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.

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 from Waterford, Wisconsin.
See more about Home Wiring for 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.

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» 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. Get the Printed edition of Home Electrical Wiring [amazon.com] Get the eBook edition of Home Electrical Wiring [instant download] 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.

Electrical Tip The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wiring! 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, [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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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.

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