Hot dimmer switch? Here are the steps you can take to determine why your dimmer is too hot.
Underwriters Laboratories (UL) says dimmer switches are safe when operating at or below 195 degrees Fahrenheit. The average dimmer typically operates at around 140 degrees Fahrenheit. If you think your #dimmerswitch exceeds this threshold, consider contacting an electrician.
Dimmer switches can usually handle up to 1500 watts of electricity at a time.
A hot dimmer switch can pose a fire risk and can cause the switch to break down. The heat can cause the thermoplastic coating that covers the wires to crack, leading to dangerous short circuits and arc faults.
The wattage rating for a light fixture is usually printed on a sticker on the light fixture. A dimmer switch’s wattage rating is found stamped into its mounting bracket. To determine how much of the dimmer switch’s wattage rating is used, you will need to:
• Determine all the light fixtures controlled by the hot dimmer switch.
• Add each light fixture’s wattage rating together.
• Compare the total to the dimmer switch’s wattage rating. If the total fixture wattage exceeds the #dimmerwattage rating, this is the reason your dimmer switch gets hot.
A too-hot dimmer switch should not be ignored. The licensed electricians at Got Electric are ready to solve the issue along with all other lighting or #electricalneeds. Contact us today!
#GotElectric #dimmerswitch #hotdimmerswitch
