How to Install a Sensory Dimmer Light Switch

Replace your regular light switch with a sensory dimmer light switch.

Sensory dimmer light switches emit ultrasonic waves that detect when someone enters or exits a room. They're useful in applications where you want to ensure that lights are not left on -- providing a useful degree of power saving in your home. While a sensory dimmer light switch uses some pretty advanced technology, it doesn't take any special skill to install one -- it's just as easy as wiring a regular switch.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver
• Pencil and paper

Instructions

1. Turn off the power to the circuit you'll be working on at the circuit breaker panel.

2. Loosen the screws at the top and bottom of the existing switch plate. Pull off the switch plate.

3. Loosen the screws at the top and bottom of the switch proper. Pull the switch out from the gang box in the wall as far as possible.

4. Loosen the screws holding the wires attached to the switch. Sketch out a diagram while you do this, noting the color of each wire and the screw it's attached to. Remove the switch when the wires have been loosened.

5. Loosen the screw terminals on the new switch. You'll note that the position of the screws closely matches the screw locations on the old switch.

6. Slide the bare ends of the wires under the screw terminals, referring to your diagram for the proper wiring connections. Tighten the screws to hold the wires as you place them.

7. Place the new switch into the wall's gang box and attach it with screws at the top and bottom of the bracket.

8. Turn the power on and test the new switch. Place the cover onto the switch.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't ever attempt to work on a live electrical circuit.

References

• "Wiring 1-2-3"; The Home Depot; 2005
• "Complete Do-It-Yourself Manual: Completely Revised and Updated"; Editors of The Family Handyman; 2007