How To Install Dimmer Light Fixture

Electrical wiring for dimmer switches and light fixtures.

How to install dimmer light fixture. If the dimmer has a separate wall plate tighten the. If you are installing a dimmer that has a removable knob remove the knob from the dimmer by gently pulling outward. Turn the power back on. Spread the components of your new light fixture on a flat clean surface.

First determine the type of light that will be connected to the dimmer. Trying to wire a new light fixture from one of the light switches or the dimmer switch may be very confusing and may not work at all. If testing reveals your box isn t grounded you can still install the dimmer but you must use a plastic cover plate and make sure no bare metal parts are exposed. Next determine how many lights will be connected to the dimmer and add up their wattage.

Then place the leads of a voltage tester between each screw terminal and the metal box. If you plan to use led cfl xenon halogen hid or fluorescent bulbs make sure the dimmer switch is rated for use with those specific bulbs. You ll save yourself time and labor by making these. Carefully tuck the wires back into the electrical outlet box.

Test it again for a ground. When adding an additional light fixture it is best to extend the wiring from one of the existing light fixtures and not the switch box.