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Posted by Gerry Atrick on March 6, 2007, 1:49 am
On Mon, 05 Mar 2007 19:28:03 GMT, "JoeSpareBedroom"
>> Have a dimmer light switch that controls 12, 60watt light bulbs in our
>> kitchen ceiling. The switch gets very warm to the touch. I assume
>> this is not good, what are my alternatives? Are there different levels
>> of dimmer controls that can handle higher wattage? If I put in
>> different types of bulbs lower wattage, or fluorescent, would that be
>> a good quick fix? Thanks.
>>
>
>Changing to lower wattage bulbs will also affect the quality of the light in
>ways you might not like. And, it'll cost more for the bulbs than a new
>dimmer. The first thing to do is shut off the breaker to the circuit, and
>pull the dimmer out enough to see what it's rated for. Actually, it might be
>on the front of the thing, so you won't even have to pull it out of the box.
>If it seems you need one with larger capacity, replacing the old one is not
>that big a deal. Eyeball and measure how much space you have in the box
>around the existing dimmer, and find a Leviton dealer.
>
>Incidentally, all dimmers will get warm to some extent.
>
Most standard home dimmers are rated at 600Watts.
12 -60W bulbs is 720W. Either you got a higher capacity dimmer or
you're living on the limit where it could burn out anytime. So, of
course it's hot. I am not all that up on what they sell for wattage
rated dimmers, but I think after 600 there are 800W and 1000W (and
up).
I'd replace it with at least a 1000W. Get one with a large finned
heat sink that replaces the cover plate. -OR- rewire and put in a
second dimmer (6 lights each).
I'd buy a industrial grade dimmer with the load you are running.
You CAN NOT use dimmers on florescent or compace florescent bulbs.
Dont even try it, something wiill burn out. most likely the ballast in
the fixture.
You must have a huge kitchen to have 12 lights !!!!!
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