The danger with this scenario is that hot wires could be transferring heat to other structural components nearby, like walls or plastic lighting parts. You may have had your circuit breaker tripped after a dimmer switch gets extremely hot, too. As well as chronic overlamping (see below), this can be due to loose wires somewhere in the connection. Loose Wiring A potential fire riskĭimmers can be warm when you touch them, but they should never feel hot.
If you believe voltage spikes may be responsible (frequent lightning strikes, power line problems, trouble with appliances, etc.), it’s time to call the experts for help. However, it’s possible these things could also be signs of other problems, so be sure to read on to help isolate the cause. If you notice the following, it could be time to replace a dimmer switch: Cheap switches are the number one cause of breakdowns, with voltage surges being the second. One key to getting dimmer switches that last a long time is to select the highest quality models you can afford. Wear and Tear Switches past their lifespanĭimmer switches aren’t meant to last forever, although many property owners certainly get a good decade or two out of them. This can help you fix the problem or explain it to your electrician when you contact them for service. Here are the most common problems with dimmer switches that we see at Bolt Electric with our clients in New York City, from single-family homes to large apartment complexes. Fortunately, this is usually an easy fix. Are the dimmer switches in your property not working correctly? Perhaps you hear buzzing or see flickering lights.