How to Remove a Dimmer Switch

Removing a dimmer switch may sound like it's a more difficult job than removing a standard single-pole switch, but the two jobs are in fact identical. Each switch has a hot feed, a traveler wire and a ground wire. Respect the electricity, follow the directions, and you'll discover that removing a dimmer switch is actually a pretty simple job.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Voltage tester (touch-type)
• Screwdrivers
• Wire strippers
• Wire connectors
• Electrical tape
• Blank cover plate

1. Turn off the circuit breaker that supplies power to the dimmer switch.

2. Remove the dimmer switch cover plate by unscrewing the two screws that secure it to the switch.

3. Remove the two screws that secure the dimmer switch to the wall box.

4. Gently pull the switch out of the box using the top and bottom tabs. Do not touch the sides of the switch until you are sure the power is definitely off.

5. Test the wires for voltage using a touch-type voltage tester.

6. Remove the two black wires that are connected to the switch, or if the dimmer features hard-wired leads, disconnect them from the wire connectors. If the wires were hooked under screw-terminals, use the wire strippers to cut away the hooked ends, and cover each wire end with a wire connector.

7. Remove the ground wire from the ground screw on the dimmer switch.

8. Wrap the wire connectors with a strip of electrical tape, and carefully push the wires back into the wall box.

9. Secure the blank plate to the wall box to cover up the wires. The circuit is now safe to turn back on, and the wires are available for a future switch installation.

Tips & Warnings

• Always make sure that the voltage to a circuit is off before working on it.
• If the thought of working on an electrical circuit makes you nervous, or you are unsure of your abilities, please contact a licensed electrician to perform the work.