How to Change a Light Switch into a Dimmer Switch

  1. Cut Off the Circuit’s Power. The first step in any electrical job is to cut power to the circuit being operated on. …
  2. Remove the Old Light Switch. Start by removing the plate covering the light switch box. …
  3. Connect the New Dimmer Switch.

Can a regular switch be replaced with a dimmer?

Instead of merely turning lights on or off, get a wide range of light by installing a dimmer switch. Most dimmers are designed to fit a standard wall box opening, which makes it easy to replace the switch for any incandescent or halogen light with a dimmer.

How do I turn a regular light switch into a dimmer?


Quote from Youtube video: Hello again it's Martin here from our two electrical in this video we're going to be showing you how to change a normal on/off switch to a dimmer. So here we have a mock up of pretty much what's in

Can you put a dimmer switch on a switched outlet?

Dimmer switches shouldn’t be used on wall outlets because it is against the electrical code. Installing a dimmer switch on an outlet and then plugging in another appliance on the circuit can cause a short-circuit event or even an electrical fire.

How hard is it to install a dimmer switch?

Installing a dimmer switch is just as easy as installing a single-pole switch, and adjustable overhead lighting is a great improvement that adds appeal to any home.

Do dimmer switches need special wiring?

New dimmers have either a green grounding wire or a green ground screw that you’ll have to connect to a grounding source if one is available. Houses wired with plastic-sheathed cable almost always have bare copper ground wires that you’ll connect to the toggle dimmer switch.

Can you make any light dimmable?

Common Types of Dimmable Fixtures



Nearly all fixtures with standard sockets can be dimmed using incandescent or halogen bulbs. Many people use standard dimmers and controls to adjust the brightness of chandelier lighting to set the mood in the dining room.

Can any light be dimmable?

Most incandescent or halogen bulbs are dimmable, and most light fixtures with typical sockets can be dimmed by replacing the current bulbs with incandescent or halogen bulbs. Some LED bulbs are dimmable as well, but most aren’t. Most CFL (compact fluorescent) bulbs aren’t dimmable either.

How much does it cost to install a dimmer switch?

Dimmers average $10 to $25 each, though there are styles that cost up to $50. Installing new or upgrading to this type will range from $100 to $200.

How do I make my lights dimmable?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: And add up the wattage of each light bulb. The total wattage should not exceed the rating. First turn off the power to the switch at the circuit or fuse panel unscrew and remove the switch. Plate.

How do I wire a dimmer switch?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: A single-pole dimmer like this one has two wires that you're going to connect to the wires coming out of the box and a separate ground wire. Go ahead and take the stripped wires twist.

Why does my dimmer switch have 4 wires?

Since the switch cuts the power on and off, there will be a black wire coming into the switch and a black wire leaving. The whites are normally just connected together with a wire nut and the coppers are connected together with a wire nut or grounded to a metal junction box. So the new switch has four wires.

Does a dimmer switch need 3 wires?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Похожие запросы

How do you wire a dimmer switch?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: A single-pole dimmer like this one has two wires that you're going to connect to the wires coming out of the box and a separate ground wire. Go ahead and take the stripped wires twist.

Can you put a dimmer on a 2 way switch?

If you have a 2-way circuit (where the same lights are controlled by two switches) you must choose a push-on/push-off dimmer and replace one of the switches with that dimmer. You can only use one push-on/push-off dimmer in a 2-way circuit.

How much does it cost to replace a dimmer switch?

Dimmers average $10 to $25 each, though there are styles that cost up to $50. Installing new or upgrading to this type will range from $100 to $200.

How do I wire a dimmer switch in Australia?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Hold the wires next to each other and screw on the connector in a clockwise. Direction. Make sure the bear ends of any insulated wires are completely covered by the connector.

What are the 3 wires on a dimmer switch?

Single pole switches will have 3 wires: a hot lead wire, a ground wire, and a traveler wire. Older homes may only have a hot lead and a ground wire. If you have less than three wires, stop and call an electrician.

How do you install a dimmer in an old house?

How to Wire and Install a Dimmer Switch

  1. Remove the screws holding the old switch in place and pull the device out of the box.
  2. Cut the existing wires as close to the switch as possible. …
  3. Strip about 3/4 inch of insulation back from the freshly cut wire ends and attach them to the leads on the dimmer.

Why does my dimmer switch have 4 wires?

Since the switch cuts the power on and off, there will be a black wire coming into the switch and a black wire leaving. The whites are normally just connected together with a wire nut and the coppers are connected together with a wire nut or grounded to a metal junction box. So the new switch has four wires.

Can you put a dimmer on 2 wire?

Bulb Compatibility



Only connect incandescent bulbs to Dimmer Switch (2-Wire). Dimmer Switch (2-Wire) is able to avoid need of a neutral wire by completing an electrical circuit through the connected load.

What is the red wire for on a dimmer switch?

A second black (sometimes red) wire on the dimmer attaches to the other black circuit wire in the box. The green ground lead on the switch attaches to the circuit grounding wire, which is usually a bare copper or green insulated wire.