Part one of our blog on dimmer switches covered what they do and why you should consider installing them. We spent so much time gushing about the virtues of the dimmer, in fact, that we didn’t have the space to actually teach you how to install one. Yeah, we know, it’s classic.
That’s why we decided to put together this “part 2” to our dimmer switch blog. Now that you know why you should install dimmer switches, we’ll teach you how to install them.
Before you start (or “Step 0”)
Installing dimmer switches is easy, but you’ll need to do a little research and prep work before you start. First, you need to decide what kind of dimmer switch you want. To do that, you’ll have to determine what kind of bulbs you want. Incandescent, CFL, and LED bulbs all require their own specific dimmer type.
Let’s say, for example, you’re going to install a dimmer switch for the chandelier above the kitchen table. Right now, it has incandescent bulbs. If you want to keep them, get a dimmer made for incandescent bulbs. If you want to switch to a more efficient bulb instead, now’s the perfect time to do it. Just remember: CFL and LED bulbs need their own type of dimmer switch.
Before you go out and buy the switch you want, make sure you have all tools you need for this job. To install a dimmer switch you’ll need a screwdriver, wire stripper, wire connector nuts, voltage detector, and needle-nose pliers. If you don’t have all those tools, add the ones you need to your shopping list. Once you have everything you need, you’ll be ready to get started:
Step 1
Turn off the power to your switch at the breaker.
Step 2
- Remove the wall plate and disconnect the switch from the wall box.
- Gently pull the switch away from the wall.
- Use the voltage test to make sure there’s no power reaching the circuit connected to the wall box. If the tester detects voltage, make sure you switched off the right circuit breaker or removed the correct fuse.
- Test the circuit again.
- If you’re replacing a three-way switch, one wire connects to a screw that’s a different color than the others. This is not the wire connected to the green screw (that’s the ground wire). Tag the wire connected to the differently-colored screw with a piece of electrical tape. That will help you identify it when you wire the new dimmer.
- Disconnect all the wires from the old switch. If you’re replacing an existing dimmer, unscrew the wire nuts around the switch wires and house wires.
Step 3
At this point, you’ll connect the new dimmer switch. This process will work a little differently depending on whether you’re installing a single-pole dimmer or a three-way switch.
Standard Single-Pole Dimmer
- If the house wires are bent, cut off the twisted ends with a wire stripper. If you need to, remove an inch of casing from the end of the house wires.
- Connect your dimmer’s ground wire to a green or bare copper wire in the wall box. Twist the ends together clockwise and cap them using a wire connector nut.
- Next, connect each dimmer wire to a house wire. Grip the wire ends with a pair of pliers and twist them together. Dimmer wires will probably be black. The two house wires may be black, red, or white with black marking.
- Tighten a wire nut over each pair of wire ends. If there is bare wire exposed, unscrew the wire connector and remove the wires. Then, trim the ends of the wire and re-cap.
Three-Way Switch
- If the house wires are bent, cut off the twisted ends with a wire stripper. If you need to, remove an inch of casing from the end of the house wires.
- Connect your dimmer’s ground wire to a green or bare copper wire in the wall box. Twist the ends together clockwise and cap them using a wire connector nut.
- Connect the black dimmer wire to your tagged common wire and remove the electrical tape.
- Connect the two remaining dimmer wires (traveler wires) to each remaining wire in your wall box separately.
- Use a screwdriver to mount your dimmer to the wall with the provided screws.
Step 4
- Replace the wall plate.
- Carefully tuck the wires back into the electrical box.
- Connect the dimmer to the electrical box.
- Gently pull out the removable knob before attaching the wall plate.
- Tighten the screws that hold the wall plate to the switch.
- If the dimmer has a separate knob, push it on.
- Turn the power back on at the breaker.
- Test the dimmer.
Success! Now you have a dimmer switch! Your dimmer switch will help you save energy, and preserve your light bulbs longer. Even more importantly, it’ll help you set the mood and make your home more comfortable.
If you have any additional questions about dimmer switches, give Early Bird a call any time. Our licensed professionals are more than happy to answer your questions or help with any installation or repair concerns. Whatever your electrical concerns, Early Bird is happy to put your mind at ease.
