How to Install a Dimmer Switch in Arvada

April 22, 2022
 | By 
Jet Plumbers

A dimmer switch lets you manually adjust how brightly the light bulbs shine. Dimming lights is an easy method to put a mood or make your house feel a little cozier. They are also amazingly quick and simple to install as long as you have the right tools and directions.

You'll need to find the tools yourself, but we can help with the ideal directions. If you are interested in installing a dimmer switch, all you need to do is follow these step-by-step instructions. Installing a dimmer switch is easy and should take less than two hours. Here's how to do it, step by step:

1. Collect the tools you want.

With this endeavor, you'll need the dimmer switch of your choice, a change plate that matches it, and:

  • a flat head screwdriver
  • a phillips head screwdriver
  • needle-nose pliers

Most hardware stores sell an assortment of dimmer switches and switch discs. Think about measuring the length and width of the change you need to substitute. Just take the measurements with you to the shop so that you know what to buy. You can probably pick up any of the tools you're missing while you're there, also!

2. Turn off the power Jet Plumbers Arvada Colorado.

Flip the circuit breaker switch which controls electricity in the room where you are installing the fresher. This is quite important; you are going to be working with wiring and you don't need to shock yourself! After flipping the switch, confirm that the electricity is cut off by assessing electrical devices within the room in Arvada.

Just to be doubly sure, we also recommend using a voltage tester at the website where you're installing the dimmer. A voltage expert will tell you if there is an electrical current running through the wires inside the switch box. If your voltage tester determines that there is a current from the cable, do not take the upcoming steps.

3. Remove the current switch and change plate.

That is where your flat head screwdriver comes in. Use your horizontal head screwdriver to remove the switch plate from the wall where you are installing the dimmer. When you're removed the switch plate, you will see the switch mounted from the cable box. Use your phillips head screwdriver to remove the switch from the box.

Next, you will have to remove the cables from the old switch. Use your screwdriver to loosen the screws on the face of the switch. It is possible to detach the cables once they're loosened. Remember or write down wire color and placement position for later reference. Depending on how small a space you must work together, you may want your needle nose pliers.

4. Attach the new dimmer switch.

The dimmer switch may have three wires: black, white, white, and green (occasionally aluminum ). Recall where the wires were previously attached and reattach them accordingly. Twist the wires until they're firmly attached to the box.

5. Attach the dimmer back to the box and reinstall the switch plate.

After you're safely reattached the wires, fold some excess cable into the box. Be careful when you're tackling the wires. Double-check to make sure you've fit them all inside the box fully.

When you've put everything back inside the wall, then re-affix the switch plate and then twist it back in place. If everything looks good, go back to your circuit breaker or fuse box to turn it back on. After you turn the breaker back on, you can check the switch and dim or brighten the lights will.

There you've got it! If you follow all of these steps, you need to have the ability to install your own dimmer no problem. Of course, you do not need to do it yourself unless you would like to.

If you don't feel like installing your own dimmer for any reason, give Jet Plumbers Arvada Colorado a call instead. Our specialists are always ready to assist with almost any home utility project you need assistance with.