How to Install Dimmer Switches In Any Room

The ability to dim the lights in your house is a great way to change the ambiance of any room in your house. Installing a dimmer switch is a relatively easy process and requires very little know how.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• dimmer switch
• dimmer switch plate
• screw driver
• wire shears
• wire nuts
• elbow grease

1. ALWAYS TURN OFF THE ELECTRICITY
   
   Make sure you cut off the electricity to the side of the house that you are planning to work on. If you don't know which circuit breaker to turn off, there should be a main switch to turn them all off. Once you do that turn on the light just to make sure the electricity is completely cut off.

2. REMOVE THE PLATE THAT COVERS THE SWITCH
   
   Using a screwdriver remove the front switch plate panel. This will expose the wiring behind the wall and allow you to replace the switch. From here unscrew the two wires behind the switch to remove the switch panel.

3. PREPARE WIRES FOR NEW SWITCH
   
   Using a pair of wire cutters sheer off roughly 3/4 of an wire insulation. This allows you to twist the wires from the switch panel to the ones in the existing wall.

4. CONNECT THE WIRES WITH A WIRE NUT
   
   Use a wire nut to cap off the connections, this prevents weak connections and protects the exposed wire. Sometimes there is a third white wire that is considered a neutral wire make sure you cap that off too.

5. TURN ON THE ELECTRICITY
   
   If you've done it correctly your dimmer switch should work with out issues. Once you've tested it out put the switch plate back on and you are ready to enjoy your newly installed dimmer switch.

[mattsaboy]

on 8/30/2009 Great article with useful tips. 5 stars and a recommendation.