Adding a LED Light Fixture with a Dimmer Switch
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Will my existing lights work with a new LED light fixture? Adding a Non Dimmable LED Light Fixture. |
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LED Light Fixture
Electrical Question: Will my existing lights work with a new LED light fixture?
My electrical wiring project involves a Ceiling Light in the Hallway of a Condo.
- I have two hall ceiling lights that have three separate switches; one is a dimmer switch. I have a new light to replace one of the fixtures. But it is not dim (it has a built in LED). If I install this new non dimming light, will my other fixture still dim, even though the new replaced one won’t? I don’t want to call an electrician to come out until I know. Thank you.
This electrical wiring question came from Sam, a Homeowner in Vancouver, Canada.
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Sam.
Adding a LED Light Fixture
Application: Wiring a LED Light Fixture.
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced – Best performed by a Licensed Electrical Contractor, or Certified Electrician.
Electrical Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools, Voltage Tester, and appropriate Safety Gear.
Estimated Time: Depends on the personal level experience, ability to work with tools, install electrical circuit wiring, and the available access to the project area.
Electrical Safety: Identify the electrical power source to the Ceiling Light, turn it OFF and Tag with a Note before working with the electrical wiring.
Electrical Wiring Parts and Materials: Electrical parts and materials for the Ceiling Light should be approved for the specific project and compliant with local and national electrical codes.
Electrical Codes and Inspections: Installing or changing home electrical wiring should be done according to local and national electrical codes as adopted in Vancouver, Canada. A permit and inspections may also be required.
Adding a Non Dimmable LED Light Fixture
This electrical wiring project is about adding a non-dimming LED Ceiling Light fixture in the Hallway of a Condo.
Great Question Sam!
Typically, the non-dimmable lamp will not affect the other light fixture, however the non-dimmable LED lamp will most likely not work right, because the LED light is made to work with a standard switch, and not a dimmer switch.
You may consider installing two light fixtures that are the same, and are compatible with the switches you have.
LED Light Bulbs
When selecting a LED lamp or LED light fixture, decide if the light will always be on full bright, or if you would like the brightness to change down to a dim level of light.
Dimmer Switches
Most dimmer switches will require LED light fixtures and LED light bulbs that are dimmable, and compatible with the dimmer switch.
More about a Ceiling Light Fixtures and LED Lamps
3 Way Dimmer Switch Wiring Diagram
Fully explained 3 way dimmer switch wiring diagram will take the mystery out of wiring a 3-way dimmer switch.
How to Install Home Lighting
Lighting Electrical Codes
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Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.
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Electrical TipThe Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wiring!The Non-Contact Electrical TesterThis is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester, [amazon.com], I use for the detection of Standard Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use. |
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