overheating a ceramic base

[Josiah]

I got a purple splotch ceramic today on CL, looking around I saw someone on ebay mention that they have a dimmer switch so that it doesn't harm the ceramic base. How likely is this to happen? Is it going to crack in a few hours on full heat or is that in extreme situations?

Any input is appreciated.

Thank You.

[Jim]

I don't know a whole lot about the ceramic Icons, but I will try to assist. 

The dimmer isn't to protect the ceramic base, its to control the heat being pumped into the globe.  The ceramic will retain heat over time and overheat the globe.  All Icons came with a built-in Inline dimmer mounted on the cord so you have everything you need for the lamp.  If this is your first Icon, nice score.  The Purple Splotch is a beauty.

You can see the dimmer on the cord of this Celestial Icon (that now belongs to my Mom).

[Josiah]

Thanks for the info I like mine a a lot, I will absolutely be keeping my eye out for more of the ceramics in the future.

[Rob C]

I had a similar issue with the LL phone, which does not have a dimmer. It was always overheating the globe, so I switched the 40 watt bulb for a 30 watt, and now it flows beautifully.