Replace Standard Light Switch With Dimmer

If you re replacing a standard toggle switch that controls a light from a single location you ll need a single pole dimmer.

Replace standard light switch with dimmer.

A light switch opens or closes an electrical current to turn on a light fixture ceiling fan or similar electrical device. If you want better control over how bright or dim your lights get installing a dimmer switch is a great way to make that happen especially if you want to adjust them regularly. Instead of merely turning lights on or off get a wide range of light by installing a dimmer switch most dimmers are designed to fit a standard wall box opening which makes it easy to replace the switch for any incandescent or halogen light with a dimmer. How to replace a dimmer switch with a light switch.

What you re unlikely to need however is a dimmer switch in a closet hallway bathroom or staircase where a standard on off light switch is a more helpful and potentially safer option. Dimmer switches don t work on most fluorescent fixtures and low voltage lighting requires special low voltage dimmers. Most dimmer switches can handle 600 watts of power. Select a type of light switch that is compatible with the circuit where it will be installed.

Basic electricians pouch hand tools a non aluminum ladder and voltage tester. Be aware that all dimmer switches have larger bodies than. Check the rating of the dimmer switch you purchase. If the switch you re replacing is the only switch controlling the light buy a standard single pole dimmer.

Take extreme caution while working with electricity. Replacing a standard single pole or three way switch with a dimmer switch is no different than replacing a standard switch. There are also three way dimmers that work with regular three way switches to provide dimmer control at one of the two switch locations the regular switch just turns the light on an off. This electrical wiring project is best performed by a licensed electrical contractor.

If you have any doubts in any step contact a. How to change a dimmer switch to a normal switch. If the light can be switched on and off from two or more switches buy a three way dimmer switch. For example if a light is controlled by one switch you ll need to replace it with a single pole switch.