Richard Hammond tests dimmer switch danger

8 May 2011 Last updated at 05:54 ET Help

Dimmer switches are useful for creating ambience in a room but, as Richard Hammond finds out, the way the current is supplied to them could be a potential hazard.

Alongside electrical expert Paul Mitcheson, Richard sets up a controlled test to see what happens if an exposed dimmer switch wire overheats near flammable objects.

Richard Hammond's Engineering Connections will be broadcast on Sunday 8 May at 1910 BST on BBC Two. It will also be available on the BBC iPlayer.

BBC © 2013 The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read more.

This page is best viewed in an up-to-date web browser with style sheets (CSS) enabled. While you will be able to view the content of this page in your current browser, you will not be able to get the full visual experience. Please consider upgrading your browser software or enabling style sheets (CSS) if you are able to do so.