Electricial advise (lighting needed)

[skatezen]

This is the wiring diagram I used to install my recessed lighting in my basement. I wanted to run it by an electrician or someone with a good electrical background to make sure it kosher. I'm having a little problem with the dimmer switch, it seems to be getting quite warm, but not yet hot when left on for a couple of hours. What could be causing this? Did I do something wrong?

 

[smcnally]

What are you using for light fixtures? What wattage bulbs? What brand and model dimmer is it? Some Lutron dimmer will get pretty hot when close to their maximum load is reached.

 

[smcnally]

I just noticed the "6 recessed Halo Lights"...What wattage bulbs are in them, and are they low voltage?

 

[skatezen]

65 watts x 6 cans Im not sure of model of the lutron dimmer.

 

[smcnally]

I believe most Lutron incadescent dimmers can handle around 600 watts minimum. As long as you didn't break any of the cooling fins off of it you should be fine. Is it hot as in really hot, or just really warm? Warm is totally normal, but I've seen some circuits close to maxed out and you couldn't keep your hand on the cooling fins.

 

[skatezen]

I just took it off and I think i found the problem. It is a lutron skylark rated for 600 watts. I need something with a higher wattage rating.

 

[smcnally]

I just took it off and I think i found the problem. It is a lutron skylark rated for 600 watts. I need something with a higher wattage rating.

You're only running 390W

 

[skatezen]

Never mind, bad math. Its only a total of 390 watts. So I should be good right. No I didnt break off any of the cooling fins. I can keep my hand on the fins.

 

[skatezen]

I never felt that kind of heat being put off by a light switch and I was concerned.

 

[smcnally]

It sounds normal to me.

 

[skatezen]

Thanks for your help steve.

 

[Scuba_Dave]

A good "cheat" is to use a quad box for a dimmer, then a conversion to a single box for the dimmer. It gives the dimmer more "air" and can help with heat dissipation

What is the power pickup - just hot feed to dimmer?
It shows you are feeding from an outlet?