How to Wire Electrical Dimmer Switches in the U.K.
Electrical dimmer switches allow you to manage the level of light in a room by turning a dial instead of clicking a standard on and off switch. The dimmer mechanism regulates the amount of electricity flowing through the circuit when the dial is turned clockwise or counter-clockwise, increasing or decreasing the level of light. A standard U.K. light switch can be replaced with a dimmer switch, but be aware that dimmers are not suitable for use with fluorescent bulbs. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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1
Switch off the electricity supply at the mains, or breaker. This is extremely important because you will be dealing with live wires during the installation process.
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2
Remove the two screws on the cover plate. Pull the plate away from the wall so you can access the internal wiring comfortably.
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3
Check to see if there is an additional green and yellow wire. If you are removing a metal face plate, you will find a short green and yellow earth, or ground, wire running between a small terminal and the metal pattress box in the wall. A plastic face plate does not have an earth wire.
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4
Make a note of the terminal that each color coded wire is attached to before you remove it so that you can match the wires of the new dimmer switch accordingly.
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5
Unscrew the wires from each terminal and reconnect the dimmer switch in the same way the original light switch was connected.
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Push the dimmer unit against the pattress box until it clicks into place. Secure the dimmer face plate to the box with the supplied screws.
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Turn on the electricity supply at the mains or breaker and test the dimmer switch by turning the dial clockwise to increase the level of light and counter-clockwise to decrease the light.
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Tips & Warnings
If your original light switch has other wires in addition to the red, black and earth, you should consult an electrician because it is probably a two-way switch. These can be operated from more than one location and have extra wires that should be replaced only by a professional.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit light switch image by Christopher Hall from Fotolia.com
