How to install a dimmer switch

Disclaimer: This HOW-TO is for informational purposes only, and not intended to be advice.

Some provinces may require a licensed professional to perform such work. Check your local laws.

Turn the power off to the switch you’re going to replace.

Use the electrical tester to confirm that the power is actually off.

Remove the faceplate first.

You may need the slot screw bit on the multi-bit screwdriver.

Using the appropriate screwdriver bit, remove the old switch by unscrewing it from the electrical box.

Pull it away from the electrical box and disconnect the wires.

It's important to connect the wires correctly to the new dimmer.

Cover the ends of the wires with wire nuts, twisting the cap clockwise.

Turn on the power.

Hold the tester to the wires.

Mark the “Hot” wire with a piece of electrical tape.

If there are white wires at the back of the electrical box, they won't be needed for this installation.

Go back to the electrical panel and shut the power off.

Re-check that the power is off with the electrical tester.

The new dimmer switch has 3 wires.

One wire is for the “Hot” wire, the other wire is for the “Load” and the green wire is for the bare copper ground wire.

For this dimmer, twist the bare copper wire together with the green wire.

And secure with a wire nut.

Twist the “Load” wires together and connect them with a wire nut.

Twist the “Hot” wires together and connect them with a wire nut.

After mounting the dimmer, wrap electrical tape around the wire connectors for extra security.

Place the wires back in the electrical box

Tighten the screws attached to the dimmer switch.

Attach the face plate with the screws removed earlier.

Finally, turn on the circuit breaker.

Check the function of the dimmer and you're done!