Dimmer Switch Hot to the Touch in Charlotte

Dimmers make some heat, so a slightly warm plate can be normal. A dimmer that is hot, discolored, or smells like burning plastic is a warning sign.

Locally owned in Charlotte, NC since 2005, safely replacing overheating dimmers.

A 20-year locally owned business in Charlotte, North Carolina, in business since 2005
NC Licensed Electrical Contractor #29245
Open 8:30 AM to 8:00 PM, 7 days a week

Safety First

Turn off the breaker before you remove a wall plate or touch a dimmer. Flipping the switch off is not enough, because a dimmer can still have power on its line and load wires. Use a non-contact voltage tester to confirm the power is off. Stop and call a licensed electrician if you see scorch marks, smell burning plastic, find aluminum wiring, feel a hot wall plate, or are not sure which wire is which.

Normal vs. Too Hot

Warm to the touch at full brightness is normal. Too hot to hold your hand on, melted plastic, or brown marks on the plate are not.

Common Causes

Too much wattage on the dimmer
Several dimmers in one box without removing fins (derating)
Loose or backstabbed wires
A failing dimmer

What to Do Now

Turn the breaker off and leave it off. Do not keep using a dimmer that is hot or discolored. We will replace it with a correctly rated dimmer and fix the connections.

Dimmer Repair Near You

We repair and install dimmers across Charlotte, including Dilworth, Myers Park, Eastover, SouthPark, Ballantyne and nearby towns. See every community on our service areas page.