How To Wire a Dimmer Switch

Dimmer Switch Wiring
Electrical Question: How can I wire a dimmer switch for light fixtures?

• I am wiring a new dimmer switch for a pair of pendant lights for above a snack bar.The dimmer switch is going next to an existing dimmer switch controlling a fan and fan lite in the same room.
• I was going to use the power source from that circuit to power the new lights.
• There is only a white and black in the dimmer switch box.
• I am thinking the power source for the fan is coming from the other side of the fan.
• How can I wire the new dimmer switch for the pendant lights using only the two wires in the existing box?

Thanks

This electrical question came from: Bob, a Handyman in Wisconsin.

Additional Comments: Have used this website before, it is very helpful.

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your Home Electrical question Bob.

Dimmer Switch Wiring Wiring Connections

Application:  Dimmer Switch
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate.
Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools and Voltage Tester.
Estimated Time: Depends on personal level experience and ability to work with tools.
Precaution: Identify the light circuit, turn it OFF and  Tag it with a Note before working with the dimmer switch wiring.
Materials: Make sure the replacement dimmer switch has the same amperage and voltage rating as the original switch, and is fully compatible with the electrical circuit, the light fixture and the type of light bulbs being used. The dimmer switch must be rated for the  amount of watts that will be controlled.

How to make the Electrical Wire Connections When Wiring a Dimmer Switch

• Dimmer Switch for Additional Light Fixtures
  • The wiring for the new pendant light fixtures requires a power source with a neutral wire.
• Electrical Power for the Dimmer Switch
  • From what you have described the existing dimmer switch only has an incoming power feed and the switched leg back up the the fan and fan light.
• Locating Power for a New Dimmer Switch
  • A power source must be either brought to the pendant lights or to the switch box location so the neutral, hot and ground wire will be available for the pendant lights to operate.

More about Electrical Wiring for Dimmer Switches

How to Wire 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.

• Electrical Wire for the Home
• Home Circuit Wiring

• Electrical Circuit Wiring

• This article looks at common 120 volt and 240 volt house wiring circuits and the circuit breakers that are installed identifying the types and amperage sizes used in most homes.

Dimmer Switch Wiring
Electrical Question: How can I wire a dimmer switch for light fixtures?

• I am wiring a new dimmer switch for a pair of pendant lights for above a snack bar.The dimmer switch is going next to an existing dimmer switch controlling a fan and fan lite in the same room.
• I was going to use the power source from that circuit to power the new lights.
• There is only a white and black in the dimmer switch box.
• I am thinking the power source for the fan is coming from the other side of the fan.
• How can I wire the new dimmer switch for the pendant lights using only the two wires in the existing box?

Thanks

This electrical question came from: Bob, a Handyman in Wisconsin.

Additional Comments: Have used this website before, it is very helpful.

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your Home Electrical question Bob.

Dimmer Switch Wiring Wiring Connections

Application:  Dimmer Switch
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate.
Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools and Voltage Tester.
Estimated Time: Depends on personal level experience and ability to work with tools.
Precaution: Identify the light circuit, turn it OFF and  Tag it with a Note before working with the dimmer switch wiring.
Materials: Make sure the replacement dimmer switch has the same amperage and voltage rating as the original switch, and is fully compatible with the electrical circuit, the light fixture and the type of light bulbs being used. The dimmer switch must be rated for the  amount of watts that will be controlled.

How to make the Electrical Wire Connections When Wiring a Dimmer Switch

• Dimmer Switch for Additional Light Fixtures
  • The wiring for the new pendant light fixtures requires a power source with a neutral wire.
• Electrical Power for the Dimmer Switch
  • From what you have described the existing dimmer switch only has an incoming power feed and the switched leg back up the the fan and fan light.
• Locating Power for a New Dimmer Switch
  • A power source must be either brought to the pendant lights or to the switch box location so the neutral, hot and ground wire will be available for the pendant lights to operate.

More about Electrical Wiring for Dimmer Switches

How to Wire 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.

• Electrical Wire for the Home
• Home Circuit Wiring

• Electrical Circuit Wiring

• This article looks at common 120 volt and 240 volt house wiring circuits and the circuit breakers that are installed identifying the types and amperage sizes used in most homes.

Dimmer Switch Wiring
[ad#block]Electrical Repair Question: I installed a dimmer switch and now my lights in the bathroom will not come or the outlets will not work unless I go into my closet and turn on the light switch.

• The closet is in the bathroom and the outlets are in the hall.

This electrical repair question came from: Tony, a Homeowner from upper Marlboro, Maryland.
See more about Home Wiring for Maryland

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical repair question Tony.

How to Correct Dimmer Switch Wiring Connections

Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate – Best performed by a Licensed Electrician.
Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools and Voltage Tester.
Estimated Time: Depends on personal level experience and ability to work with tools.
Precaution: Identify the light circuit, turn it OFF and  Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring.

Identifying Dimmer Switch Wiring Connections

• It is essential to mark and identify the existing wiring connections before installing or replacing a dimmer switch.
• Depending on your wiring scenario, and what is apparent with your circuit, the electrical wiring may feed through the switch box, therefore these connections must be identified or fully understood.
• This may sound complicated, but in reality it is not when working with the wiring that is found in a conventional home.
• From what you have described, it is very possible that the wiring connections are incorrect and causing a feed back through the closet light fixture.
• If I were called to correct this situation I would begin by using my voltage tester or an ohm meter to identify all of the wiring found in the switch box.
• Once this is understood then  I can logically make the connections.

The Following will assist you with Dimmer Switch Wiring

• Dimmer Switch Wiring
• Light Switch Wiring
• Wiring Diagrams
• 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.

Using Electrical Testers

• Understanding Electrical Testers

• When working on home electrical wiring using voltage testers can play an important part in electrical safety.
• Electrical testers enable you to identify electrical circuits and help prevent the possibility of accidental electrical shock.
  • Types of Electrical Testers
  • Using Electrical Testers

You identified your project to be about Troubleshooting,
so you might find this information useful:

Repair Electrical Wiring

• Troubleshooting and Repairing Electrical Wiring

• Licensed Electrician Reveals the Secrets of Successful Electrical Troubleshooting Methods used to solve the majority of the home electrical problems and wiring failures encountered.

Dimmer Switch Wiring
[ad#block]Electrical Repair Question: I installed a dimmer switch and now my lights in the bathroom will not come or the outlets will not work unless I go into my closet and turn on the light switch.

• The closet is in the bathroom and the outlets are in the hall.

This electrical repair question came from: Tony, a Homeowner from upper Marlboro, Maryland.
See more about Home Wiring for Maryland

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical repair question Tony.

How to Correct Dimmer Switch Wiring Connections

Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate – Best performed by a Licensed Electrician.
Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools and Voltage Tester.
Estimated Time: Depends on personal level experience and ability to work with tools.
Precaution: Identify the light circuit, turn it OFF and  Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring.

Identifying Dimmer Switch Wiring Connections

• It is essential to mark and identify the existing wiring connections before installing or replacing a dimmer switch.
• Depending on your wiring scenario, and what is apparent with your circuit, the electrical wiring may feed through the switch box, therefore these connections must be identified or fully understood.
• This may sound complicated, but in reality it is not when working with the wiring that is found in a conventional home.
• From what you have described, it is very possible that the wiring connections are incorrect and causing a feed back through the closet light fixture.
• If I were called to correct this situation I would begin by using my voltage tester or an ohm meter to identify all of the wiring found in the switch box.
• Once this is understood then  I can logically make the connections.

The Following will assist you with Dimmer Switch Wiring

• Dimmer Switch Wiring
• Light Switch Wiring
• Wiring Diagrams
• 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.

Using Electrical Testers

• Understanding Electrical Testers

• When working on home electrical wiring using voltage testers can play an important part in electrical safety.
• Electrical testers enable you to identify electrical circuits and help prevent the possibility of accidental electrical shock.
  • Types of Electrical Testers
  • Using Electrical Testers

You identified your project to be about Troubleshooting,
so you might find this information useful:

Repair Electrical Wiring

• Troubleshooting and Repairing Electrical Wiring

• Licensed Electrician Reveals the Secrets of Successful Electrical Troubleshooting Methods used to solve the majority of the home electrical problems and wiring failures encountered.

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