Installing a Lutron dimmer switch is easy It only takes about 15 minutes, 3 steps and 1 screwdriver. As always, green denotes the ground or copper wire. To figure the minimum box size required by the electrical code, add 1 for each hot and neutral wire entering the box, 1 for all the ground wires combined, 1 for all the clamps combined, and 2 for each device (switch or receptacle) installed in the box. The dimmer switch has 2 black wires and one red. The dimmer buttons will not work on either switch until the two smart switches are linked in the C by GE app. Screw the dimmer switch onto the electrical box by threading the mounting screws into the threaded openings on the box. Wiring problems and mistakes are all too common, and if left uncorrected have the potential to cause short circuits, shocks and even fires. To replace a standard switch with a dimmer switch, follow these steps: Turn off the power to the switch at the circuit or fuse panel. Connect the white wire on the iDevices Dimmer Switch to the neutral wire (usually white) in the gang box and cap with a wire nut. We recommend just removing about a 16-in. If you’re replacing a three-way dimmer with another three-way dimmer, label the cable wires as you remove them, so you can connect the new dimmer the same way the old one was connected. Usually, two wires will be black and one will be green. beyond the solid wire. We're using a non-contact voltage detector to double-check for voltage before removing the dimming switch. It doesn't matter if you reverse the two switch wires to a single-pole dimmer. 3-Way Dimmer Switches typically come with the following pre-wired leads. Most dimmers come with a plate to fit the new dimensions, but some are made to fit standard plates. Use a plastic wire cap to secure the two wires after wrapping, protecting the connection and ensuring a tight seal. Next, connect the red wire to the hot lead wire and cap them together. While we recommend hiring an electrician when possible, dimmer switches are one of the easier swaps you can do yourself. Good Luck, Volt-Ron But while you’re at it, to make your home safer, you should upgrade the wiring to meet the latest requirements of the National Electrical Code. For example, if you have two 75-watt lights, your total load is 150. square of drywall or plaster and patching it after the new large box is installed. of insulation from the end of the wires. This article is for a single-pole dimmer switch. Complete DIY projects like a pro! 44 Very Merry Christmas Table Decorations, Ty Pennington Just Got His Own Show on HGTV, This Video Shows How to Wrap a Gift Without Tape, This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. Then place the leads of a voltage tester between each screw terminal and the metal box. The wires are held in place by screws, often called "terminals." Disconnect both wires from the middle switch and cap each one with a wire nut Turn on the circuit breaker Carefully remove the wire nut from one of the disconnected wires and touch it to the hot terminal on the left switch - if the living room recessed lights come on, that was the LOAD wire - … In most cases, the two switch wires will be some color other than green or white, usually black. Fold the wires neatly into the box. 3-way switches allow for multiple switches to control the same light source. Older homes may only have a hot lead and a ground wire. New dimmers have either a green grounding wire or a green ground screw that you'll have to connect to a grounding source if one is available. 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. Remove 3/4 inch of casing from the end of the house wires and the dimmer switch wires, if needed. If it is a 3-way switch you will have to replace it with a 3-way dimmer switch. 3-WAY or MULTI-WAY SWITCH INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS . The full guide for single-pole and 3-way switches. Strip 3/8 in. Finally, you have to use a special device, not a dimmer, to control the speed of ceiling fans and motors. This may indicate a dangerous switched neutral. Push the wiring and the three-way dimmer into the switch box connecting it at the top and the bottom of the box with screws provided with the dimmer. But if you're replacing a three-way switch with a three-way dimmer, label the “common” wire (it'll be labeled on the old switch) when you remove the old switch so you can connect it to the “common” terminal on the dimmer. Also, if you have aluminum wiring, don't mess with it! We make it even easier with the Lutron Wiring Wizard, an interactive tool that provides installation guidance in multiple ways – videos specific to your type of dimmer, a step-by-step interactive guide, and a PDF of the wiring diagram. Hold the tip of a non-contact voltage detector near each screw terminal to be sure the power is off. Hold the wires together with the stranded wire protruding about 1/8 in. Read the package if you'll be installing dimmers side by side in the same electrical box because the wattage rating is reduced to compensate for extra heat buildup. Make sure the electricity is turned off at the main fuse box before proceeding! Our step-by-step instructions will show you how to install the dimming switch, concentrating on details that will guarantee a safe installation. It doesn’t take long to replace an ordinary light switch with full-feature dimmable switches. Some dimmers, like the one we're installing, have stranded wires attached. Stop twisting when the connector is snug. For 3-way switches be sure to check the on/off switches at both light switches. Add up the wattage of all the light bulbs you'll be dimming. Test it again for a ground. 4. If you have a steel box, measure the height, width and depth of it to determine the box volume and consult the chart to see if it's large enough. Deals We Love: Christmas Tree Storage Bags, Vintage Family Handyman Feature from 1986: New Building Techniques for Remodelers, Vintage Family Handyman from 1983: Housing Shapes To Come, learn how to troubleshoot a dead outlet here. Install dimmer switch. Screw the dimmer to the box with the screws provided. Connect the ground wire to the corresponding wire on your dimmer. 1. Lutron dimmer switch wiring diagram 3 way wiring diagram ge 3 way dimmer switch wiring a 3 way dimmer in single pole lication with wire dimmer switch wiring electrical 101 27c dimmer switch wiring diagram for lamps library wiring diagram ge 3 way dimmer switch. Most dimmers are designed to handle 600 watts. Aside from the single pole vs. three-way distinction, you have several different options for the look of the dimmer switch. If the switch you're replacing is the only switch controlling the light, buy a standard single-pole dimmer. Fifteen-amp circuits are usually wired with 14-gauge wire and 20-amp circuits require 12-gauge or heavier wire. Too many wires and devices stuffed into a box can cause dangerous overheating, short-circuiting and fires. Step #3. If your wires are solid copper, create a loop in the end of the wire with the pliers and guide it around the screw on the side of the dimmer. 7 Savvy Answers to Common Questions About Smart Light Switches, Installing a Remote Motion Detector for Lighting, Wireless Electrical Switch: Battery-Free, Finger Powered Switch, How to Replace a Well Pump Pressure Switch, Prevent Mold with the DewStop Bathroom Fan Switch, Check the Wattage Before You Install a Dimmer Switch, We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer). Wiring a Dimmer switch is as simple as Wiring a 2-way switch. House Beautiful participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. Match the size of the wire connector you’re using to the size and number of wires being connected. Steel box capacities are listed in the electrical code. Use a wire cap to seal the final wire and prevent it touching the other wires. Press a grounding clip and 6-in. There are several types of dimmer switches out there. Bend the ground wire back onto the clip and squeeze it down tight so it won't interfere with the dimmer switch. But installing a dimmer switch is a little more involved than simply swapping out a few wires. How to install a Dimmer switch. Then tie the 2 black wires along with the black "Line" wire on the iDevices Dimmer Switch together with a wire nut. Use a plastic wire cap to secure the two wires after wrapping, protecting the connection and ensuring a tight seal. Box dimensions have changed over time. Connect the ground wire from your dimmer to a … We will handle the app setup in STEP 12. Dimmer switches are always on the list of best quick home upgrades for a reason: The cheap, quick addition can help lower your electricity bill and instantly elevate the mood of your space, day and night. Connect the remaining two wires together and cap with a wire nut. Plastic boxes have the volume stamped inside, usually on the back. Turn on the light and have a helper watch as you switch off the circuit breakers, or unscrew the fuses one at a time until the light goes out. Plus, they're good for the environment. Here are the top 10 electrical mistakes people make and how to fix what you find. BEFORE YOU DO ANYTHING: STEP 1 ... Before disconnecting the wires from the switch, label each wire with the provided labels. Yes, You Can DIY Your Own Hardwood Floors, Exactly How to Install a Wood-Burning Stove, It's Surprisingly Easy to Install a Toilet. The wall switch has two whites together caped, two blacks in the switch, and then the green. Install Insteon Wall Switch, attach the wall plate and turn on power. Heavy-duty 1,000- and 1,500-watt dimmers are also readily available. We show the single switch but there are also three-way dimmers, CFL and LED dimmer switches. Some wiring systems, like ours, rely on a metal conduit for the ground. Unscrew the switch from the electrical box and pull it out with the wires … Take box cutter to widen the space in the drywall and accommodate the new switch before installing. With a three-way switch, three wires connect the pair of switches—two black “traveler” wires and a third “common” wire. 3. If your box is too small, replace it with a larger one. We recommend our users to update the browser. Sign up for our newsletter! Attach the new standard switch. If testing reveals your box isn't grounded, you can still install the dimmer, but you must use a plastic cover plate and make sure no bare metal parts are exposed. Turn the power back on. Other dimmers have screw terminals instead of the attached stranded wires to the new dimmer. Compare the figure you get with the volume of your existing box. 10 Look inside the electrical box that held the ceiling fan switch. They will need to be pushed as far back as possible to make room for the switch body. Step 12: Test the Dimmer Switch Our latest shed is also a pavilion—and you can build it, too! Both of these wires are live wires when the circuit is reconnected. The installation of a dimmer switch usually starts by removing the existing switch. (see lights and switches) Although there was none there, we have added a red indicator to the black wire. Most dimmers have a fourth wire for a second traveler connection. When the circuit’s power is turned on, any of these may be “hot,” depending upon how the switches are toggled. Test the new dimmer switch by turning on and off, dimming as you go. Connect either of the other two black wires to the other screw on the switch. Connect either one of the remaining dimmer wires, to either one of the remaining cable wires and put on a wire nut. We've listed the volume of the most common steel boxes in the chart above. Put a wrap of black tape around the white conductor to label it as a hot wire. Unscrew the switchplate and save if you are reusing it. Have an older home with a single pole switch? From removing the old light switch to correctly wiring the new unit, here is a quick guide on how to install a dimmer switch in your home. Expose at least 1 - 2 inches of copper wire to ensure a tight seal with the wall wires. Finish the job by installing the cover plate and turning on the power to test the new dimmer. Call in a licensed pro who is certified to work with it. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer) as we strive to provide site experiences for browsers that support new web standards and security practices. Do Not Sell My Personal Information – CA Residents. Remove the dimmer switch from the box. 3-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. Once you are done with the LED dimmer installation, mount the cover plate and secure it with wall plate screws. Check the outlets and remaining light switches in the room to make sure the outlet connections were not disturbed in the process. To install the dimmer, read the instructions to make sure you’re clear on what wires go where and which is the top and which is the bottom. You will find a red and black wire connected to the switch. Remove the 2 wires from the existing switch by cutting them with diagonal pliers or other suitable device, or loosen the screw terminals as required. Expose at least 1 - 2 inches of copper wire to ensure a tight seal with the wall wires. As the screws tighten, the switch will nudge the wires deeper into the box. Needle-nose pliers can help wrap and secure the wire in tight spaces. Check the manufacturer’s specifications on the package to be sure. Bend the top wire upwards of the box and the bottom wire toward the bottom of the box so you will know where they get connected on the dimmer switch. To help determine the gauge of the wire in your switch box, look at the amperage of the circuit breaker or fuse in the main electrical panel. Make sure the electricity is turned off at the main fuse box before proceeding. Lastly, remove the ground wire and toss out the old three-way switch. If you have one of these systems, test the metal box with a neon voltage tester to verify that it's grounded. This wiring is dull gray, not the dull orange that's characteristic of copper. But one of the wires may be white if your house is wired with plastic-sheathed cable. Finally, take note of the kind of switch you have, as this will determine the type of dimmer you need. Open the dimmer switch and strip the rubber coating from the wires. Test the wires with the voltmeter to triple-check voltage levels. Dimmer Switch Wiring Diagram Photos Question: I am trying to install a new GE 600w 120vac dimmer switch. It depends on the dimmer switch. Fold the wires neatly into the box. The screws are tightened to clamp onto the exposed end of the wire, completing the circuit and powering the switch. Step 2: Choose a smart light switch. Then read the dimmer package to make sure it can handle the load. Wrap the wires in electrical tape until the 12-3 NM is securely attached to the wires in the ceiling. Remove the two black wires (or the black and taped white wires) and bend them out of the way. 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. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy. Open the dimmer switch and strip the rubber coating from the wires. With the power off, connect the black hot wire to the old switch. Attach the dimmer to the box with the help of mounting screws provided. I will create a future article covering that scenario. Before touching the original light switch. Screw the new box into the wall. To begin, turn off the power and double-check for hot wires in the box. It doesn't matter if you reverse the two switch wires to a single-pole dimmer. here are 10 key facts that your electrician wishes you knew. Ensure that you have cut the power to the area you are woking on. The ground wire is typically green or copper and should be connected to the bottom, center wire on your dimmer. Call an electrician if the original switch is connected to two white wires. If the light can be switched on and off from two or more switches, buy a three-way dimmer switch. The tools you’ll need to install a toggle dimmer switch are inexpensive and will come in handy for all your electrical projects. Then connect it to the dimmer. Finish with the included light plate or replace the old light plate and screw tight. After you unscrew the switch and pull it away from the box, probe around inside the box with the detector to make sure there are no other hot wires from another circuit. You’ll need a screwdriver, wire stripper, inexpensive (2 lead wire type) voltage tester and needle-nose pliers to install a dimmer. Here are the top 10 electrical mistakes people make and how to fix what you find. Here are the steps for wiring a three-way dimmer switch: If the house wires are bent, use a wire stripper to cut off the twisted ends. Attach these two wires to the two brass switch terminals. Connect the final black wire to the remaining traveler wire in your wall, typically marked with a white or black rubber finish. After connecting the wires, carefully and neatly tuck them back to the electrical box. Older or historic homes can have different wiring and need special care to install. We prefer this type of tester because it'll detect voltage without direct contact with the metal conductor. I don’t have any instruction for it. Plus, learn how to troubleshoot a dead outlet here. Remove the old switch from the wall, carefully unwrapping the wires from the rubber section. of the insulated covering from the wires in the box and bend a loop in each with needle-nose pliers. Wiring a Standard 3-Way Dimmer Switch. Just be sure to turn the electricity off at your main fuse box before proceeding with the instructions below! Clip off the bent end of each wire with the wire cutter. Place the loop clockwise around the screw terminals and close the loop around the screws with the needle nose pliers. Turn the power back on and turn the switch on. Push the wires into the box, being careful not to dislodge the connections and make space for the dimmer box. Multiply this figure by 2 for 14-gauge wire and 2.25 for a 12-gauge wire to get the minimum box volume in cubic inches. Turn off the power again before proceeding. If you're just replacing an already existing 2-way switch, then your objective should be as easy as swapping the wires from one switch to the other. A two-way dimmer switch has three wires coming out of the back. Plastic boxes have their volume stamped inside. Houses wired with plastic-sheathed cable almost always have bare copper ground wires that you'll connect to the toggle dimmer switch. Identify the different colored wires, and attach the wires to the dimmer in the same way they had been attached to the switch. Whether you’re looking to add a light fixture or run rough electric for an addition, here are 10 key facts that your electrician wishes you knew. Red wire to the corresponding wire on your dimmer to the electrical box held... Show you how to install bare copper ground wires that you 'll dimming! Along with the wall switch has 2 black wires ( or the black wire marked red in the,. 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