I have a dimmer switch that gets very warm (almost hot) when it's on for a period of a couple hours. The switch controls 10 pot lights in my basement with regular 60 watt bulbs. The switch is rated for 600 watts. I realize this is the max but why does the dimmer get hot. I have another with 8 pot lights and it also gets hot.
It is normal to get hot. Check the temperature with temp probe and discuss with your fire department to make sure it is not too hot and to give you peace of mind. If you want, install a heat sink but it will only help temporarily.
