How to Install a Leviton Toggler Dimmer Light Switch

Replace old light switches with Leviton toggler dimmer switches.

Dimmer switch controls don't always come with a dial. Leviton makes a toggle switch that slowly raises the light level as the switch is lifted. The dimmer is essentially disguised as an on/off light switch. The wiring scheme for a Leviton toggle dimmer has a subtle difference compared to other dimmers. Installers need only follow the provided guidelines for successful setup of this company's toggle dimmer.

Things You'll Need

• Slotted screwdriver
• Phillips screwdriver
• Wire nuts

Instructions

1. Turn off the breaker switch for the circuit supplying power to the light. Tape a note to the breaker box, or lock it to prevent anyone from restoring power before the job is completed.

2. Take out the current light switch in use by removing the screws on the cover plate with a slotted screwdriver, and taking the plate off. Use a Phillips screwdriver to loosen the mounting screws at the upper and lower switch. Gently pull the switch out of the wall box to examine the wiring.

3. Identify the wires connected to the current switch before disconnecting them. A green, or bare copper ground wire is connected to the green ground terminal on the lower switch. There are two hot wires connected to like-colored terminals on the same side of the switch. The incoming hot wire from the power source comes to the switch from a raceway hole in the lower wall box. The outgoing hot wire feeds into a raceway hole in the upper wall box. Loosen the terminals with a Phillips screwdriver and remove all wires.

4. Identify the wires on the Leviton toggle dimmer switch before connecting them to the wiring from the wall box. The upper wires are red and black hot wires. The black wire is for the incoming power from the source and the red is for the outgoing power to the light. The two lower wires are a green ground wire, and a red wire that should have an insulated label wrapped around the end. This lower red wire is an extra to be used in three-way wiring configurations. Cap the end of the extra red wire with a wire nut if the insulating label is not present.

5. Connect the black wire from the switch to the incoming hot wire from the power source in the lower raceway. Twist the two wire ends together and cover the connection with a wire nut. Connect the red switch wire to the outgoing hot wire in the upper raceway in the same way with a wire nut cap. Connect the green switch wire to the ground wire that was on the old switch and cover the ends with a wire nut.

6. Carefully push the wires and caps into the wall box, and replace the upper and lower switch mounting screws. Put the cover plate over the light switch and tighten the holding screws. Turn on the power at the breaker box and set the lights to the desired brightness.

Tips & Warnings

• Expose fresh wire ends on the wiring from the terminals on the old switch if they are frayed or discolored. Clip the worn exposed wire ends off with wire cutters, then strip 1/2 inch off the insulator jackets with the wire cutter blades to expose fresh wire for the new connections.

References

• Leviton: Toggle touch dimmers