normal for the dimmer switch electronic components to warm up (I’m sparing you all the boring details.) All dimmer switches are rated according to the number of watts that are being controlled.
- The most common size dimmer switch is 600 watts, so in essence a 600 watt dimmer can take care of nine 60 watt bulbs, and I say nine because you never want to take a dimmer switch to 100% capacity, otherwise it could overheat and will most likely need replacing soon, and yes, some dimmers can cause other problems relating to heat, especially if they are not grounded properly, and yes, in such a scenario this could be a fire.
- Now I may have you wondering about your situation, right?
I always enter into the integrity of the project when I hear about a remodel project. So, my first question is was there a permit for the work, the second question is was there an inspection? - This is the ONLY sure way of knowing first of all if the work was done by qualified individuals, and second, if the work was done according to code. Admittedly, there are some cases where inspectors are lacking in electrical knowledge and experience to do a thorough electrical inspection, but hopefully this is not the case with your project and inspection.
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