Lighting, Light Fixtures, Ceiling and Exhaust Fans - Motion Sensor Light Switch is Warm?

I installed a 3-way, motion sensor switch. Everything appears to be functioning normally, except the housing plate is warm/hot when the switch is set to "AUTO" . When set to OFF or ON it does not get warm.

This being my first motion sensor install, I wanted to make sure this was normal...before leaving the house ;-)

1) Is a warm switch plate normal?

2) If not, where should I begin to troubleshoot this?

What watts is the switch rated for? The more watts the warmer it will get while operating under a load. Many switches like yours tell you in the paperwork that they may get warm to the touch. Check and make sure you do not have any loose connections, make sure they are tight and secure. A loose wire will draw more amps and create more heat. If you are truely worried about it I would suggest either contacting the manufacturer or go buy one just like it (keep the receipt) and try it out for a few days and see if it does the same thing. If it doesn't, you had a bad switch. If it does, return the one you bought and get your money back and rest your mind :)

Thanks for the reply. The manual states nothing about the switch getting warm. The switch is rated at 500 watts max for incandesancts. I'm running 6 75 watt bulbs on this switch (450 total watts) so I'm near the max. Makes sense that it would be warm.

Since the installation of this switch, I've installed several other, all of which are warm/hot to the touch. So either I'm the worst diy electrician, or its normal for these types of switches to get warm.

Hehe I would bet it is normal but this weekend I'll put one in and load it to teh max and see what it does for the fun of it and let you know. :D