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Warm Dimmer
Posted by homebild on March 8th, 2004 09:21 AM
In reply to dimmer switch is warm to touch by mike on March 8th, 2004 08:23 AM [Go to top of thread]
The problem is likley that you either have too many lights on the dimmer for its rating, have used too small a dimmer, or have used the wrong amperage rated dimmer (ie a 15 amp dimmer on a 20 amp circuit) for the wiring.
First, dimmers are rated in maximum watts they can carry. Most off the shelf homeowner type dimmers are rated to carry only 600watts.
But also remember that maximum wattage ratings should not be exceeded by more than 80%.
This means that the effective maximum for a 600 watt dimmer is in reality just 480 watts.
480 watts translates as 8 60 watt bulbs maximum.
If you have more than 8 60 watt bulbs or are using bulbs rated higher than 60 watts in 8 fixtures, you have exceeded the maximum for the dimmer control.
To solve the problem you could use an 800 or 1000watt dimmer, reduce the amount of lights under its control, or reduce the amount of watts by using smaller bulbs.
Even when properly sized, dimmers will still feel mildly warm at times. Was this post helpful? Yes: or No:
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