Why Is My Dimmer Switch Warm to the Touch?
Dimmer switches are becoming increasingly popular! Why? Versatile and controllable range of light given off by a dimmer switch can affect the mood and comfort level of a room.
You may notice that with continued use the dimmer switch is often warm to the touch. While this may seem alarming at first, it is actually normal. But if it’s hot, there is a problem.
In case you’re concerned about your dimmer switch and whether it’s hot or just warm to the touch, the pros at Axiom Power help explain the difference...
Why Your Dimmer Switch Is Warm
While it is normal for your dimmer switch to feel slightly warm to the touch, it should never feel hot, like it is overheating.
Dimmer switches are different than other light switches because they have electronic devices inside of them that are responsible for the dimming. Dimmers use a triac, or a semiconductor, which works like a transistor.
It allows the dimmer to control the amount of electricity that goes into your lights. This results in a buildup of heat, which needs to be dissipated. This heat is generally dispersed onto a metal mounting plate, which can carry through to the switch plate cover.
How Hot is Too Hot?
If you notice that your dimmer switch is hot, there are a few reasons why this could be the case: your dimmer exceeds the recommended temperature or your dimmer switch is overloaded.
A hot dimmer switch can be a fire risk as the heat can cause the thermoplastic coating that covers the wires to crack and lose its insulating ability. This can lead to short circuits and arc faults. If hot to the touch, it’s best to have a licensed electrician take a look immediately.
Troubleshooting a Hot Dimmer Switch
You can troubleshoot a couple of things yourself at home to see if your dimmer switch is overloaded. Remember: if at any point you feel uncomfortable make sure to call our licensed electricians at Axiom Power.
1. Figure out the maximum load for your dimmer switch
The first place to start would be looking to see if your dimmer switch is rated high enough for the amount of light that it is running. You can normally find this on the switch itself (you will need to take off the plastic cover).
Simple math can help you determine what you should do next. Look at the wattage of the bulb(s) being used, if you have more than one bulb then multiply to get your overall wattage use.
For example, your dimmer switch has a maximum 600-watt load and your dimmer switch controls 6, 60-watt bulbs. The total wattage for that switch is 360 watts (6x60=360). In this example, your dimmer switch is not overloaded.
If, after adding up the wattages, you realize your switch is overloaded you have a few options:
Upgrade the dimmer switch so it can handle higher wattages
Switch out your light bulbs to more energy-saving bulbs such as LEDs or CFLs
Rewire the lights so you have additional dimmer switches available
2. Figure out if your dimmer exceeds the recommended temperature
Underwriters Laboratories (UL), a safety organization, reports that dimmer switches are safe when they operate at or below 195 degrees Fahrenheit. Generally speaking, most dimmer switches operate at around 140 degrees.
If you feel your switch is operating higher than the recommended threshold, you need to contact a local electrician at Axiom Power. This is not a fix you should attempt on your own.
Dimmer Switch Trouble? Call Axiom Power
A too-hot dimmer switch can be a potential fire hazard and should not be ignored or put off.
If you need help determining exactly why your dimmer switch is too warm or how to go about fixing it, our licensed electricians will be more than happy to work with you.
We’ll help protect your home or office from a potential electrical fire. Call us today at 813-308-9328 (residential) or 727-687-4452 (commercial) or contact us to schedule an appointment.