How to Install a New Dimmer

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Determine if the light you're installing a dimmer on is single pole or 3-way.

   A single pole switch means that the light is controlled only by 1 switch.
   
   A 3-way switch means 1 or more light switches control 1 light.
2. 2

   Step 2: Purchase either a single pole or 3-way dimmer at a hardware store.

   ,, Use a screwdriver to take out the 2 screws that hold the plate into place. ,,, If your switch is 3-way, there will be 3 wires that are fastened to 3 screws.
   
   One of the 3 wires connects to a screw that is unlike the others in color or in label.
   
   Place a piece of tape or tag on that wire for later use when installing the dimmer.
   
   If your switch is single pole, 2 wires will be fastened to 2 screws.
   
   The colors should be the same. , For single pole switches, take the green ground wire from the wall terminal and connect it to the ground wire from your new dimmer.
   
   Curl the wires around each other clockwise and place a wire connector nut over the connection.
   
   Connect the 2 black dimmer wires to wires from the wall terminal.
   
   For 3-way switches, perform the same initial process as you would for single pole switches by connecting the green ground wire of the wall box to the ground wire of the dimmer.
   
   Take a black dimmer wire and connect it to the wall wire you taped or tagged.
   
   Connect the other 2 black dimmer wires to the remaining wall terminal wires.
   
   Make sure to place wire connector nuts over each connection. ,,,,, The dimmer should now operate.
3. 3

   Step 3: Locate your circuit breaker and flip off the power switch to the light switch you're changing.

4. 4

   Step 4: Remove the wall plate of your current light switch.

5. 5

   Step 5: Unscrew the screws that hold the switch itself to the electrical box behind it.

6. 6

   Step 6: Pull the switch away from the wall slowly to reveal the wiring.

7. 7

   Step 7: Detach the wires leading into the wall terminal from the old light switch.

8. 8

   Step 8: Wire your new dimmer into the wall terminal.

9. 9

   Step 9: Push the wires inside the wall box carefully as you fix the new dimmer over it.

10. 10

    Step 10: Screw the dimmer onto the wall terminal with the 2 screws from the previous switch.

11. 11

    Step 11: Screw the dimmer cover plate to the wall using the other 2 screws.

12. 12

    Step 12: Attach the dimmer knob or other dimming device onto the metal protrusion.

13. 13

    Step 13: Flip the switch on the breaker back on.

Detailed Guide

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