How to Install a Dimmer Switch

Besides creating the right mood, dimmers also reduce energy consumption, lower electricity bills and extend bulb life.

If you don’t already have dimmer switches have no fear, they are incredibly easy to install. You don’t have to have any special type of lighting system to get dimmer switches, any standard single-pole switch can be replaced with a dimmer, as long as the switch box is of adequate size. When purchasing dimmer switches you can tell them apart from regular switches by the way they look, they actually look quite different from the ordinary switches as they tend to have larger bodies. When installed they generate a small amount of heat that must be allowed to escape, it is for this reason that dimmer switches should never be installed in undersized electrical boxes or in boxes that are crowded with circuit wires. Also note that when installing you can’t just do your own thing, it’s important that you follow the manufacturer’s specifications for installation. Dimmer switches are available in several styles, for example, toggle-type, dial-type, slide-action and automatic. Now that you’ve been briefed, here’s how you can go about installing a dimmer switch all by yourself!

What’s needed: • Insulated No. 2 Phillips Head Screwdriver • Circuit Tester • Needlenose Pliers • Wire Connectors • Masking Tape

Turn Power Off When working with electricity, you must always turn the power off at the main service panel before you start any work. Next, go ahead and remove the cover plate and mounting screws. Hold the mounting straps with care and pull the switch from the box. Don’t touch any bare wires or screw terminals until you use your circuit tester to ensure that the power is off.

Disconnect & Cut Disconnect the circuit wires and remove the switch. Straighten the circuit wires and clip the ends using your needlenose pliers. Leave about 1/2 inch of the bare wire end exposed.

Connect Connect the wire leads on the dimmer switch to the circuit wires using the wire connectors. The switch lead can be attached to either of the two circuit wires so it doesn’t matter.

Final Stage A three-way dimmer has an additional wire lead. This lead is connected to the common circuit wire. When replacing a standard three-way switch with a dimmer, the common circuit wire is attached to the darkest screw terminal on the old switch.

And you’re done, you’ve just installed a dimmer switch. Now you can go on to enjoy your mood lighting! Home & Garden Caribbean Lifehack Here’s a simple guide as to how you can use your dimmer switch to adjust your lighting appropriately.

Dining Room: You can either turn the lights all the way up when entertaining to add to the festive mood or you can turn them down for a quiet dinner date with your special someone.

Bathroom: Turn the light up to full strength when you’re getting ready on mornings, in order to see properly your makeup application etc. At night when getting ready for bed the lights should be turned down for a softer effect.

Bedroom: Lights should be turned down low to aid in relaxation after a long day and to encourage sleep.