This little circuit can be used to dim lights up to about 350 watts. It uses a simple, standard TRIAC circuit that, in my expirience, generates very little heat. Please note that this circuit cannot be used with fluorescent lights.

Schematic

 

Parts

Part	Total Qty.	Description	Substitutions
R1	1	50K Pot
R2	1	15K 1/2W Resistor
C1, C2	2	0.068 250V Capacitor
L1	1	Lamp To Be Controlled (up to 350 watts)
L2	1	Neon Lamp
TR1	1	40502 TRIAC
MISC	1	Case, Knob, Heatsink For TR1, Wire, Socket For L1

Notes

1. This circuit is for 117VAC only. 220 or 240 V will burn up the circuit. L1 can be a maximum of 350 watts.

2. The circuit must be installed and used in a case.