Dimmer Switch wired to receptacles?

TrailerParadise · 01-28-2013, 02:03 PM

Will a dimmer switch (the type that looks like a normal light switch, not the dial) work when connected to two receptacles instead of light fixtures? Just trying some ideas here and want to make sure im not creating a fire hazard here...

Just to clarify, lamps would be plugged in to these receptacles. Only table lamps. Nothing else.

mpoulton · 01-28-2013, 02:04 PM

It will work, but it's not code compliant. The problem is what happens when someone plugs a vacuum into that receptacle...

TrailerParadise · 01-28-2013, 02:12 PM

Little chance of that... These two (if it was to be done this way) would be behind the bedside tables and like i said, only lamps would be plugged in here. Plus its all wood floors, so really, no chance of that. If i had carpet, and if i want to plug in something else, there are already three other receptacles in the room that are hot all the time and wired with 12G wire, so i seriously doubt me or anyone else would take the trouble to access a hidden plug when there are three perfectly good accessible ones available. So hooking the two lamp receptacles up to a dimmer switch would not be a fire hazard, right?
And not sure how it is not to code, because you guys told me that in a bedroom, code requires a dimmer. Well the light in the bedroom (at this point in time) is planned to be two lamps on either side of the bed. There wont be a central light fixture because im not tearing out the ceiling. Explain this to me, please?

jbfan · 01-28-2013, 02:20 PM

Receptacles on dimmers are not allowed per code, and I remember telling you that dimmers are not required by code to be used anywhere.

TrailerParadise · 01-28-2013, 02:30 PM

i guess i can go back and exchange the dimmers for normal switches.

mpoulton · 01-28-2013, 04:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TrailerParadise

And not sure how it is not to code, because you guys told me that in a bedroom, code requires a dimmer. Well the light in the bedroom (at this point in time) is planned to be two lamps on either side of the bed. There wont be a central light fixture because im not tearing out the ceiling. Explain this to me, please?

Go read the NEC yourself if you don't believe me. You came here and asked the question, so I answered it. 404.14(E) prohibits it. I have no idea where you're getting the idea that a dimmer is required in a bedroom. Even if a dimmer were required in a bedroom (which it's not - dimmers are never required), that's unrelated to the prohibition of dimmers on receptacles.

TrailerParadise · 01-28-2013, 05:05 PM

thanks.

fa_f3_20 · 01-31-2013, 11:11 PM

If you really want those lamps dimmed, you could use an X10 or Universal Powerline Bus setup. (The former is cheaper, but the latter works a lot better.) I've also seen a type of alternate receptacle that's intended for the purpose; the idea is that you replace the plugs on the end of the lamp cord with these special plugs, and only those special plugs will plug into the special receptacle. However, I can't find it now.

LooseSCruz · 01-31-2013, 11:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fa_f3_20

If you really want those lamps dimmed, you could use an X10 or Universal Powerline Bus setup. (The former is cheaper, but the latter works a lot better.) I've also seen a type of alternate receptacle that's intended for the purpose; the idea is that you replace the plugs on the end of the lamp cord with these special plugs, and only those special plugs will plug into the special receptacle. However, I can't find it now.

The receptacles you're talking about are made by Lutron:

http://files.lutron.com/hwi/TRG/366-...eceptacles.pdf

Speedy Petey · 02-01-2013, 06:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jbfan

Receptacles on dimmers are not allowed per code, and I remember telling you that dimmers are not required by code to be used anywhere.

Be he REALLY wanted to do it so he figured if he asked again someone might say it's OK.

Speedy Petey · 02-01-2013, 06:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TrailerParadise

Little chance of that... These two (if it was to be done this way) would be behind the bedside tables and like i said, only lamps would be plugged in here.

Really?
And only you will ever live there?
And the room will NEVER get rearranged?
And no one will EVER plug in phone chargers, alarm clocks, laptop/iPad/Kindle cords, etc?

TrailerParadise · 02-01-2013, 09:09 AM

Well excuse me. So sorry. Thanks for the replies.

Kyle_in_rure · 02-01-2013, 04:06 PM

I've seen it done before...plugged into it was a 18 gauge lamp cord that was ran under trim and behind wallpaper to some light fixtures....

It was something the homeowner had done later. I guess that's one disadvantage to having switched receptacles, someone could always put in a dimmer, and then sooner or later someone could plug in a vacuum or computer.
I do like the idea of the Lutron dimming receptacles someone posted. I would go with that.

Oso954 · 02-01-2013, 04:33 PM

I use a plug in touch pad dimmer. They are are available as either a variable dimmer or 3 level. About 10 bucks at the big boxes and better hardware stores.

TrailerParadise · 02-01-2013, 05:03 PM

thanks for replying. If there was any chance of someone plugging a vacuum or computer into one, i wouldnt even consider it, but there's not. There is no carpet, so no need for a vacuum. The room is not big enough for a computer desk, and i dont use a laptop in bed. Yes we are the only ones who will ever live here, because we bought it for so little, spent so much fixing it up, and have no rent payments or mortgage payments so we would be downright stupid to ever sell it. and no, the room can NOT be rearranged, because the bedframe and headboard will be built in. Even if we someday got a new place and decided to rent this one out, they could not move the bed, and upon moving out i would take the precaution of removing these receptacles, cutting the cord from the switch, and wiring in a central light fixture. Besides that the room isnt large enough to rearrange furniture, there is too much built in to be able to have that freedom.

However, no need to worry because im taking the dimmers back and inserting a normal switch to the two receptacles. Itll be fine. And if we ever decide to move, i will do as i said and remove the receptacles and put in a central light. Drywall is beyond simple to patch.

01-28-2013, 02:03 PM	#1
TrailerParadise Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Tyler Texas Posts: 498	Dimmer Switch wired to receptacles? Will a dimmer switch (the type that looks like a normal light switch, not the dial) work when connected to two receptacles instead of light fixtures? Just trying some ideas here and want to make sure im not creating a fire hazard here... Just to clarify, lamps would be plugged in to these receptacles. Only table lamps. Nothing else. __________________ Come and see the progress on my mobile home paradise To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

01-28-2013, 02:04 PM	#2
mpoulton Semi-Pro Electro-Geek Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Arizona, USA Posts: 2,189	Dimmer Switch wired to receptacles? It will work, but it's not code compliant. The problem is what happens when someone plugs a vacuum into that receptacle... __________________ I am a lawyer, but not your lawyer. And who cares anyways? We're here to talk construction. This is DIY advice, not legal advice.

01-28-2013, 02:12 PM	#3
TrailerParadise Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Tyler Texas Posts: 498	Dimmer Switch wired to receptacles? Little chance of that... These two (if it was to be done this way) would be behind the bedside tables and like i said, only lamps would be plugged in here. Plus its all wood floors, so really, no chance of that. If i had carpet, and if i want to plug in something else, there are already three other receptacles in the room that are hot all the time and wired with 12G wire, so i seriously doubt me or anyone else would take the trouble to access a hidden plug when there are three perfectly good accessible ones available. So hooking the two lamp receptacles up to a dimmer switch would not be a fire hazard, right? And not sure how it is not to code, because you guys told me that in a bedroom, code requires a dimmer. Well the light in the bedroom (at this point in time) is planned to be two lamps on either side of the bed. There wont be a central light fixture because im not tearing out the ceiling. Explain this to me, please? __________________ Come and see the progress on my mobile home paradise To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

01-28-2013, 02:20 PM	#4
jbfan Electrical Contractor Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Newnan GA Posts: 5,078	Dimmer Switch wired to receptacles? Receptacles on dimmers are not allowed per code, and I remember telling you that dimmers are not required by code to be used anywhere. __________________ Yes I am a Pirate, 200 years too late. "Jimmy Buffett"

01-28-2013, 02:30 PM	#5
TrailerParadise Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Tyler Texas Posts: 498	Dimmer Switch wired to receptacles? i guess i can go back and exchange the dimmers for normal switches. __________________ Come and see the progress on my mobile home paradise To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

Dimmer Switch wired to receptacles?