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.

Electrical Wiring Video How to Wire a GFCI Outlet without a Ground Wire
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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 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.

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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
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FAQs Frequently Asked Questions and Comments

3 Responses to “Wiring a Dimmer Switch for New Lights”

Alex says:

July 23, 2012 at 6:20 am

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
Dan Rubin says:

April 9, 2015 at 7:38 am

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?
Dave Rongey says:

April 9, 2015 at 11:36 am

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

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 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 great to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring, 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

A wire stripping tool used 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.

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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.