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Frederick Kirk Posted on Feb 28, 2013
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Dimmer lights installed but go out after 10 minutes?

I have installed a two way dimmer switch. It works but after 10 minutes the lights go out??

1 Answer

Steve

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  • Master 3,290 Answers
  • Posted on Feb 28, 2013
Steve
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Joined: Dec 02, 2008
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Hi Frederick,

I'm an electrician and would like to help you solve this problem. I have several questions to ask to help narrow down the cause.

Is this switch installed in the same box as another dimmer switch?

Did you need to modify the heat sync fins to fit the switch into the box?

Was this dimmer recently installed to replace a switch or old dimmer? If so, what was there before?

How many bulbs and their correscponding wattage and type (incandescent, compact fluorescent, etc.) are being controlled by the dimmer?

Is there any non-lighting load connected (paddle fan, etc.)?

Can you provide the dimmer manufacturer's name & model of the dimmer? You said you have a "2 way" dimmer and there is no such beast - I suspect that you have a 3 way dimmer.

Without answers to the above - I suspect either an excessive heat issue due to overloading or ganging of several dimmers in one large box or improper use of the dimmer controlling a motor or other non-lighting or non-dimmable load.

Leave a comment with the answers and I can help pinpoint the problem.

3 Related Answers

Anonymous

  • 15 Answers
  • Posted on Dec 25, 2008

SOURCE: Dimmer switch is not dimming

florecent bulbs wont dim unless they are dimmable.

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Anonymous

  • 1605 Answers
  • Posted on Mar 30, 2009

SOURCE: 3 pole dimmer not completely working

there is not way to know how the wires are run by the description.
it is possible to connct true 3-way switch, it will required additonal pair of wires to all 3 switches (meaning 3-14/3 wire).
so call 3-way switches is only two way. I have not seems a real 3-way switches.
go to the following site. they a connection diag. for the switches.
http://www.homeimprovementweb.com/information/how-to/three-way-switch.htm

Anonymous

  • 107 Answers
  • Posted on Sep 12, 2011

SOURCE: I am replacing a Lightolier

It depends. Some dimmers are considered "smart dimmers," where the control on the other end of the 3-way has to be intelligent enough to send a signal back to the dimmer. If the Lightolier dimmer was a smart dimmer, then chances are that the 3-way control was designed to talk only to that specific dimmer. The Leviton product you replaced it with is a simple, basic dimmer - it should work in conjunction with a simple, basic 3-way switch.

If the 3-way control already IS a simple, basic 3-way switch - then I would simply re-check the wiring of the dimmer you replaced.

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