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Electrical Wire and Cable


Dimmer Switch for LED Light Fixture

How to Wire a Dimmer Switch for LED Lighting


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Light Fixture Components and Dimmer Switches
[ad#block]Electrical Question: I am trying to identify a problem. I am running a series of 3 LED recessed lights 4 watts each (I know how it’s done) with a dimmer switch. After wiring, the lights flashed quickly and continuously. I tried a regular single pole switch and everything worked. I tried a different dimmer switch, but now the breaker keeps tripping. I double checked the wiring in the switch box. All is good. Will a dimmer work? Wiring it is easy enough (single pole). I thought there might be a short at the light connections, but everything worked with the single pole switch, so ruled that out. Any suggestions?

This electrical question came from: John, a Homeowner from Pooler, Georgia.
See more about Home Wiring for Georgia

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question John.

How to Wire a Dimmer Switch for LED Lighting

RESOURCES

Dimmer Switch Wiring

Light Switch Wiring

wiring a dimmer switch
wiring-a-dimmer-switch
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.

recessed lighting
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How To Install Recessed Lighting
This article is about recessed lighting for your home electrical improvements. Discover how recessed lighting can enhance the mood of any room in your home.

This link is helpful as a Homeowner
Do-It-Yourself Electrical


The following may also be helpful for you:

Dave's Guide to Home Electrical Wiring:

» You Can Avoid Costly Mistakes! «

Here's How to Do It:
Wire It Right with the help of my Illustrated Wiring Book

Great for any Home Wiring Project.
  electrical wiring  

Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring

Perfect for Homeowners, Students,
Handyman, Handy Women, and Electricians
Includes:
Wiring GFCI Outlets
Wiring Home Electric Circuits
120 Volt and 240 Volt Outlet Circuits
Wiring Light Switches
Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Electric Range
Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Dryer Cord and Dryer Outlet
How to Troubleshoot and Repair Electrical Wiring
Wiring Methods for Upgrading Electrical Wiring
NEC Codes for Home Electrical Wiring
....and much more.


Learn more about Home Electrical Wiring
with my Online Video Course:
Basic Home Electrical Wiring by Example


Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.

Electrical Tips to Help You Wire it Right

The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!

The Non-Contact Electrical Tester
This 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 that I use to easily Detect 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.

The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring!

The Plug-In Outlet Tester
This is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring.
It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect Very handy and easy to use.

Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire!

The Wire Stripper and Wire Cutter
My absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires.
This handy tool has multiple uses:
The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation.
The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets..

The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use.


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FAQs Frequently Asked Questions and Comments

2 Responses to “Dimmer Switch for LED Light Fixture”
  1. David King says:

    My led lights flash when I dim them, but have found if I use one 100 watt incandescent bulb on the “string ” of 12 watt LED bulbs they dim fine. Can I use a dummy load to simulate the incandescent bulb? What would I use?
    Thanks,
    David

  2. Dave Rongey says:

    Hi David,
    Using a dummy load is an interesting idea, but keep in mind that the load will create heat so it would have to be installed with that in mind. I would first make sure the dimmer is not sized too large and use the Trim Adjustment that will allow further range of operation. Most dimmer switches have a trim adjustment which is located on the top or bottom of the dimmer switch and the adjustment can only be made before the dimmer is installed into the switch box, and the adjustment is made using a small screw driver. There are a few other dimmers that have adjustments that are accessible behind the front cover plate.
    Dave