Wednesday 15 May 2013

Hot Dimmer Switch!

By Chris Chambers

Hot dimmer switch! Somebody asked me today why a particular dimmer switch in their house gets very hot. The IET wiring regulations allow non-metallic parts that are intended to be touched (but not hand-held) to be no hotter than 80deg C - so the hot dimmer switch could be normal. However, any appliance cannot withstand infinite energy passing through it thus a dimmer is rated to a maximum wattage eg 250W. So 8 x 40W GU10 lamps (in an array of downlighters for example) would exceed the capacity of a 250W switch. Prolonged heat in electrical parts can, over time, break down the insulation and ultimately cause dangerous shorting and potential fires. Check that you're not overloading your dimmer switches. Incidentally modern dimmers work in a very clever way - more about that some other time!

For more electrical information visit: www.wigglies.co.uk

Chris Chambers is the owner of Proudhouse Property LLP and Wigglies - Electrical Services. Creating and developing innovative homes in Somerset and South West England.

www.proudhouseproperty.co.uk

1 comment:

  1. Designers have sketched dimmer switches in various patterns. Thereby, they are able to add beauty to your ambience in a quite fascinating manner.

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