Wall Dimmer Switch Is Hot – But the average dimmer operates much lower at approximately 140f. All single gang dimming wall switches must be able to dissipate one watt of internal power heat for every 100 watts of controlled load. If the switch feels genuinely hot though the dimmer may be going bad requiring replacement. The plastic plate on the wall doesn t usually get that warm. It is normal for cover plates to be slightly warm to the touch but they should never be hot. That might seem quite hot but most of that heat is contained within the electrical box in your wall..
Why a dimmer switch may be warm or hot.
Wall dimmer switch is hot. Note that dimmer safety heat ratings only apply to switches in solo or single gang electrical boxes. The heat does become more noticeable when the wattage of the load gets above 300. House fires caused by poor electrical connections are devastating in terms of property loss and can also be the cause of loss of life.
Dimmer switches get warm and this is normal. Many dimmer designs dump this heat into the metal cover plate of the switch as well as into the electrical box housing the switch. This is part of the function of these switches.
If you think they are getting too warm you need to call for service and inspection. Dimmer switches have electronic components that produce heat and will make the cover plate warm however they should never get hot. If a wall switch feels hot or even very warm it is an indicator that something is wrong and requires immediate attention.
An electrical wall switch that is warm or hot to the touch requires your immediate attention. A properly installed and loaded wall switch should never get much warmer than room temperature. Video of the day.
A hot wall switch is a sign that repairs are needed immediately. If you feel warmth in a standard switch it s a sign that the electrical flow is not proper which can mean the switch is failing. But standard toggle type wall switches generally should feel cool to the touch.
Underwriter s laboratory u l allows a maximum operation temperature of 195f for dimmer switches. As they dissipate the electricity to brighten or dim the lights they will get warm. In most cases it is not noticeable when the dimmer switch is driving a single bulb or a load of 100 watts or so.
Wall Dimmer Switch Is Hot – In most cases it is not noticeable when the dimmer switch is driving a single bulb or a load of 100 watts or so. As they dissipate the electricity to brighten or dim the lights they will get warm. Underwriter s laboratory u l allows a maximum operation temperature of 195f for dimmer switches. But standard toggle type wall switches generally should feel cool to the touch. If you feel warmth in a standard switch it s a sign that the electrical flow is not proper which can mean the switch is failing. A hot wall switch is a sign that repairs are needed immediately..
