Replies

1. 
   danski0224 | Sep 26, 2009 02:25pm | #1

   You have 650W going through a dimmer switch. So yes, it can get warm. Is the switch rated for the wattage?

   If my math is right (650/120), you are pulling 5.4A through the wire, which is fine. That circuit should be on a 15A breaker with the #14 wire.

2. 
   DanH | Sep 26, 2009 03:56pm | #2

   Most dimmer switches are rated for 600-700 watts. You likely have the dimmer overloaded, unless it's a high-wattage unit (which you can generally tell by the fins on the cover plate). High-wattage units are rated 1000-1200 watts.

   But normally a "well loaded" dimmer will be "quite warm" to the touch when the lamps are dimmed to about 75%.

   As I stood before the gates I realized that I never want to be as certain about anything as were the people who built this place. --Rabbi Sheila Peltz, on her visit to Auschwitz
1. 
   webby | Sep 26, 2009 04:26pm | #3

   My lutron dimmers, have the fins and are still only rated for about 650.  The high watt are special order.

   Another point, in the fine print of my switches the mfg, requires you to derate if placed in a two or three gang box with other dimmers of the same brand. This particular dimmer has to have the fins broken off one or both sides, in order to get it to fit in a two or three gang for example.Webby 

    

1. 
   BillHartmann | Sep 27, 2009 12:12am | #7

   The "fins" that the larger units have are not the flat plates that extend out the side like yours.The "fins" are extruded ribs that stick out the front of the unit and there is no separate coverplate."Another point, in the fine print of my switches the mfg, requires you to derate if placed in a two or three gang box with other dimmers of the same brand. This particular dimmer has to have the fins broken off one or both sides, in order to get it to fit in a two or three gang for example."It does not what brand or combination of brands that you have. The flat plates extend past the width of the gang space. If you had 2 dimmers next to each other the fins would overlap. That is why you need to break then off.And when you break them off you reduce the heat sink for the dimmer thus you need to derate them.You can have multiple dimmers in one box, with out derating, if you have a conventional switch between them so that you don't need to break fins..
   William the Geezer, the sequel to Billy the Kid - Shoe

1. 
   webby | Sep 27, 2009 05:36am | #10

   Right, the derating is a function of required removal of fins.

   I have in my family room,  for example a three gang box with Lutron Meastro (sp) dimmers, two controlling four halo ic7's each running 65br30's and one controlling a small 4 inch eyeball iirc running a 50 watt flood.Webby 

    

3. 
   JTC1 | Sep 26, 2009 06:01pm | #4

   As others have said, you are probably approaching the maximum rating of the dimmer, and yes, it will get warm to the touch.

   How warm is the question.

   Hot enough to burn your skin?  Need to be changing the dimmer (higher rating), or splitting the lights off into to two dimmers.

   Jim

   Never underestimate the value of a sharp pencil or good light.
4. 
   PedroTheMule | Sep 26, 2009 07:42pm | #5

   Hi Deevbub,

   I have a single pole dimmer switch controling 10 recessed lights that gets quite hot to the touch. Each fixture has a 65W BR30 bulb. The wiring is 14/2. Is this normal? Or is it overloaded?

   Have you considered replacing the dimmer with a standard switch and installing lower wattage flourescents?

   You may have different circumstances, but everyone I've ever been around that has a dimmer, sets it where they want the light "always" and then simply switches it on and off....seems like such a waste IMHO not to mention the extra heat produced that now must be air conditioned in summer.

   Simply another thought outside of the boxed question......

    

    

   View Image  

5. 
   jimjimjim | Sep 26, 2009 11:59pm | #6

   DVbub,

   Your total load is 650W.  Your 14/2 wiring w/ 15A breaker is sufficient, even if the load is continuous.  Your 600W dimmer is too small.  Change it out  for a 1000W unit.  New ones don't have the fins - an aluminum heat sink that the older ones have.  It will be expensive.

   Jim x 3

6. 
   MSA1 | Sep 27, 2009 03:09am | #8

   You need a heavier dimmer, at least a 1000w.

    

   Family.....They're always there when they need you.

7. 
   WayneL5 | Sep 27, 2009 04:05am | #9

   Using a metal switchplate instead of a plastic one will dissipate more heat, keeping whatever dimmer you use cooler.