How to install a dimmer switch

STEP 1

Turn the power off to the switch you’re going to replace.

STEP 2

Use the electrical tester to confirm that the power is actually off.

STEP 3

Remove the faceplate first.

You may need the slot screw bit on the multi-bit screwdriver.

STEP 4

Using the appropriate screwdriver bit, remove the old switch by unscrewing it from the electrical box.

STEP 5

Pull it away from the electrical box and disconnect the wires.

STEP 6

It's important to connect the wires correctly to the new dimmer.

Cover the ends of the wires with wire nuts, twisting the cap clockwise.

STEP 7

Turn on the power.

STEP 8

Hold the tester to the wires.

Mark the “Hot” wire with a piece of electrical tape.

STEP 10

Go back to the electrical panel and shut the power off.

STEP 11

Re-check that the power is off with the electrical tester.

STEP 12

The new dimmer switch has 3 wires.

One wire is for the “Hot” wire, the other wire is for the “Load” and the green wire is for the bare copper ground wire.

STEP 13

For this dimmer, twist the bare copper wire together with the green wire.

And secure with a wire nut.

STEP 14

Twist the “Load” wires together and connect them with a wire nut.

STEP 15

Twist the “Hot” wires together and connect them with a wire nut.

STEP 16

After mounting the dimmer, wrap electrical tape around the wire connectors for extra security.

STEP 17

Place the wires back in the electrical box.

STEP 18

Tighten the screws attached to the dimmer switch.

STEP 19

Attach the face plate with the screws removed earlier.

STEP 20

Finally, turn on the circuit breaker.