HOW TO INSTALL A DIMMER SWITCH

Dimmer Switch Installation

What’s not to love about the ability to dim your lights?!? It might just be one of my favorite updates to put into a space. Once you’ve got your lighting all right, setting the mood for the experience you want is ideal. Switching out your existing switch to a dimmer switch is fairly simple. Today we are going to breakdown for you how to install a dimmer switch.

Things You Need 

Phillips Screwdriver

Wire Nuts

Non Contact Voltage Tester

Electrical Pliers

Leather Gloves

How to Install A Dimmer Switch

The first thing you will need to do is determine whether or not your light fixture is dimmable. Also if your light fixture is on a single pole switch or a three way switch.

If you determine your fixture is dimmable, you will need to turn off the power to the area you are going to be installing a dimmer switch. Sometimes shutting the main off is the safest way to go about this.

Next you will need to use your Non Contact Voltage Tester in order to be sure there is no power running to your switch

If there is no power running to your switch you are now ready to take out the old switch. First you will need to remove your cover plate. Then you will need to take the top and bottom screws out of your old switch in order to remove the switch.

Now most switches will have two wires to connect in order for them to work properly. If you are replacing a three way switch you will need to be sure you buy the correct dimmer that is compatible with a three way switch replacement. If your switch has three wires -one being red and two being black – this is a three way switch. Two black wires is a single pole switch.

Once you determine which style switch you will need you are ready to install the new dimmer by connecting both black wires with a wire nut. If your switch is a three way switch you will need to connect black to black and red to red in order for it to work properly.

You can now push the wire back into the box behind the switch and reattach the top and bottom screws in order to secure your dimmer in place. Then put the cover plate back on.

You can now turn on your power and test out your new dimmer.

Pro Tip:

Before installing a dimmer switch be sure the light fixture and light bulbs are compatible with the switch you are trying to install.

Other Helpful Lighting Post

How to install a Light Fixture

How to Pick the Right Light Bulb

Where to Place Recessed Lighting