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Wiring a Dimmer Switch for New Lights

How can I wire a dimmer switch for light fixtures? How to make the Electrical Connections when Wiring a Dimmer Switch.


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

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

More about Electrical Wiring for Dimmer Switches

How to Wire a Dimmer Switch
wiring-a-dimmer-switch

Circuit Wiring


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.


More articles about Adding a Dimmer Switch and Home Electrical Wiring:
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FAQs Frequently Asked Questions and Comments

3 Responses to “Wiring a Dimmer Switch for New Lights”
  1. Alex says:

    Hi Dave,
    Just installed Qty 10 dimmable LEDs in my kitchen GU10s 4W, Now my wife wants me to dim them and I have looked at LED dimmers on the net. I see you need to replace the second two way switch with a slave, but the slave only has two wires? How does my existing wiring correspond with that ie Red common or live, Blue = L1 and Yellow = L2

    Many thanks
    Alex

  2. Dan Rubin says:

    I am wiring my basement to have a 3way dimmer switch. Can I use two 3 way dimmer switches to control the same set of lights?

  3. Dave Rongey says:

    Hi Dan,
    Yes. Two 3way dimmers may be wired to control a set of lights. Depending on the brand of switches you select, the switches will be wired as a Master and Slave configuration, or the conventional dual 3way switch configuration.
    Thanks for sharing your dimmer switch project with us,
    Dave