Does Your Dimmer Switch Need Replacing?

My wife has been pushing in on the dimmer switch on the ceiling fan instead of just turning it. Now it turns but the light doesn’t come on. Do I need to replace to dimmer or something more serious…

Replacing a Faulty Lighting Dimmer Switch
Background: Gordon, a Homeowner from Atlanta GA
Question: My wife has been pushing in on the dimmer switch on the ceiling fan instead of just turning it. Now it turns but the light doesn’t come on. Do I need to replace to dimmer or something more serious?

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Gordon. From what you are describing it sounds like the dimmer switch will need to be replaced, I do not suspect any other damage has been sustained.
I have provided the following links that lead to fully detailed information on this website that will assist you with your electrical question:
How to Install Ceiling Fans and Wiring
Step-by-step pictures – Easy wiring diagrams and installation guide – Light and fan switch variations.
Ceiling Fan Wiring
Ceiling Fan Wiringdiagram #1
Ceiling Fan Wiringdiagram #2
Ceiling Fan Installation #1
Ceiling Fan Installation #2

Dimmer Switch Wiring

Lighting For The Home
Lighting Electrical Codes

Light Switch Wiring
Wiring Diagrams

For more information about Dimmer Switch Wiring
Dimmer Switch Wiring

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

» 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.

Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring

Perfect for Homeowners, Students,
Handyman, Handywomen, 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.

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

More articles about Dimmer Switch Questions and Home Electrical Wiring:
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Home Electrical Wiring and Electrical Repairs

Please Note:
Unless otherwise posted, please refer to the following Guidelines when working on Electrical Projects:

Skill Level:
Intermediate to Advanced - Electrical Repairs and Circuit Wiring is Best Performed by a Certified Electrician or Licensed Electrical Contractor.

Electrical Tools Required:
Basic Electricians Pouch of Hand Tools, a Voltage Tester and a Multi Meter.

Estimated Time:
Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools, work with electrical wiring, and the available access to the project area.

Precaution:
Identify the project circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring.

Important:
Modifying existing electrical circuits or installing additional electrical wiring should be done according to local and National Electrical Codes, with a permit and be inspected.