Complete listing of electrical wire types and parts used for home projects with electrical code information serves as selection guidelines. Unscrew the screws holding the wires in place on the switch.
How To Install An Electrical Dimmer Switch This Old House
Removing dimmer switch wiring. Dimmer switches control fixtures such as a lights and ceiling fans. Put a piece of tape over the breaker so that no one inadvertently turns it back on. But if youre replacing a three way switch with a three way dimmer label the common wire itll be labeled on the old switch when you remove the old switch so you can connect it to the common terminal on the dimmer. Video explaining how to safely change a normal light switch to a dimmer switch. Electrical wire for the home. With access to the switch box use a circuit tester to test the two black wires attached to the dimmer switch to ensure that its safe to proceed.
Pull the switch out of the box and away from the wall. If the circuit tester reads zero remove the two screws at the top and bottom of the dimmer switch that secure the switch to the switch box. With a standard single pole dimmer a single switch controls the. Check out our wiring wizard for step by step instructions videos and wiring diagrams including 3 way for installing a dimmer. Dimmers come in two basic wiring configurations. Standard single pole dimmers and three way dimmers.
It doesnt matter if you reverse the two switch wires to a single pole dimmer. Dimmer switches are not compatible with all fluorescent lights so be sure to always double check the dimmer switch is rated for the specific bulb you choose. The first thing you will want to do is turn off the power to the switch. Removing a dimmer switch is not too difficult. If you may possibly use the wires again in the future label the wires with a piece of masking tape and a pencil. Remove the switch from the switch box.
Fully explained 3 way dimmer switch wiring diagram will take the mystery out of wiring a 3 way dimmer switch. As you adjust the dimmer switch either by turning a knob or siding a bar the amount of electrical current that reaches the fixture increases or decreases respectively controlling the brightness of the light or the speed of the fan. Includes safe isolation procedures.