1000 watt dimmer going bad

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aftershock

aftershock

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Memphis, TN
I got a customer that has a 1000 watt dimmer that keeps going bad. We just replaced this thing less than a month ago. Prior to that it lasted about 2 years. Lutron is the brand. I will be going over tomorrow to check it out. Any suggestions?

The wattage of bulbs should not be a problem. I wired this addition/remodel. So,, other than wattage issues, what else should I be looking for?
 
aftershock said:
I got a customer that has a 1000 watt dimmer that keeps going bad. We just replaced this thing less than a month ago. Prior to that it lasted about 2 years. Lutron is the brand. I will be going over tomorrow to check it out. Any suggestions?

The wattage of bulbs should not be a problem. I wired this addition/remodel. So,, other than wattage issues, what else should I be looking for?
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I had a 600 watt dimmer go that was under the max wattage as well. I would just replace and send back to the supplier.
 
I have had good service from the tech support at Lutron. If you get stuck give them a call. But I would check the fixture for a short. If you have the tool you could megger the switch leg and fixture. Heck you are there any how run an amp test on it just to see exactly what the load is, after all the drive there is the longest part of the job. May as well feel like you earned it. :D
 
acrwc10 said:
I have had good service from the tech support at Lutron. If you get stuck give them a call. But I would check the fixture for a short. If you have the tool you could megger the switch leg and fixture. Heck you are there any how run an amp test on it just to see exactly what the load is, after all the drive there is the longest part of the job. May as well feel like you earned it. :D
Click to expand...

Yeah, I will probably take an amp clamp, thanx for the advice. I do know a short will cause a dimmer to go bad. Now consider this ( I may be thinking it all wrong) let's say I just place a single pole switch in. If there is a short, would it not blow "the weakest link" ?
So I can go back in and check the can with the bulb that is blown?You stated I should check the "fixture" for a short,, but I will be dealing with multiple and if I remember correctly, about 10 fixtures.
 
I have had customers buy the cheap bulbs and when they blow they short out and trip the breaker, could be taking out the dimmer instead of tripping the breaker.
 
aftershock said:
Yeah, I will probably take an amp clamp, thanx for the advice. I do know a short will cause a dimmer to go bad. Now consider this ( I may be thinking it all wrong) let's say I just place a single pole switch in. If there is a short, would it not blow "the weakest link" ?
So I can go back in and check the can with the bulb that is blown?You stated I should check the "fixture" for a short,, but I will be dealing with multiple and if I remember correctly, about 10 fixtures.
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I have had recess cans that have had a pinched conductor in the can and it can "blow clear" this is why I suggest meggering the circuit. It is an easy test to run, the only thing is if you have low voltage lights on the circuit Megging it would damage the xfmrs.
 
acrwc10 said:
I have had recess cans that have had a pinched conductor in the can and it can "blow clear" this is why I suggest meggering the circuit. It is an easy test to run, the only thing is if you have low voltage lights on the circuit Megging it would damage the xfmrs.
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I dont have a megger. :(
 
480sparky said:
Too late to ask Sandy Claws? :D
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Yes it is.

I wish I could afford all the good equip. I have had to do most all my troubleshooting the old school way, but, I have always been told, if I ever go to a better paying company (that would provide me with the better tools), I would probably run circles around the seniors.

I am one who is constantly thrown into the deep end and told to swim or drown.
 
Did they do something like put in flourescent lamps? Those dimmers aren't made for those. I'd also look at how many tabs your cutting off them? Get a higher wattage dimmer and call it good.
 
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