How to Connect a Light Dimmer
- 1). Shut off power to the existing light switch at the circuit breaker. If you are in any way uncertain about this step, do not attempt this project.
- 2). Remove the faceplate of the existing light fixture by extracting the two screws with a Phillips head screwdriver. Save these screws.
- 3). Remove the light fixture by extracting the two mounting screws holding it inside the metal wall box. There is a screw at the top and below the light switch assembly. Save both screws.
- 4). Pull the light switch assembly gently from the wall mounting and turn it to one side to expose the two electrical wires connected to the switch.
- 5). Make a note of which wire is connected to which terminal. The wires in most house electrical systems are white and black.
- 6). Unscrew each wire from the old light switch and disconnect it from the wiring post.
- 7). Attach each wire to the posts on your light dimmer using the same configuration as they were connected to the old switch. Tighten the wire posts with a screwdriver.
- 8). Insert the light dimmer assembly into the metal wall box and mount the dimmer to the box using the two mounting screws.
- 9). Remove the dimmer control knob from the fixture by pulling straight back. Set the control knob aside.
- 10
Place the faceplate over the metal post for the control knob and secure the faceplate to the wall with two screws. - 11
Push the control knob back on the metal post, taking care to align the knob with the slot on the post. - 12
Switch on the circuit breaker to restore power to the light dimmer.
