Too hot to handle


  #1  
Old 07-15-09, 12:24 PM
mjd2k's Avatar
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Canadian Prairies
Posts: 323
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes on 0 Posts
Too hot to handle

Hi,

I have several potlights in my basement with 3 way switches.

I put in 3 way dimmer switches but they get so hot, you literally burn your fingers on them.

Have I installed them incorrectly or are there too many lights/switch (6 on one switch) or are there more appropriate dimmers?

Appreciate any advice.
 
  #2  
Old 07-15-09, 12:30 PM
Gunguy45's Avatar
Super Moderator
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: USA
Posts: 19,281
Received 6 Upvotes on 6 Posts
Whats the wattage rating on the dimmer..and the total wattage of the lights? Did you snap off any of the fins on the dimmer? I think you have to reduce the rating by 100W per fin if you do.
 
  #3  
Old 07-15-09, 07:45 PM
pcboss's Avatar
Forum Topic Moderator
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Maryland
Posts: 13,976
Received 194 Upvotes on 170 Posts
In addition to GGs comments, Lutron FAQs state that dimmers can run 140 degrees.

The larger the load the more heat will be generated.
 
  #4  
Old 07-17-09, 04:41 PM
mjd2k's Avatar
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Canadian Prairies
Posts: 323
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes on 0 Posts
Thanks guys

I bought really cheap dimmers and I'll bet they have a very low wattage. Will check and replace.
 
  #5  
Old 07-17-09, 05:40 PM
R
Member
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Iowa
Posts: 310
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes on 0 Posts
Originally Posted by mjd2k
Thanks guys

I bought really cheap dimmers and I'll bet they have a very low wattage. Will check and replace.
If you buy them please read the instructions also. Most of them will have aluminum tabs on the front sides of the dimmers. These work as a heat sink. Let say you buy 600 watt dimmer and you break off one side of the tabs then your dimmer would only be rated at 450 watts. Just read the instructions and you should be OK.
JimBeer 4U2
 
 

Thread Tools
Search this Thread
 
Ask a Question
Question Title:
Description:
Your question will be posted in: