I was wondering if this was normal.I have a 20A breaker with 12awg wiring running out to a 1000w dimmer switch and than out to 10 can lights with 65w bulbs.
Is it normal for the dimmer switch to feel hot to the touch??

Thanks!

This message has been edited. Last edited by: samdabutcher,

Yes. With a dimmer, you still have the same voltage going to the switch. The typical dimmer uses several resistors or a varistor to cut the voltage back to dim the lights. Resistors generate heat. Even if you were running much less load than the switch is rated for you will still have some heat.

Now, if you had put a typical 300w dimmer on that line, then you would generate so much heat that you would burn up the switch.

If the switch is warm, then it's OK. If it's almost too hot to touch, then it's not.

if it's hot, you may need to switch to dimmable CFL floods that draw 27 watts instead of 65, and this might possibly require a new dimmer as well. a CFL-labelled dimmer will compress the "off" cycle so you have a wider level of control over the lights.

if you try to dim standard CFLs you will kill 'em.

Im using 75 watt can-lights with cfl dimmer in my basement design, I haven't purchased the switches yet nor the bulbs but i just found a list while doing research of the best bulbs to be using with such a cfl dimmer switch.
http://www.lutron.com/Technica...FL_LED_Bulb_list.pdf
These guys also make the switches but I'm only interested locally.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: JB Builder,

Thanks All.Very good info.It looks like i will need to check out what i have and make sure everything is compatible.I didnt realize it made that much of a difference.I appreciate the help