There's a lot of quasi technical discussion about triac/ thyristor theory
going on here that does not explain the excessive heat. The whole idea
behind using a solid state switch is that it is a low loss ( and so low
heat ) device.

Now then if the screws are too hot to touch, consider how hot the plate that
they are screwed into must be. And that is inside the wall!

Since you reported that it controls a ceiling light and I assume we are not
talking about a chandelier or other multi- bulb arrangement, I would
replace that dimmer in a heart beat.

Charlie


"Blake Patterson" wrote in message
...
I have 3 dimmers in my house that are the same model dimmer. Have them
controlling ceiling lights. Two give of very minor warmth generally
during operation, while one gives off so much heat that the screws
holding in the face plate are almost too hot to touch.

Is this likely a bad switch? Just get a new one? Worrisome as it's
housed in a plastic box, not metal.

Thanks.



bp

--
Heisenberg may have slept here.