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Older dimmer switches will get warm when dimming the light, whereas modern switches become warm when brightening. Your switch feeling hot to the touch is a result of an uneven balance in your circuit; your bulbs’ wattage is larger than the wattage rating of your dimmer switch.
Should dimmer switches be hot to the touch?
It’s perfectly normal for a dimmer switch to be a little warm when your lights are on (or partially on). But if it’s hot, there could be a problem. Dimmer switches get warm because they have electronic devices inside of them to take care of the dimming.
Can a dimmer switch cause a fire?
A circuit that continuously stays on can happen if the dimmer switches get overloaded by too much voltage. The fixtures attached to these switches might require a larger voltage than what the dimmers are designed to withstand. Dimmer switches can get extremely hot and possibly catch fire as well.
Why do switches get warm?
Function of Dimmer Switches Dimmer switches get warm, and this is normal. This is part of the function of these switches. As they dissipate the electricity to brighten or dim the lights, they will get warm. If you think they are getting too warm, you need to call for service and inspection.
Do all dimmer switches get hot?
Conclusion. A properly installed, fully loaded dimmer switch will get quite hot to the touch. This isn’t necessarily a problem, but when dimmer switches get hot, it’s worth checking the rating of the dimmer switch and the wattage going through the dimmer to help make sure the dimmer switch isn’t overloaded.
What happens if you overload a dimmer switch?
new jersey — Did you know that you can accidentally overload a dimmer switch? If you do, it can become hot to the touch – sometimes extremely hot – to the point where it can become a fire hazard. If the total wattage of the bulbs being dimmed exceeds 600 watts, however, that’s when the switch will begin to overheat.
When should you not use a dimmer switch?
When is a On/Off Switch Better than a Dimmer Switch? if you want to use smart dimmable bulbs, like Hue or Osram, you can’t use a dimmer switch that controls the current to the bulbs. some other devices should not be put on a dimmer switch (again smart or not).
Can you put a dimmer switch on a fan?
Standard dimmer switches should never be used to control the fan motor on a ceiling fan because the dimmer could damage the fan motor, or overheat and start a fire. You can actually purchase a device that will do this – it consists of a wireless remote and a receiver that gets wired directly in to the fan.
Can you put a bathroom fan on a dimmer switch?
With regard to the OP, you can use a dimmer with a fan as long as you use it on the switched input of a timer fan. The fan takes its power from the permanent live, with the switched input just telling the electronics to activate the timer.
What do I do if my light switch is hot?
They’re rated by wattage. While a warm dimmer light switch is nothing to worry about, it is possible for dimmer switches to get too hot. If it’s too hot to touch or if it’s smoking, there’s a problem with the dimmer switch and you should turn off the electricity to the switch and call an electrician immediately.
Should a light switch be warm to the touch?
When a Light Switch Feels Warm One of the most common electrical questions we get asked is if it’s normal for a light switch to feel warm. It’s perfectly normal for light switches, particularly dimmers, to feel a little warm when the lights are on.
How many lights should be on a dimmer switch?
Varilight recommend putting no more than 10 LED lamps on one dimmer module. You can put multiple lamps on one plate, so if you have a three gang dimmer plate you can put thirty LED lamps on the plate in total (10 on each module).
How many watts can a dimmer handle?
How many watts can a dimmer handle in normal conditions? Dimmer switches can handle bulbs from 1 Watt to 1000 Watts. Some dimmers can even handle different bulb types in the same circuit.
What does derating a dimmer mean?
Derating is reducing the maximum capacity that a dimmer switch can effectively handle once the fins are removed. The fins are removable scored sections that run along the side of the mounting plate on the outlet. This section can be removed to facilitate ganging.
Are light dimmers worth it?
When you use dimmers, it can also add longevity to your bulbs by reducing the amount of time the bulbs are at the highest point of energy exertion. Even if you only dim the lights by 25 percent, you can see a significant amount of savings on your energy costs and help your light bulb last up to four times longer.
Are dimmer switches bad for light bulbs?
According to people who research dirty electricity, the answer is yes. Certain light bulbs and dimmer switches can contribute to electro-pollution, or potentially toxic electrical frequencies. These frequencies are generated by man-made technologies, meaning that light bulbs may potentially emit “dirty electricity.”Mar 19, 2018.
Can dimmer damage LED lights?
Since dimming, either by reducing current or by pulse width modulation, results in lower overall junction temperatures, it will have no negative impact on LED life; it might even extend life.
