How To Install A Single Pole Light Dimmer

Finally take note of the kind of switch you have as this will determine the type of dimmer you need.

How to install a single pole light dimmer. You will need a three way dimmer and a three way switch. For most do it yourselfers it is a fairly simple task to install a single pole dimmer switch which controls a light fixture from a single wall switch. They control the electricity to one light source. Installing a single pole switch.

This article is for a single pole dimmer switch. In this video learn how to install a dimmer switch. Most dimmer switches can handle 600 watts of power. But if you re replacing a three way switch with a three way dimmer label the common wire it ll be labeled on the old switch when you remove the old switch so you can connect it to the common terminal on the dimmer.

You have a single pole switch if you can only turn on off. Most also have a grounding screw that connects to the circuit s ground wire. This fixture has no on and off label and has three terminals behind the switch. We are replacing a basic single pole toggle switch for a lutron maestro ir 600 watt single pole digital dimmer.

This lets you dim from one location and turn the lights on and off from another. The other terminal is for a second hot wire called a switch leg that runs only between the switch and the light fixture. One screw terminal is for the hot wire that feeds the switch from the power source. You can find the switch we.

If only one switch controls the light purchase a single pole dimmer. Single pole switches are your standard light switches. With a three way dimmer you can control a light with two switches. Installing a dimmer switch helps you save energy and creates a relaxing mood in any room.

A basic light switch is a single pole with an on and off label. They have two screw terminals plus a ground screw. For example if you have two 75 watt lights your total load is 150. You will need a dimmer that s rated for at least 150 watts.

With a standard single pole dimmer a single switch controls the light. Check the rating of the dimmer switch you purchase. It doesn t matter if you reverse the two switch wires to a single pole dimmer. There are also three way dimmers designed when you want to control lighting from two switch locations.

When installing always connect two hot wires to it not two neutrals. This type of light switch controls one light fixture or electrical outlet from a single location. When you control a light in two separate switches you actually have a three way switch. Dimmer switches don t work on most fluorescent fixtures and low voltage lighting requires special low voltage dimmers.

This allows you to turn the light on and off from one spot in the house.