| Installing a Dimmer Switch |
From "Ask DIY"
episode ADI-407 |
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Q: I'd like to adjust the lighting in my home for a more relaxed mood. Can you show me how to install a dimmer switch? A: (from Home Improvement pro, Brad Staggs) Installing a dimmer switch is one of the simpler electrical projects that do-it-yourselfers can undertake in the home. In most instances, with the right tools and materials you can complete the job in about 5 minutes. Materials: Dimmer switch kit
Cordless drill and screwdriver attachment
Screwdrivers
Needle-nose pliers
Circuit tester Safety Alert: Any time you're doing electrical work, make sure that the power to the circuit where you're working is turned OFF at the main breaker box or fuse panel. Note: Installation may vary somewhat depending on brand and model of dimmer switch. Read and follow the instructions, diagrams and safety precautions that come with your particular switch. Note: The steps in our demonstration pertain to replacement of a switch that controls a single light. For a single switch that controls multiple lights, the procedure will be different. Dimmer switches are typically available in two varieties -- one that looks like an ordinary, traditional light switch, and the type with a dial dimmer. In our demonstration, the traditional-looking switch was installed to maintain the look of the previous switch (figure A). Steps and suggestions are outlined below. Remove the switch plate using a screwdriver. Retain the old switch plate if you are not going to be replacing it with a new one. - With the switch plate removed to expose the old switch and wiring, unscrew the two retaining screws that hold the switch mechanism in place. To make the job go easier, you may want to use a reversible cordless drill with a screwdriver attachment (figure B).
- The power to the switch was turned off at the breaker box, but as an extra precaution, use a circuit tester to make sure that the switch is not receiving power before beginning work on the wiring (figure C).
- Once you're certain the power supply is shut off to the switch, unscrew the two screws that hold the ends of the wire contact in place (figure D).
- Disconnect all of the wires from the old switch. There should be three wires in all: a black wire, a white wire and a separate ground wire (figure E). In some cases, the ground wire may be a bare copper wire. In our demonstration, the ground wire was a coated wire and was attached to a jumper at the back of the switch box.
- The contact on the new dimmer switch uses a simple push-in connection, so the ends of the wires need to be straightened out to make them easy to insert into the connectors. A handy measuring gauge on the back of the switch (figure F) makes it easy to ensure that the right amount of wire is exposed to make the proper connection.
- With the proper amount of bare wire exposed on both the black and white wire ends, insert the end of the black wire into the terminal at the back of the switch (figure G) as indicated in the instructions. Tighten the retaining screw to hold the wire secure.
- Insert the end of the white wire into the remaining terminal at the back of the switch (figure H) as indicated in the instructions. Tighten the retaining screw to hold the wire secure.
- On our switch, the ground wire fastens to a green screw on the bottom of the switch.
- With all three wires connected (figure I), the switch is ready to install in the wall-box. Make sure that you install the switch oriented so that "UP" is "on," and "DOWN" is "off."
- Fasten the new switch in the box with the two retaining screws using a screwdriver or drill-driver (figure J).
- Re-install the switch plate (figure K) to complete the installation.
- Turn the power back on at the breaker box, and test your new switch for proper operation.
RESOURCES :
The Art of Illumination: Residential Lighting Design
Model: 0070329591
Author: Glenn M. Johnson
$49.95
Paperback - 224 pages 70 edition (November 20, 1998)
McGraw-Hill Professional Publishing
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