How To Remove Rotary Dimmer Switch
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How to replace a regular switch with a dimmer switch? Many architects designing homes and commercial structures now opt to put a dimmer switch to enable controlling the lighting systems. By installing a dimmer switch, you lot can manage the radiance and ambient low-cal intensity in any room. Non simply can you lot alter the mood simply by adjusting the light, only there are several other positives to having this neat gadget in your dwelling house. Read ahead for detailed information most how to convert regular switch to dimmer. We'll also put down responses to some of the almost commonly-asked questions users take.
Having a dimmer switch has several advantages.
The power to dim the lights as and when needed has several positives for your psyche. Softer lighting has a calming upshot and lifts your mood, which is why it is ideal for your dwelling house. Peculiarly in the evenings when y'all render home afterwards a long day at work. On the flip side, bright lights are suitable for office spaces since they mimic natural light and boost productivity.
Overall, dimming the lights is proficient for your health and the environment because information technology conserves ability. You'll not only make the room expect more highly-seasoned, only too make your bulbs last longer. In brusque, investing in a dimmer switch will event in a cracking return on investment (ROI).
What exactly is a dimmer?
A dimmer switch is essentially a potentiometer device that you connect to the lite switch that powers the lights. When you suit the dimmer, you change the voltage waveform, or current of the ability supplied to the lamp or bulb. That's how y'all can raise or lower the intensity of the bulb's output lumens. When learning how to replace a regular switch with a dimmer switch, first identify the type of dimmer you lot need. Should you showtime to search around, you'll come across three types of dimmer switches, such as:
- Rotary dimmers: You can install these dimmers in cantankerous and two-way switches. Adjusting the light is done by turning the dial to the desired brightness. By pressing it, y'all can plow the light on or off.
- Bear on screen dimmers: Architects typically install them as a part of your smart home automation systems. They are installed on a wall and are ideal for adding a contemporary look and experience to whatsoever interior design.
- Universal dimmers: These dimmers are possibly the most common types and are easy to apply, similar to a regular lite switch. Universal dimmers are compatible with incandescent lamps, LED lights, and halogen lamps with depression or high voltage that accept magnetic or electronic transformers. Some brands are also bachelor with the retentiveness function, so yous tin can programme to calorie-free the specifications.
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Tin can you change a normal light switch for a dimmer switch?
To answer your question — can yous replace any light switch with a dimmer? And, just how difficult is it to go i for your home or workplace? Y'all will be surprised to know that replacing a regular switch and installing a dimmer is exceedingly convenient. As long equally you follow the mandatory safety precautions, even a beginner with no feel can replace the switch chop-chop. Before selecting the suitable dimmer, yous'll figure out three critical criteria.
Type of Light Fixture
You must select the right dimmer according to the lite fixture. The wrong dimmers will only consequence in the lights not working or flickering. For case, if y'all accept LED lights, yous'll want to get the LED dimmer since LEDs piece of work on DC current. Although CFL dimmers can also run LED lights, the reverse isn't true. If you have CFL lights, make certain to go but CFL dimmers.
The same rule applies to incandescent and halogen lights also. You'll select the suitable dimmers uniform with the lights. Keep in mind that dimmers don't work with fluorescent lights. Changing the light fixture is the only option if you absolutely need a dimmer.
Total Wattage Needed
If your light fixture has multiple bulbs, you'll choose the right dimmer accordingly. Check the total wattage for all the bulbs and match the figure to the rating on the dimmer switch. Brand sure the controller tin can tolerate the wattage load before purchasing.
Number of Switches Controlling the Lite Fixture
While you can replace regular switch with dimmer, identify the number of switches decision-making the light fixture. If multiple switches control the calorie-free, you may desire to get a three-manner dimmer and a three-style switch. Installing the ii will let you to turn on or off the lights from one location and dim the lights from the other location. Once y'all figure out this event, you tin can choose from standard single-pole dimmers and three-fashion dimmers. These are the two wiring configurations used in dimmer switches.
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How to Supervene upon a Regular Switch with a Dimmer Switch – Step-by-Pace Guide
Follow these steps and get the job done in no time.
Pace 1 – Safety precautions.
Cheque your main circuit box and place the wires running to the room where you'll work. Turn off the power and get back to the room. Flip the light on and off a couple of times to make sure the power is really off. That's how you eliminate the risk of getting electrocuted.
Footstep two – Remove the Existing Switch
Dimmers are typically designed to fit into the standard wall box plate, so replacing them should not be a problem. Remove the existing plate by undoing the screws, and use a voltage tester to check the lath to confirm prophylactic. Now remove the screws on the mounting plate and pull the switch away from the wall to betrayal the wires. Also, remove the wire nuts on the old switch.
Step three – Prep the Wires for the New Dimmer
Ignore the white wires and whatsoever others labeled "Common." Examine the other colored wires and their ends attached to the old switch. If you notice that they are burnt, charred, or show any signs of impairment, trim the ends with the wire cutter. Using the wire stripper, take off about ¾ inch of the casing to expose new wires. When learning how to replace a regular switch with a dimmer switch, carefully pay attention to the wire colors.
Stride 4 – Attach the Dimmer Wires to the Appropriate Wall Wires
If y'all encounter a bare copper or green wire in the wall, that attaches with the ground wire on your dimmer. Twist the two together securely and cap the wire with a connector. Make sure that the wire connector covers the exposed copper entirely. If non, remove the connector and trim the ends a bit more. You lot can now proceed with attaching the remaining wires.
Black dimmer wires must connect with the common wire. Y'all'll as well see that business firm traveler wires in the wall socket are red or white. Use a pair of pliers to twist the ends of each connecting wire pair securely. And, attach the wire connector caps on each.
Step v – Attach the Switch Mounting Plate and Wall Plate
Supervene upon all the wires in the electric wall box and attach the screws of the dimmer switch to the plate. Tighten the screws carefully and if your dimmer has a removable knob or any other parts, detach and set aside. Reattach the wall plate around your new dimmer by replacing the screws. You tin can now put back the knob or attachment. Your dimmer switch is at present ready for use.
Step 6 – Test the Switch
Now that you know how to replace a regular switch with a dimmer switch, information technology's time to test your installation. Become back to the master circuit box and turn on the power. Try the dimmer and encounter if it works as needed.
Can a dimmer switch be installed on any calorie-free?
Typically, yes! Bated from fluorescent lights, you can get the dimmer switch for any kind of light fixture.
Do y'all need special wiring for a dimmer switch?
Dimmer switches crave a three-wire cable called Romex. When you check the wires, you'll note that the dimmer comes with a green wire. You'll connect this wire to the grounding wire in the wall socket. Most buildings have bare copper basis wires, and you'll join them to the toggle switch.
What are the three wires on a dimmer switch?
Most dimmer switches have three wires: one black, ane white (OR Crimson), and perchance one greenish, the ground wire. This 3-wire NM creates a connection betwixt the travelers of the dimmer switch and the travelers of the light fixture enabling the brightness command feature. If your building is older, and you see merely 2 wires after detaching the switch plate, phone call in an electrician correct away. The ii wires are probable just a footing wire and a hot wire, and an adept volition know what to do next.
Following the instructions and information in this article, you can acquire how to replace a regular switch with a dimmer switch. Yous are at present ready to add together a whole new dimension to your interior's appeal.
References:
- https://www.nachi.org/usher-types.htm#:~:text=Romex%20is%20the%20trade%20name,used%20as%20residential%20branch%20wiring.
- https://onlinemba.unc.edu/news/how-lighting-affects-productivity/
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Source: https://theiotpad.com/tips/how-to-replace-a-regular-switch-with-a-dimmer-switch
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