How to install a dimmer switch

Step-by-step tutorial on how to install a dimmer switch.

If you read this blog waaaay back when, you know how much I love dimmer switches. I think lighting is one of the most inexpensive and easiest ways to create a mood in your home. And I just cannot express how much a dimmer switch will change the lighting in your room, for around $20.

If the light you are placing the dimmer on only has ONE switch that operates it, you'll need the single pole dimmer, like this one. This is GOOD because these are cheap -- less than $7 (edited to add that the cost has gone up over the years -- I can now find them for about $12).

Dimmers come in a mad selection of styles and you'll pay more for more bells and whistles. I like (affiliate) this brand and use it all the time:

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You can absolutely use dimmers on LED lights -- just make sure the dimmer supports it. 

If your light is controlled by more than one switch, you will need the 3-way version. You need to look when you purchase -- the packages are almost identical.

When you open it up, this is what you'll see:

(Stop shaking. It's easy, I SWEAR.)

The only tools you should need are a Phillips head screw driver and a flat head screwdriver:

Go to the switch for the light you are changing out and turn it on.

First so you can tell if you get the right breaker and second, it's a real PITA when you've run down a set of stairs, through the house and to the garage, turned off the breaker, run back through the house, up the stairs and then realized YOU HAVE NO CLUE WHICH SWITCH YOU ARE WORKING WITH! Whew.

Go to the breaker box, and turn the switch to off:
Make sure the light is NOT working.

Edited to add: Some electrician's will do this work without turning off at the breaker -- just the power off is fine for simple jobs like this. I'm an absolute freak about making sure the power is off though. I've learned over the years even if the light is off there can still be power running to the switch. I use a voltage tester EVERY time to insure there is zero power to the switch. Just to make sure.

Now you are free to use your flat head screwdriver to take off the switch plate. This is what you'll see:

Use your Phillips screwdriver to take the actual switch off the wall:

Then pull the whole switch out. 

There will be a wire connected to the green ground screw, and two wires connected to the switch -- either stuck inside it or tightened under the screws:

See that little bitty slat below? You'll want to use a small flathead screwdriver and push it in while you pull the wire out of the little hole above it. (If your wires are in there. See above.)

Sometimes you'll need a really tiny flathead -- it just depends on the switch.

Next, just follow the directions. Wrap the copper ground wire around the green wire on the dimmer:

Cap it off with the enclosed nut. Just stick it on the end and twist it. This ensures the wires stay connected and protected:

Then simply connect the other wires to those on the dimmer. With these it doesn't matter what wire is hot (black) and cold (white). But just in case, read the directions that come with your dimmer!

Twist together and twist the nut on:

Gently push all the wires back into the wall box:

That's it!! Told you it was easy. Screw the dimmer switch back onto the plate:

Go to turn on the breaker switch to make sure it is working. Again, make sure the light works.

Then go ahead and put the plate back on. Make sure all the little screws go the same way:

This part is optional. ;) So many issues, so little time.

That's it! You are done!! I have installed dimmers in pretty much every room in our house.

I have all of our ceiling fan lights on dimmers. Our master bath light is on a dimmer -- FABULOUS on dark mornings. All of our recessed lighting is on dimmers. 

Dimmers on your lights will save you money over time. We've been in this house five years and just last week changed out two recessed lights. They lasted FIVE years!

Disclaimer: MAKE SURE the breaker is turned off. If you've not tried this project, do your own research as well and try this at your own risk.

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