The Right Way to Install a Dimmer Switch

Tackling this specific do it yourself project is incredibly uncomplicated: anybody (yes, even you) can do this.

Get Your Tools:
You will want to be sure you possess the equipment you require handy when you get moving. To start you’ll need the brand new dimmer switch (check to see if your switch comes with a plate – not all of them do). Next, get a screwdriver, needle nose pliers, a voltage tester (you could get one for cheap at a hardware store), plus some wire strippers. Having some electrical tape and wire nuts accessible will also come in handy.

Turn off the electricity:
What ever you decide to do, don’t skip this task! Go on into the basement and switch off the circuit which leads to the section of your home you will be working on. It may certainly not be a bad thought to place some tape over this circuit for now so nobody turns it back on while you are working. This is vital to make certain that you do not get hurt.

Take it Apart:
Unscrew the present plate on the switch you would like to upgrade and pull the switch out of the wall. Use the voltage tester for making doubly certain that there is not any electrical power coming in to the switch. Unscrew your wiring from the back from the old switch and throw it away. Use the wire strippers to cut off the bare wire you’ll find just below the insulation, and then strip off about 3/8th of an inch of insulation.

Put it Back Together:
Get your brand new dimmer switch out and match up your wires to the ones you just stripped (most dimmers will come with pre stripped wires). Use the pliers to twist both wires with each other and fasten a wire nut around the connection. Repeat this for all your electrical wires. Wrap a little electrical tape around each and every connection to keep them safe. Gently ease your wires back into the box (this can be a little tricky since dimmer switches can be a little larger than other ones).

Finishing Touches:
Screw the switch into your electrical box and also attach the plate onto it. Be certain the dimmer is in the “off” position, switch the circuit back on, and get pleasure from your new dimmer switch!

There’s no need to do a mad search for “electrician Oklahoma City” to get a new dimmer switch installed in your home. With a few tools and a little bit of know-how you can actually take pleasure in your brand new lighting scheme in no time.

Do not go digging in your walls just yet! Discover more about how to install a dimmer switch first click here

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