How to Replace a Dimmer Switch

If you are good with your hands and understand how electronics and electricity works, you can try to replace the dimmer switch you have now. The way to replace it is not too difficult. It just requires some tools and time. Here are the steps to follow to replace the dimmer switch:

 

·        Remove the Knob: The first thing to do is shut off the power to the circuit you are working on. Then pull off the knob to the dimmer. Remove the cover plate. Then remove the mounting screws and carefully pull out the switch.

·        Test for Power: A dimmer has wire leads instead of a terminal box. Remove the wire nuts and test to make sure whether power is present. Test all connections by putting the probes on each wire and on the metal box. If there is power, shut off the circuit before proceeding.

·        Installing the Dimmer: Depending on what type of dimmer you are installing will depend on the way it is installed. Here are two kinds of dimmers and how to install them:

o       Standard dimmer – Before you start, make sure again there is no power. You never know, someone could have accidentally turned on the power. Once you have confirmed no power, attach the ground wire first. Take a wire stripper and strip about ¾ inch of insulation from the wires. Take each wire of the dimmer and wrap it with the electrical wire. Do this for both wires. Twist enough but leave a little distance and when twist is completed, fasten a wire nut to it, and twist until wire nut is tight.

o       Three-way dimmer – Hopefully before you took out the old dimmer you tagged the wires to be sure you knew which one when to which dimmer wire. At this time, connect the dimmer wires to the tagged wires exactly as they were before removal of old dimmer. Just make sure black wire is connected to the common terminal and the other two wires are connected to the traveler terminals.