Several types of dimmer switches are available--for example, push-on dimmers ( figure A) and slide dimmers (figure B)--but most operate the same way. Materials: Dimmer switch
Medium-size flat-head screwdriver
Needle-nose pliers
Crimping tool
Circuit tester
Barrel crimps
Wire nuts
Safety tip: Periodically test your circuit tester at an operating electrical outlet. - Turn off the power at the circuit breaker.
- Remove the switchplate cover.
- Remove the screws from the existing switch, and pull it out from the wall.
- Use the circuit tester to make sure the power is off.
- Disconnect the wiring.
- Straighten the wires coming from the wall.
- Twist a wire from the switch onto a wire from the wall, and snug the connection with needle-nose pliers. Use a barrel crimp (figure C) to connect the green wire to the bare copper ground wire. (Some building codes require that ground wires be connected with barrel crimps.)
Note: For this installation, it doesn't matter which color wires you use to make your connections. - Cap the connection tightly with a wire nut.
- Repeat the process for the other two wires.
- Push the wires back into the box, screw the switch into place, and replace the cover. Be sure to install sliding dimmer switches upright--otherwise they could operate in reverse. The previous cover plate may not fit; others are available.
- Turn the power back on at the circuit breaker.
Next: Adding a Light to a Ceiling Fan.
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