Replace Your Light Switch with a Dimmer

Replacing your light switch with a dimmer can make any room more comfortable. This easy to follow do-it-yourself guide will walk you through all of the steps necessary to turn static light living into a customizable light experience.

For this do-it-yourself project, replacing your light switch with a dimmer, you will need the following tools and materials:

Screwdriver

Circuit tester

Needlenose pliers

Wire connectors

Electrical tape

The first step for any do-it-yourself project which involves your electrical system is always to turn off the power to the area you will be modifying. You can do so at the main service panel, or breaker box.

Safety note: Do not touch any of the bare wires or screw terminals before you have used your circuit tester to make sure there is no live current running through them.

For the next step in replacing your light switch with a dimmer, you will need to remove the cover plate and mounting screws from your old light switch, before you test for live electrical currents. Once you have removed the cover plate and mounting screws touch one probe of the circuit tester to the grounded metal box or the bare copper grounding wires. If the circuit tester registers a charge go back your main service panel or breaker box and shut off the correct circuit.

When you are absolutely sure the correct circuit has been shut off, disconnect the light switch at the screw terminals. At this point, you will need to use your needlenose pliers to straighten the wires and clip off the ends.

For the next to last step in replacing your light switch with a dimmer, you will need to connect the dimmer leads to the circuit wire using your wire connectors. Fortunately, the circuit wires and leads are interchangeable, so you don't have to worry about which wire goes where.

Safety note: Cover any remaining bare wire with electrical tape to prevent possibility of sparking and or fires!

All that is left in replacing your light switch with a dimmer is to screw in the mounting screws, and the coverplate.

Return to your main service panel or breaker box and turn on the circuit to begin enjoying your new dimmer.