Dimmer lubrication

Skaggaranx · 6 Feb 2019

Hi all,

A simple question I hope...

I have, within the last 12 months, fitted a simple one gang decorative dimmer which now sticks when pushed in. If you hold it in and give it a wiggle, it eventually releases. I don’t really want to have to replace it because it functions fine otherwise.

I believe that a little lubrication is the answer so can someone point me in the direction of something I can use?

Many thanks.

JohnW2 · 6 Feb 2019

Skaggaranx said:
I have, within the last 12 months, fitted a simple one gang decorative dimmer which now sticks when pushed in. If you hold it in and give it a wiggle, it eventually releases. I don’t really want to have to replace it because it functions fine otherwise. ... I believe that a little lubrication is the answer so can someone point me in the direction of something I can use?

A smear of silicone grease or spray might possibly do the trick, but if you haven't already got some, than a new dimmer might well be cheaper!

Kind Regards, John

Skaggaranx · 6 Feb 2019

Thanks John.

Do you have a spray in mind that will do the trick?

A replacement, like for like, dimmer will be £10.

JohnW2 · 6 Feb 2019

Skaggaranx said:
Thanks John. Do you have a spray in mind that will do the trick?

As I implied, it's far from a foregone conclusion that it will 'do the trick'. If you had something 'to hand', it would do no harm to try, but I'm not sure that it would be worth gambling by spending money (probably at least a few quid) on buying some lubricant.

If you search in eBay you'll find plenty. I would be inclined to suggest silicone grease (in a tube), since the spray would probably 'go everywhere!

Kind Regards, John

JohnD · 6 Feb 2019

I'd have said Contact Cleaner spray (to clean it) more likely to work than putting grease onto electrical parts.

if it was mine I'd take it off to clean.

but buying new probably cheaper and less trouble.

JohnW2 · 6 Feb 2019

JohnD said:
I'd have said Contact Cleaner spray (to clean it) more likely to work than putting grease onto electrical parts.

I presume that we are talking about lubricating the 'external' mechanical moving parts, rather than anything to do with anything electrical/electronic (which parts should not be 'accessible').

As I've said, if it were me, i'd try something 'off my shelf', but if I didn't have anything suitable, I'd probably buy a new dimmer.

Kind Regards, John

bernardgreen · 6 Feb 2019

Lubricating the mechanical action might work, I say might because the mechanical parts may be worn and beyond repair..

If lubrication material gets into the electronics of the dimmer then this might result in damage to the electronics,

JohnW2 · 6 Feb 2019

bernardgreen said:
Lubricating the mechanical action might work, I say might because the mechanical parts may be worn and beyond repair..

Indeed - but even a cheap dimmer really ought not to be 'mechanically worn beyond repair' in less than 12 months' service.

If lubrication material gets into the electronics of the dimmer then this might result in damage to the electronics,

I can't really think of any electronic components that would be harmed by silicone grease (and even less with PTFE spray, I suppose). Getting any insulating material onto switch contacts is, of course, a potential problem, but I would not think something likely to happen as a result of lubricating the switch shaft.

Kind Regards, John

canduit · 6 Feb 2019

If the dimmer module retaining nut on the front of the plate is too tight, that can lead to a sticky switch. Though I cant see how this would tighten by itself.

diynot

If you need to find a tradesperson to get your job done, please try our local search below, or if you are doing it yourself you can find suppliers local to you.

Select the supplier or trade you require, enter your location to begin your search.

Are you a trade or supplier? You can create your listing free at DIYnot Local

Dimmer lubrication

Similar threads