sadears

So what would make a switch hot. A few years ago I replaced a fan light switch with a dimmer switch. Worked great. Then a couple weeks ago, I turned the light off and found the switch/plate very hot. I looked to see if there was a loose wire, found one kinked, so I cut/stripped it and reattached it. After a bit, I found it warm so I turned it off. Could it be the switch has just gone bad? Or could it be something else. I haven't found this anywhere else in the house.

JTGP

we love pictures!

sadears

Ok. I'll post some.

joecaption

Dimmer switchs do get warm to the touch when on.
They also come in differant amp. ratings, it should have been rated for 20 amp. any lower and it may get way over heated.

sadears

This was hot. But warm is normal?

joecaption

Yes, but if your trying to run more then it was rated for, and in your case it's more, then it's going to get hot. I'd change it to a higher rated one.
Is it normal for a switch to run hot?

sadears

Ok. So since it's getting dark and I had to run by the store, I stopped to see what I had bought...the package says 120volt, 60 hz...

nealtw

Dimmers burn off electicity to allow less to get to the light, so the dimmer you have it set for the hotter the swich will be.

sadears

But when it's hot, it's on the highest setting.

nealtw

They turn the lights on and off 60 times a second the lower the setting the longer they are turned off. I don't know witch setting would be hotter but I would check the lights and make sure you are well under 600 watts.