The answer to 'why is my dimmer switch burning smell' is that a burning smell from a dimmer switch is usually a sign of an electrical issue that requires immediate attention. This could be caused by a faulty or overloaded dimmer switch, wiring problems, or a compatibility issue with the light bulbs being used.
Some common symptoms include a burning or melting smell, flickering or dimming lights, and the switch feeling hot to the touch. If you notice any of these issues, it's important to shut off power to the circuit and refrain from using the dimmer switch until the problem is resolved. Attempting to continue using a malfunctioning dimmer can be a fire hazard.