How to Replace a Light Switch with a Dimmer Switch

Here I replace an existing light switch with a new dimmer switch.

Summary:

We wanted to add a dimmer to the light in our dining room, so here I describe the process of changing out the existing light switch with a new dimmable unit. Note some items below are links to Amazon products – if you’d like to support my efforts, you can do so at no cost to you by buying through these links for items you already might need to purchase.

Parts:

• Leviton Decora SureSlide Dimmer, Light Almond
• 100 Winged Wire Nut, IDEAL INDUSTRIES INC. (if not included in your new dimmer switch)
• Possibly a new cover plate if style has changed

Tools:

• Dewalt Cordless Drill Driver Kit
• Various bits (Phillips, regular, square)
• Linesmen’s Pliers

Detailed Description:

• Start by scoping out exactly what you’ll need for your project
  • What light dimmer switch do you need, color, style, etc.
  • Purchase any parts you don’t already have on hand
  • What tools do you need to finish the job
• Start by removing the cover plate, and pulling out the existing switch – take care not to touch any of the bare wires here.
• Scope out how the current switch is wired – which is the hot wire and which one goes to the light.
• Turn off the breaker, then confirm the power is off at the light switch.
• Review the instructions for your dimmer – they might be different than the one I used.
• Remove the existing switch – generally you’ll have to unscrew all the existing connection points to accomplish this – note which of the wires are the hot wire and the which one goes to the light.
• Wire the new switch in:
  • I usually start with the ground, seems safer to have this one connected first.
  • Connect the remaining two wires as indicated by the instructions.
  • As I note in the video, if you’re using wire nuts for the connection, I put some Z-bends in the solid wire, as this helps the wire nut hold better, making a better electrical connection overall.
• Tuck the wires into the box and remount the switch.
• At this point, I generally turn the breaker on for a quick test – if all is well, continue to replace the cover plate.
• Check this one off your list!! 8^)