2 Gang Dimmer switch replacement

[araff]

I noticed a melting plastic smell from a double dimmer switch (each switch operates a spot and a ceiling light). I removed the cover to find one the blocks half-melted.
I made a note of the wire connections (which were one red to L1 , one red to C, a short link from C to the other C and on red to the other L1).
The switch is labelled 1 or 2 way 200-250V AC
Max Load 250W
Min Load 40W

Is this the wrong type of switch - I am worried about replacing it with the same in case it happens again.
Can I just replace it with a 'normal' 2 switch off/on unit?
Any thoughts ?

 

[plugwash]

what rating is the cieling light?

 

[araff]

60 W

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Well within the range of the dimmer, then.

What sort of light is it? Have you recently replaced it with a different type, or a different bulb?

Did you notice if the screws holding in the wires were nice and tight?

 

[araff]

I did replace one of the bulbs with an 'energy saver' would that matter?

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Yup - you usually can't dim energy-saver bulbs.

 

[araff]

Thanks for very much for your advice - I'll swap the bulb

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Yup - or stick with the bulbs and drop the dimmer.