How to Connect a Light Dimmer
Light dimmers conserve electricity and help set the mood of a room by adjusting the brightness level with the turn of a dial. You can quickly change out a standard switch and replace it with a light dimmer, available at electrical supply shops, specialty lighting stores, hardware stores and home improvement centers. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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1
Shut off power to the existing light switch at the circuit breaker. If you are in any way uncertain about this step, do not attempt this project.
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2
Remove the faceplate of the existing light fixture by extracting the two screws with a Phillips head screwdriver. Save these screws.
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3
Remove the light fixture by extracting the two mounting screws holding it inside the metal wall box. There is a screw at the top and below the light switch assembly. Save both screws.
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4
Pull the light switch assembly gently from the wall mounting and turn it to one side to expose the two electrical wires connected to the switch.
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5
Make a note of which wire is connected to which terminal. The wires in most house electrical systems are white and black.
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6
Unscrew each wire from the old light switch and disconnect it from the wiring post.
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7
Attach each wire to the posts on your light dimmer using the same configuration as they were connected to the old switch. Tighten the wire posts with a screwdriver.
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8
Insert the light dimmer assembly into the metal wall box and mount the dimmer to the box using the two mounting screws.
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9
Remove the dimmer control knob from the fixture by pulling straight back. Set the control knob aside.
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10
Place the faceplate over the metal post for the control knob and secure the faceplate to the wall with two screws.
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11
Push the control knob back on the metal post, taking care to align the knob with the slot on the post.
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12
Switch on the circuit breaker to restore power to the light dimmer.
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Tips & Warnings
Leave the circuit breaker switched off at all times while working with house wiring.
