The dimmer switch will have stranded wires that must be sliced to the solid cable wiring in a pigtail fashion. A rheostat or dimmer makes it possible to vary the current flowing to a light fixture thereby varying the intensity of the light.
How To Replace A Standard Switch With A Dimmer Switch For Dummies
Wiring dimmer switch to light. Dimmers come in two basic wiring configurations. With a pair of 3 way switches either can make or break the connection that completes the circuit to the light. A standard single pole dimmers 2 way or three way dimmers. Dimmer switches are only for use with incandescent lights. Wiring a 3 way light switch. If the switch youre replacing is the only switch controlling the light buy a standard single pole dimmer.
Another nm cable connects from this dimmer box to the light fixture box. A dimmer switch gives you much more control over your lights than youll get with a flip switch. It should also help in understanding the functions of each type of switch. Move slowly to ensure the wires dont loosen or break if you have to force the switch into position. Use the connectors wire nuts supplied with the fixture to attach theblack wires coming out of the dimmer switch to the colored wires that were attached to the terminals on the old switch. This lets you dim from one location and turn the lights on and off from another.
With a standard 2 way dimmer a single switch controls a single light. With a three way dimmer you can control a light with two switches. Both line and neutral travel from the switch box to the light fixture box. With conventional dimmer wiring using nm cable a nm cable supplies line voltage from the electrical panel to the dimmer outlet box. If the light can be switched on and off from two or more switches buy a three way dimmer switch. If only one switch controls the light purchase a single pole dimmer.
Attach the dimmer switch to the box and reinstall the switch plate once the wires are attached you can gently fold any excess wire and compress the dimmer into the electrical box. Identify the light circuit turn it off and tag it with a note before working with the dimmer switch wiring. Dimmer switch wiring diagram. With a three way dimmer you can control a light from 2 different locations. With a standard single pole dimmer a single switch controls the light. They also save energy and extend the life of your light bulbs.
Wiring a 3 way light switch is certainly more complicated than that of the more common single pole switch but you can figure it out if you follow our 3 way switch wiring diagram. Make sure the replacement dimmer switch has the same amperage and voltage rating as the original switch and is fully compatible with the electrical circuit the light fixture and the type of light bulbs being used. Dont use them with ceiling fans appliances or fluorescent lights because you. Dimmer switches are usually connected to the house wiring by short lengths of wire coming out of the switch body rather than by screw terminals. A device like this should only be used with an incandescent light fixture. You will need a three way dimmer and a three way switch.
Gallery of Wiring Dimmer Switch To Light
