Dimmer Switch Installation

Learning The Basics Of How To Install A Dimmer Switch

By installing a dimmer switch, you can effectively change the mood or ambient lighting of the whole room easily, with just a turn of the dimmer! If you want a dimmer atmosphere, turn the lighting down. If you want a brighter ambient, turn the dimmer switch up. Installing a dimmer switch can give you control over the lighting of the whole room; furthermore, you can learn how to install a dimmer switch easily.

Many different types of dimmer switch to choose from

There are, generally, 4 types of dimmer switches: the dial dimmer switch, the touch pad dimmer switch, the slide dimmer and the combination dimmer switch. The most popular type of dimmer is probably the dial dimmer switches. All the different types of dimmers operate a little differently. Follow instructions carefully when you learn how to install a dimmer switch. Although it not hard to install a dimmer switch, it can be dangerous if you don't take proper precautionary measures.

Installing dimmer switch: basic steps

The first most important step that you should take before you start installing dimmer switch is to turn off the fuse or flip the circuit switch that you will be working on OFF. If you share the house with others, place a notice on the fuse box to notify the others that you're in the midst of installing dimmer switch.

Use a screwdriver to unscrew the screws on the old dimmer switch plate and then remove the old switch from the wall. You will see some wires sticking out of where the old dimmer used to be; so, disconnect the wires connected to the light switch.

Installing dimmer switch: wiring issues

At this point, cut off the bare wire just below the plastic insulation with a specific wire cutter on all three wires that are protruding from where the old light switch used to be. Use a wire stripper to strip off a small portion of the wire. The exposed wire will be connected to your new dimmer.

This is where installing a dimmer switch can get a little complicated if you're not familiar with how to install a dimmer switch. Take the black wire in the workbox and place it next to the bare wires. Twist them onto a wire nut. The bare wires should be completely encased. The white wires, in the meantime, should be encased, twisted together. Remember to put all the ground wires together too.

Installing dimmer switch: the final steps

In order to fit all the wires into the dimmer plate, fold the wires so that they will fold easily fit into the workbox. Push the dimmer switch in such a way that it's perpendicular to the floor. Screw on the dimmer switch screws over the dimmer switch.

Installing dimmer switch: complete run, and test

Installation of your new dimmer switch is complete! Turn the circuit breaker back on and test the new dimmer switch out to make sure that it's working. If you find that the new dimmer is not working, turn the circuit breaker back to off and check the wiring inside the dimmer switch. Make sure they are all connected together properly and in the right wire nut in the dimmer.