Why Does My Home’s Dimmer Switch Get Hot?

Why Does My Home’s Dimmer Switch Get Hot?

Dimmer switches reduce or increase the amount of electricity to brighten or dim lights. As a result, they will sometimes get warm. While a bit of heat isn’t cause for concern, an increasingly hot dimmer switch can signal trouble.

A dimmer switch can enhance the ambiance of any room by offering an aesthetically soothing lighting option. Many homes install dimmer switches, either as part of the original construction or as an upgrade. Concern surrounding their safety when warm is common. Here, we’ll discuss why a dimmer switch gets hot, what to look for, and when to call a professional electrician.

Is a Warm Dimmer Switch Normal?

Today’s dimmer switches come in a wide variety of styles and functionalities. But no matter what type you have, it isn’t uncommon for dimmer switches to become warm to the touch while operational.

Compared to the standard toggle light switch, dimming your lights by an average of 50% can help your light bulbs last 15 to 20 times longer and cut your electricity usage by as much as 30%. 

That said, your home dimmer switches should never become hot or show signs of overheating. This signals trouble! Dimmer switches that exceed 195 degrees Fahrenheit are a fire hazard.

Why Dimmer Switches Get Hot

If you suspect your home’s dimmer switch is getting too hot to handle, here are several reasons why it may be happening.

Overloaded Dimmer Switch

You should never force your dimmer switch to compensate for too much electricity. When installing your dimmer switches, ensure they are not responsible for more wattage than they can handle. For example, if you install a dimmer switch that can only handle a capacity of 600 watts, which is standard, but force it to provide power for 800 watts of lighting, that dimmer switch will eventually become overloaded.

This results in the overloaded dimmer switch becoming too hot, causing the thermoplastic coating on the wiring to fracture or melt. When the wiring is compromised, it could lead to arc faults or short-circuiting, which creates a serious electrical fire hazard.

If you think the installation of your dimmer switch was incorrect, contact a licensed electrician to inspect the issue and reinstall it correctly. 

Dimmer Switch Has Higher Than Recommended Temperature

According to Underwriters Laboratories (UL), a traditional dimmer switch operates at around 140 ºF. However, they state that you can safely operate your dimmer switch anywhere below 195 ºF. Attempting to push your dimmer switch beyond the 195 ºF threshold will cause it to overheat.

If your dimmer switch feels hot to the touch, contact an electrician to assess it. They have advanced tools to measure and gauge the operating temperature. If the switch is past the threshold, they will help determine the cause of overheating and recommend repairs or replacement.

Incorrect Wiring or Bulbs

Improper home wiring or using the wrong bulbs can also cause an overheating dimmer switch. If old, worn, or loose wires connect to the dimmer switch, the increased resistance can generate heat due to the current struggling to get through the weak connections.

Dimmer switches are only compatible with certain types of bulbs. Using LED or CFL bulbs with a dimmer switch designed for incandescent or halogen bulbs can cause electrical malfunctions and lead to overheating. 

How to Troubleshoot a Hot Dimmer Switch

If your dimmer switch or switches are getting hot to the touch, immediately turn off the switch(es) and cut off power at the electrical circuit to help bring down the internal and external temperature. 

Once your dimmer switch has cooled down, try these at-home troubleshooting steps:

• Upgrade the overheated dimmer switches to meet the appropriate specifications.
• Choose energy-efficient, lower-wattage light bulbs like LEDs or CFLs over traditional incandescent bulbs. Before purchasing or switching out your light bulbs, check that your dimmer switch is up-to-date and compatible. Older dimmers are often incompatible with LED or CFL lighting.
• Outfitting your single dimmer switch with a larger faceplate may help with heat transference and diffusion. Large metal plates, as opposed to smaller plastic plates, transfer more heat to keep the dimmer cooler.

When to Call an Electrician

When in doubt, reach out! If your dimmer switch is not working or hot to the touch, the best rule of thumb is to contact a professional electrician. They will inspect the dimmer switch and its connections and  quickly assess the problem, offering affordable solutions. 

If there is an issue with the connections, a simple wiring repair may be all you need. However, if the dimmer switch is faulty, you will need to replace it with a new, compatible system.

Dimmer Switch Safety Tips

To prevent overheating and ensure the proper function of your dimmer switch, follow these safety tips:

• Choose a dimmer switch that is compatible with the total wattage of the fixture.
• Do not block or cover a dimmer switch, as this prevents proper ventilation.
• Regularly inspect the switch for corrosion, overheating, damage, or discoloration.
• Keep the dimmer switch clean and dry.

Most importantly, contact a professional electrician if you notice any dimmer switch or other electrical system issues. Ignoring problems can result in costly repairs or severe damage to your home.

Call Express Electrical for Electrical Repairs

Southern California homeowners have trusted Express Electrical with their home system repairs since 1982. Our certified and highly-trained electricians can troubleshoot and repair overheating dimmer switches before they become a serious problem. With around-the-clock availability, you can trust that we’ll be there whenever an electrical problem strikes.

Call or book online to schedule your electrical service today! We offer same-day service and exclusive discounts to residents in Los Angeles and surrounding areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check the wattage rating of a dimmer switch?

The wattage rating of a dimmer switch is often printed or engraved on the switch’s body. You can also find it on the original packaging or the manufacturer’s website. To locate it on the manufacturer’s website, you will need to identify the switch’s model number, which is often found beneath the cover plate.

What other signs indicate a faulty dimmer switch?

If your dimmer switch buzzes, causes flickering lights, or no longer adjusts the brightness, it is likely faulty. Contact the team at Express Electrical to have it inspected and prevent further damage to your home electrical system.