Dimmer Won't Turn Off: Causes and Repair in Charlotte

If your dimmer won't turn off, the lights may stay faintly lit, flicker when off, or ignore the switch completely. Here is what usually causes it and what you can safely check.

Locally owned in Charlotte, NC since 2005, repairing and installing 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.

Ghosting: Lights Glow When Off

LED bulbs need very little power. Some dimmers pass a small current even when off, which makes LEDs glow. A compatible bulb, a trim adjustment, or a neutral-wire dimmer usually fixes it. See smart dimmers and neutral wires.

The Switch Does Nothing

If pressing off does nothing, the dimmer has likely failed or is miswired. See the next section.

Dimmer Stuck On: Why It Happens

When a dimmer is stuck on, the lights stay at full or partial brightness no matter what you press. This usually means the dimmer's internal switch has failed, or the wiring is bypassing it.

Failed internal switch (TRIAC). Heat, surges and overloading can cause it to fail closed.
Overloaded dimmer. Too many fixtures on one dimmer shortens its life.
Miswired line and load. Swapped wires or a bad 3-way setup can keep power flowing.
Smart dimmer schedule or pairing issue. A smart dimmer can lose its schedule or scene and stay on.

What You Can Try

Reset power at the breaker for 30 seconds.
If it is a smart dimmer, check the app for a schedule or scene that is turning it on.
Count the bulbs and add up the wattage. If it is close to the dimmer's rating, it may be overloaded.

A dimmer that is stuck on and feels warm should be replaced. We size the new dimmer to your load, fix the wiring, and test every switch location.

Lutron Dimmers

Lutron Sunnata, Diva and Caseta dimmers each have their own settings. If you have a Sunnata, see Lutron Sunnata dimmer will not turn off.

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.