hot light switch

[rmeier2 (Robert Meier)]

@dandersen

Is it everyone’s opinion that “something that feels warm” must be called out without determining what warm is, or how warm it may become? I find can lights and chandlers running hot all the time during continued use. Am I missing something?

There are several who have opined that a wall switch operating normally with a 1 amp of load should not even be warm to the touch.

[Jim_Port]

NM cable has 90 degree C rated insulation.

[rmeier2 (Robert Meier)]

@Jim_Port

NM cable has 90 degree C rated insulation.

Yes modern NM cable uses 90° C conductors. It could also be old TW insulation which is only 60° C.

Jim in your opinion is the insulation type relevant?

[Jim_Port]

I don’t see any concern. The conductors are sized for the load so the insulation should not see anything above the insulation rating. I have only seen issues above an easy bake light fixture or at a loose connection.

[mrodney (Michael Rodney)]

@dandersen

Is it everyone’s opinion that “something that feels warm” must be called out without determining what warm is, or how warm it may become? I find can lights and chandlers running hot all the time during continued use. Am I missing something?

Chandelaires may run hot, bulbs may run hot. All that is fine, but if a single pole switch governing just two lights (assuming 2 x 60 W bulbs = 1 Amp. approx.) is significantly hotter than the ambient temperature then I would ask myself why.

Of course, if its the middle of summer, and there is no AC and the ambient in the home is 100F and the switch is 105F then I would say its OK. I think though the scenario is somewhat different.