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[mike]

I'm a newbie to X10.   We're using a WS467
to control 3  carriage lights.  Each light
has 3 bulbs -  incandescent - 40 watts
each.  So, the total load is 360 watts.
The specs  say the WS467 can handle 500
watts.  Yet,  the module seems really hot.
Will decreasing the total load make the
WS467 run cooler?

[justin]

I have the same issue as Mike.  I have 7
installed in my house, but on this circuit
(with another WS467 next to it) the switch
gets hot.  I've tried 2 WS467s in the same
circuit, but they both overheat.  What am I
doing wrong?  

[Brian H]

Justin; When you have two next to each other
in the same ganged box. You have to derate
the maximum lamp wattage as both generate
heat. I don't know the X10 derating. I do
know that others for their 600 watt one say
derate 200 watts for two in the box if next
to each other, but if separated by a regular
switch [like a three gang box regular switch
in between the dimming ones]no derating
needed. Also metal boxes draw more heat off
of the face plate of the switch where the
triac is mounted than a plastic box.

[justin]

Brian,
thank you. that makes sense.  Forgive my
ignorance, but watts the switch handles
would be the total of all the lights or
appliances handled by the switch?  So, if I
have 4 130 wt lights, I would exceed the
500 watt max for the dimmer, right?

Is the heat dangerous?

[Brian H]

130 Watts X4 =520 Watts is just over the
limit. It may shorten the life of the switch
and may overheat it. Guees depending on how
hot could burn you or be a hazzard. To be
safe I would reduce the load.

[justin]

thank you.  I think I'll just put a normal
switch back in since I have two X10
switches next to each other anyway.  Thanks
for the help.

[gil shultz]

Good Evening,

Heat is not good.  If you have a newer home you may have plastic boxes, they do not dissipate as much heat as the metal ones do.  Also putting on a metal plate will help and if you have some phase change material between the aluminum of the switch and the metal plate will also help a lot. Fujipoly makes some great stuff. 

You may consider changing the lamps to 25 watt, the light output will not be that much less.

Have fun

Gil Shultz