How to Install a Dimmer
Changing a basic wall switch to a dimmer switch can save energy and money. Dimmer switches use less wattage, which in turn makes the bulbs last longer. The dimmer switch allows the light to be adjusted to different level of brightness according to the amount of light needed. Installation of all dimmer switches is similar and can be completed with little electrical knowledge.
Things you will need:
- Screwdriver
- Neon circuit tester
- Wire connectors
- Wire cutters
- Wire strippers
- Turn the electricity off at the main fuse box.
- Unscrew the wall plate and the switch screws and lift the old switch out the wall box.
- Test each wire with the neon circuit tester. If the tester light does not glow, electricity is not present. If the light comes on, do not proceed as this can cause electric shock. All electricity must be off.
- Cut the wires from the old switch using the wire cutters. Strip a 1/2-inch of the insulation off the wires.
- Connect the green wire of the new dimmer switch to the grounding green wire in the socket. If there is no green wire there will be a bare copper ground wire to connect. Connect the other two wires of the dimmer to the other two matching wires. Use the wire connectors to connect the wires together securely.
- Put the dimmer into the wall box and screw the wall plate in place.
- Turn on the electricity. Test the dimmer switch to ensure all wires are properly connected and the switch works.