I like to post this kind of stuff here so that it might help someone searching the archives in the future.
I noticed recently that a dimmer switch in my house that is controlling a four bulb ceiling fan light fixture was warm to the touch. I did a little reading and learned that the components in a dimmer switch do generate some heat.and that it's normal for the switch to be warm. I never gave it any thought in the past but I'm happy with that answer. The switch is not hot, just a little warm to the touch.
What was more interesting to me is the fact that a metal outlet box will act as a heat sink to the switch and keep it cooler than a plastic outlet box. Yeah it's obvious in hindsight but I wish I had thought of that when I installed the outlet box fifteen years ago. So the lesson of the day is don't use plastic outlet boxes unless you plan on installing wireless devices in them.
Live and learn, Mike.
I noticed recently that a dimmer switch in my house that is controlling a four bulb ceiling fan light fixture was warm to the touch. I did a little reading and learned that the components in a dimmer switch do generate some heat.and that it's normal for the switch to be warm. I never gave it any thought in the past but I'm happy with that answer. The switch is not hot, just a little warm to the touch.
What was more interesting to me is the fact that a metal outlet box will act as a heat sink to the switch and keep it cooler than a plastic outlet box. Yeah it's obvious in hindsight but I wish I had thought of that when I installed the outlet box fifteen years ago. So the lesson of the day is don't use plastic outlet boxes unless you plan on installing wireless devices in them.
Live and learn, Mike.