Knowing how to install a dimmer switch is the first part of upgrading your lighting safely and efficiently. Save yourself money by doing the work yourself, while feeling great about accomplishing such an easy upgrade. This article will guide you through the complete steps of this project. Lets get started on your dimmer switch installation now.
When shopping for the right dimmer switch, you will need to know if the light you are connecting it to uses a single switch, or multiple switches. Lights that have multiple switches to turn them on and off are also called “three-way” switches. This is how you determine which option to purchase for your dimmer switch.
This article below covers how to install a single-pole switch. Installing a three way switch can be a little more complicated, but is somewhat straightforward. Follow the instructions that come with the switch you purchase.
Warning: Some switches also connect to the wiring in slightly different ways. That’s why it is best to read over the instructions before installing the one you have. It may hook up differently than the one I installed in this article, so make sure you have all the right information you need before going into this project.
Required Tools & Materials
Steps to Install a Dimmer Switch
You now have all the tools and materials ready for this project. When choosing your dimmer switch you want to make sure you have the right type of dimmer switch. You want to look at the amperage (amps) on the packaging.
It is ideal to have a lower amp switch on a higher amp breaker. You don’t want to go the other way around. If you don’t have a switch picked out yet, take a look at my top pick below.
Flip Off The Breaker To This Switch
This is the most important step of the project. If you are uncertain on how to do this part, take a look at the article on How To Reset A Circuit Breaker.
Make sure you turn off the power to the switch you are working on. To do this you will want to first turn the light on. Then locate the breaker that controls that light. After switching it off you can begin unscrewing the switch from the box it’s in.
Any time you are working with electricity it’s best to practice extra caution. Even after I turn off the power to the switch I am working on, I will use my electrical tester to make sure there are not any live wires in the box I am working in.
To do this, remove the screws holding the switch in the box. Gently pull it out of the box enough to see all the way around it. Turn on your electrical tester, and hold it to each of the wires in the box. If it indicates there is a live wire in the box, switch off the correct breaker for that wire as well.
Remove Old Switch
There are two ways to do this. After you pull the switch out of the box, take a look at how much wire you have to work with. If the lengths are around 5-8 inches, you can get away with clipping them about half an inch from the screws they are attached to. Then strip the first ¾ inch of plastic cover, exposing the bare wire. Then curl the ends with the pliers in a clockwise direction.
But if they are shorter like 1-3 inches you may want to go with the second option. First take pictures of how the wires are connected to the switch to use for later reference. Then unscrew the screws on the side of the switch that are holding the wires it is connected to. You will also want to straighten out the ends of the wires to get them ready for the next step.
The benefits of the first option is you will be able to check your work by seeing how the old switch was connected compared to how you connect the new one. You also will have straight ends to work with.
Connect New Switch
If you are installing a single pole switch, connecting the wires is pretty straight forward. Connect like colors to like colors.
Hold the ends of the two wires you want to connect, pointed in the same direction. Twist the ends clockwise three or four times. Then put the wire nut on the wires and twist in the same direction until it feels tight.
I like taking the extra step of applying a piece of electric tape on the two wires for a bit of extra security. By wrapping the tape on both wires as well as around the wire nut, you are keeping them locked in place so they don’t come loose when you are pushing the wires back in the box.
Attach Switch To Electrical Box
Use the machine screws that come with the switch to attach it to the electrical box. Take care in putting all the wires back in the box while you are screwing it in. You don’t want any of the wires poking out, and it can be a tight fit.
Make sure the screws are not going in at an angle. You want them to be lined up correctly so nothing gets stripped. This can be a much bigger problem that can be avoided.
Flip Power Back On
Now is the moment of truth. Flip the same switch you turned off earlier. This will send power back to the light you were working on.
After you turn on the power you will be able to check your work. The first sign of something being wrong is the breaker will turn off automatically after you flip it on. If this is the case you need to keep it off and evaluate your connections to the switch.
If you followed the steps that were listed above, and connected the wires to the same locations on the new switch as the previous one, everything should be fine. The light switch will be working as intended.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to install a dimmer switch yourself?
The answer to this question depends on your comfort level when working with electricity and tools. If you have little to no experience, it is better you outsource it to a professional. But if you are interested in learning new skills, yes, installing a dimmer switch is safe to do yourself.
Can you add a dimmer to any light fixture?
A dimmer switch can be added to any light fixture that has an existing light switch attached to it. Think of it as a dimmer switch being the same as a light switch, but with the added option of dimming the light once it’s on.
Not all light bulbs are dimmable. Make sure you are aware of this when purchasing a light bulb for your new dimmer switch.
Can a dimmer switch be used on a ceiling fan?
It is not recommended to add a dimmer switch on a ceiling fan. If you are looking to control the speed of the ceiling fan it is best to get a fan with speed control built into it. There are many options for fans with this feature. My favorites are the ones that come with a remote control.
When can you not use a dimmer switch?
Some of the older light fixtures will not work with a dimmer switch. Some LED bulbs and light strips do not work as well. These lights may not dim correctly or may flicker when dimmed.
Can a dimmer switch be used with a ceiling fan?
A standard dimmer switch is not compatible with a ceiling fan. Some scenarios may cause the fan to stop completely. In more dangerous situations the fan’s motor may overheat and become a fire hazard.
Installing a single pole dimmer switch is easy when you have all the right knowledge and tools to work with. I hope this article helped you out with this project.
I hope this article helped you with learning how to install a dimmer switch. Here at Remodel Upgrade I am dedicated to helping you turn your home into your own private sanctuary. Take a peek at the articles below that can help you with your next project.
You Got This,
Kevin
Kevin
I grew up in a family where my dad and several uncles were general contractors. They took me to the jobsites, and also taught me so much about home maintenance. I remember spending several summers in high school helping my father build houses. It gave me so much knowledge that I am excited to share!
