Light switch feels hot
I have six 100w recessed lights in my living room. When I go turn the lights off the light switch feels hot. The lights and switch were installed by an electrician. If it's a 600w switch why would it heat up? Do I need to get a 1000w switch?
Electrical Supplies - Lutron - 1000-Watt Incandescent Dimmer Switch by Electronics, Inc
Answers & Comments
If the switch is rated at 600 watts and you have six 100 watt lamps connected to the switch, you are at the capacity of the switch and heating would be expected. It's general practice to not place loads on a device that will exceed 80% of the device's ratings, in this case 480 watts.
Some heating in a dimmer switch is not unusual, but if it's hot, it should be replaced with a device with a higher rating or the loads should be divided. You could also lower the wattage of the lamps (to around 75 watt each) unless you would lose too much light.
If the sockets in the fixtures can be lowered closer to the surface of the fixture, you can probably reduce the wattage since more light will exit the fixture. You will also save a few bucks with less wattage. Lastly, check the fixtures themselves and see if they are rated for the wattage of the lamps you have in them.