Dimmer switch pdf#
Dimmable CFL and LED bulbs sold by will all have a Dimmer Compatibility PDF or Spec Sheet on the product page that shows a list of light dimmers tested and approved to work with that bulb. The dimming technology of CFLs and LEDs work differently and are only compatible with specific devices. As a bonus, reducing the voltage not only decreases the brightness of the lighting, but also has the benefit of increasing the average life span of the lights. This is how standard incandescent dimmers work, so compatibility isn't an issue. The lighting is dimmed by simply reducing the electric current, or voltage, supplied to the light.
All incandescent and halogen lights are dimmable. Some are fan controls, while others only dim the lights. Connect the two black (one wire may be red with a white stripe) wires to the traveler wires in your wall, typically marked with a white or black rubber finish.Not all dimmers can handle the same load or types of devices.Use a plastic wire cap to secure the two wires after wrapping, protecting the connection and ensuring a tight seal.The ground wire is typically green or copper and should be connected to the bottom, center wire on your dimmer. First, connect the ground wire to the corresponding wire on your dimmer.Make sure the electricity is turned off at the main fuse box before proceeding. These are more common in new builds to allow for transition in open-concept spaces, but can also be found in midcentury homes that brought open concept living to life.ģ-way switches are also marked with four wires in the wall outlet: a ground wire, a hot lead wire, and two travelers to allow for a connection to another switch or outlet. Use a wire cap to seal the final wire and prevent it from touching the other wires.ģ-way switches allow for multiple switches to control the same light source. Most dimmers have a fourth wire for a second traveler connection.Connect the final black wire to the remaining traveler wire in your wall, typically marked with a white or black rubber finish.They are usually marked red on the wall, but can be black and otherwise taped or marked off. Next, connect the red wire to the hot lead wire and cap them together.Needle-nose pliers can help wrap and secure the wire in tight spaces. Connect the ground wire to the corresponding wire on your dimmer.Make sure the electricity is turned off at the main fuse box before proceeding! Take a box cutter to widen the space in the drywall and accommodate the new switch before installing. If your dimmer switch is too large for the box space, use a measuring tape to gauge the difference. Have an older home with a single-pole switch? Box dimensions have changed over time. Older or historic homes can have different wiring and need special care to install. If you have less than three wires, stop and call an electrician. Older homes may only have a hot lead and a ground wire. Single pole switches will have 3 wires: a hot lead wire, a ground wire, and a traveler wire. If you can turn your lights off using a different switch than the one you used to turn them on, skip down to the 3-way switch section. You have a single-pole switch if you can only turn on/off your lights using a singular switch. They control the electricity to one light source. Single pole switches are your standard light switches. Test the wires with the voltmeter to triple-check voltage levels. Remove the old switch from the wall, carefully unwrapping the wires from the rubber section.Expose at least 1 - 2 inches of copper wire to ensure a tight seal with the wall wires. Open the dimmer switch and strip the rubber coating from the wires.Check your new dimmer package for dimensions to make sure it will fit. Most dimmers come with a plate to fit the new dimensions, but some are made to fit standard plates. Unscrew the switch plate and save it if you are reusing it.Test the light switch afterward to make sure the electricity is off. Before touching the original light switch, turn off the power at your fuse box.$43 at Amazon Credit: Klein Tools Remove the old switch
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