Electrical: light switch getting hot

[JTsyo]

I have a slider switch that's going to the chandelier. If the lights are on for awhile it switch gets really hot. Is this OK or could the switch be seeing more load that it should? Are there special switches for chandeliers?

 

[PottedMeat]

if that's a standard incandescent dimmer, it uses a triac which will get warm.

last time i checked those dimmers were good for ~500W. add up the bulb wattages and see what you get.

 

[dud]

How old is the unit?

If the switch is getting too warm consider replacement.

 

[herm0016]

probably normal, has it always gotten hot?

 

[sdifox]

http://www.amazon.com/Leviton-IPI10-...979642&sr=8-36

 

[arcenite]

http://www.amazon.com/Leviton-IPI10-...979642&sr=8-36

Do you prefer a single pole or a 3 way?

 

[0roo0roo]

Different dimmers have different wattage ratings...I think the higher wattage ones pretty much have a big heatsink.

You might upgrade or try using cfl to lower load

 

[Red Squirrel]

It's normal for them to get warm. If it actually hurts to touch it, then I'd change it.

 

[herm0016]

Different dimmers have different wattage ratings...I think the higher wattage ones pretty much have a big heatsink.

You might upgrade or try using cfl to lower load

cfl usually does not do well with dimming, some are designed for it but the life is still much shorter.

 

[sdifox]

Do you prefer a single pole or a 3 way?

err, 3 way is like staircase, 2 switches one circuit.

 

[arcenite]

err, 3 way is like staircase, 2 switches one circuit.

Now you know damn well I wasn't talking about a light switch.

 

[sdifox]

Now you know damn well I wasn't talking about a light switch.

actually, I did not

 

[arcenite]

actually, I did not

Is there actually a town called Tonto?

 

[sdifox]

Is there actually a town called Tonto?

I live in it...other people call it Toronto. I call it Tonto because the management is fucking retarded

 

[arcenite]

I live in it...other people call it Toronto. I call it Tonto because the management is fucking retarded

 

[Analog]

How many watts are you putting through it? If its old, I would just replace it - its not worth the chance of a fire.

 

[Eos]

Our west facing wall has an outlet and even with no devices plugged into it, it gets warm in the evenings...

 

[arcenite]

Our west facing wall has an outlet and even with no devices plugged into it, it gets warm in the evenings...

:hmm:

 

[SparkyJJO]

Different dimmers have different wattage ratings...I think the higher wattage ones pretty much have a big heatsink.

You might upgrade or try using cfl to lower load

Do not do this. They are not able to be dimmed by conventional methods.

 

[Eos]

Our west facing wall has an outlet and even with no devices plugged into it, it gets warm in the evenings...

:hmm:

 

[sdifox]

Our west facing wall has an outlet and even with no devices plugged into it, it gets warm in the evenings...

that's because your wife uses the plugged in dildo all the time while you were out.

 

[arcenite]

that's because your wife uses the plugged in dildo all the time while you were out.

sdifox running mate for schneiderguy 2012

 

[sdifox]

sdifox running mate for schneiderguy 2012

once in a long while I feel like being an ass.

 

[arcenite]

once in a long while I feel like being an ass.

Too late. I hope you like each other.

 

[Eos]

Our west facing wall has an outlet and even with no devices plugged into it, it gets warm in the evenings...

that's because your wife uses the plugged in dildo all the time while you were out.

Bit of a reach. Plugged in dildo sounds made up.