I cleaned my dimmer switch and it was working great. I have noticed that it gets quite warm which I assume is caused by the resistance in the coil that the switch contacts. Is this normal? I have nightmares of a fire. I disconnected it for now.

 

A dimmer switch will get hot just as a household light dimmer will get hot. The amount of heat it gives off will be inversely proportional to the level of the lights you are dimming are at. The dimmer the lights, the more heat the dimmer will give off.

 

Makes sense, thanks! I guess the little wisp of smoke is really what scared me but I now realize that this was just contact cleaner heating off. I will keep an eye on it but I think its all well