Dimmer getting hot

[New2Game]

Installed a dimmer a number of months ago, but it now seems to be getting hot to touch when been on a while. Any suggestions what could be causing this?

 

[tim west]

they do get warm but have you changed the wattage of the load since you installed it, is it within the limits of what the dimmer can handle?

 

[New2Game]

Yeah 400w dimmer with only 6 x 50w spots on it. Havent changed load since installed

 

[luminaire]

Did you replace the back box for a 25mm?

 

[New2Game]

no still 16mm

 

[luminaire]

OK try changing the back box for a 25 mm as they are not supposed to be used with 16mm. This could help with your problem.

 

[New2Game]

Cheers.

 

[breezer]

these spots ,wouldnt be halogen would they?

 

[New2Game]

Yeah halogen, how did you know?

 

[breezer]

Yeah halogen, how did you know?

50 w.

you have to derate the dimmer for halogen, 6 x 50 = 300, you need a 600w dimmer or bigger

 

[New2Game]

Didn't know you had to derate them. How come?

 

[breezer]

(churchill type voice) oh yes


when using halogens with a dimmer you should alwys derate the dimmer by 50% been mentioned here just a few times

 

[New2Game]

So is it dangerous or will it just burn dimmer out?

 

[securespark]

Doesn't that amount to the same thing?

 

[New2Game]

Why do some dimmers say dont need derating and some do? Just looked on few sites thats all