This post examines the typical problems associated with the question: “ Can you put a dimmer switch on any lights”. The answer is yes. Many common fixtures will work with conventional dimmers and can save you energy in the process.
How to wire and install a light switch?
How to Wire a Light Switch
- Safety First. Always turn the power off at the breaker before starting any electrical project. ...
- Remove the Old Switch. Your switch is attached to the electrical box using two screws. ...
- Detach the Wires. ...
- Wire the New Switch. ...
- Attach and Cover. ...
- Test Your New Switch. ...
How to wire a dimmer switch in your home?
- Unwire the Black wire from the external switch and directly connect it with a CAP to the Load.
- Connect a 3rd additional white wire to the COM terminal of the external switch. ...
- You may leave the red wire in the original wiring location.
- Now turn on power from your circuit breaker and test.
Can you put any light on a dimmer switch?
Light Bulbs will work with any dimmer switch. This is because bulbs will only burn out if you go over their voltage, not if you stay under it. In fact, running a light bulb at a lower voltage can actually increase its lifespan. Why do lights flicker when using dimmer?
How do you install a single pole dimmer switch?
Install a single pole dimmer switch by first connecting its ground wire to the green or bare copper wire in the electrical box. Connect its two remaining black wires to the black or black and red wires in the electrical box. Install a three-way dimmer switch by first connecting its ground wire to the green or bare copper wire in the electrical box.
Can you change a normal light switch to a dimmer?
While you can replace regular switch with dimmer, identify the number of switches controlling the light fixture. If multiple switches control the light, you may want to get a three-way dimmer and a three-way switch.
Can any light fixture be dimmable?
Most light fixtures with incandescent or halogen bulbs are dimmable. However, not every light fixture can be dimmable. Many LED or CFL bulbs aren't automatically dimmable, either. Check your bulb and circuits to ensure they have dimming capabilities.
Do you need an electrician to install a dimmer switch?
You may be able to install a dimmer switch yourself if you have worked with electricity before, but if you're uncomfortable with the process, you should hire a licensed electrician.
What happens if you put a dimmer switch on a non-dimmable light?
Is it possible to dim them anyway? Simply, you can't dim non-dimmable LED lights. If you use non-dimmable lights in a dimmer circuit, they will either flicker or just run at full brightness. They will likely burn out faster, too.
How do I know if my light is dimmable?
#1 – If you bought a finished LED fixture or bulb, check to make sure the packaging specifically states that it is dimmable. This should be stated in the description or the technical specifications of the light.
How do you know if a fixture is dimmable?
LEDs that are dimmable are typically labeled as such on the box. If it isn't labeled as dimmable, it's safe to assume it isn't. Use only dimmers designed for LED to dim LED light bulbs! Please note that dimmable LED lamps currently have a lower dimming range than a filament lamp.
How much does an electrician charge to install a dimmer switch?
How Much Do Dimmer Switches Cost? Dimmer switches cost between $10 and $35 on average, although some higher-end models can be more expensive. On top of this, installation costs can be between $100 and $200, depending on the service and your location.
What can go wrong with a dimmer switch?
7 common LED dimming issuesDrop out. This symptom occurs when you are trying to dim the lighting down and the light suddenly cuts out before you slide to the bottom of the switch.Pop on. ... Dead travel. ... Ghosting. ... Flickering. ... Strobing. ... Flashing.
What kind of dimmer switch do I need for LED lights?
Trailing edge dimmers work best with LED light bulbs and leading-edge dimmers work best with traditional incandescent and halogen light bulbs.
Do you need special light bulbs for dimmer switches?
Incandescent and halogen light bulbs work well with dimmer switches. However, due to many advances in lighting technology, CFLs and LEDs are catching up and doing a good job, the same as incandescent light bulbs do.
Why are some LED lights not dimmable?
Damage or failure - LED driver, circuit or LED is damaged or fails. Load below minimum - The power load of the LED lamp is below the minimum required by the dimmer. Mixed models- Different models of LED will likely have different drivers - since drivers behave differently this could result in dimming issues.
Can all LED lights be dimmed?
When it comes to LED lighting people often wonder if LED lighting is dimmable. The short answer to this question is: Yes, LED lighting is certainly dimmable!
Can I put a dimmable bulb in a non dimmable fixture?
You shouldn't have any problems. Dimmable LEDs, when installed in a non-dimming switch, will operate at 100% output and will run just as just fine.
Are all LED light fixtures dimmable?
Not all LED lamps or bulbs are dimmable, so it is important to find out if it is dimmable before you buy it. If you pruchase a lamp that requires a bulb, it is always indicated whether the lamp is suitable for LED light source and if the lamp is dimmable also.
Do dimmable bulbs work in any lamp?
You can use a dimmable LED lamp in a non-dimmable circuit. You should NOT use a non-dimmable lamp in a dimmable circuit as it may cause damage to the lamp and or circuit. Integral lamps are clearly marked as dimmable or non-dimmable on the packaging and on the lamp.
Do you need special light bulbs for dimmer switches?
A dimmer switch can only support LEDs, CFLs and other lights that are made up of advanced technology and have a dimming feature.
What are the different types of dimmer switches?from familyhandyman.com
There are several types of dimmer switches out there. We show the single switch but there are also three-way dimmers, CFL and LED dimmer switches.
How many watts does a dimmer handle?from familyhandyman.com
Most dimmers are designed to handle 600 watts. Add up the wattage of all the light bulbs you'll be dimming. Then read the dimmer package to make sure it can handle the load. Heavy-duty 1,000- and 1,500-watt dimmers are also readily available.
How to tell gauge of wire in switch box?from familyhandyman.com
To help determine the gauge of the wire in your switch box, look at the amperage of the circuit breaker or fuse in the main electrical panel. Fifteen-amp circuits are usually wired with 14-gauge wire and 20-amp circuits require 12-gauge or heavier wire.
How to connect stranded wires to a dimmer?from familyhandyman.com
Some dimmers, like the one we're installing, have stranded wires attached. Hold the wires together with the stranded wire protruding about 1/8 in. beyond the solid wire. Match the size of the wire connector you’re using to the size and number of wires being connected. Check the manufacturer’s specifications on the package to be sure. Twist a plastic wire connector clockwise onto the wires to connect them. Stop twisting when the connector is snug.
What color are the wires on a switch?from familyhandyman.com
In most cases, the two switch wires will be some color other than green or white, usually black. But one of the wires may be white if your house is wired with plastic-sheathed cable. Put a wrap of black tape around the white conductor to label it as a hot wire.
What to do if your switch is connected to two white wires?from familyhandyman.com
Call an electrician if the original switch is connected to two white wires. This may indicate a dangerous switched neutral. Also, if you have aluminum wiring, don't mess with it! Call in a licensed pro who is certified to work with it. This wiring is dull gray, not the dull orange that's characteristic of copper.
Can you change a dimmer switch?from familyhandyman.com
It's easy to install a dimmer switch, but make sure to upgrade the wiring if necessary to make it safer and meet Electrical Code requirements. We'll show you how to assure a safe installation.
How do dimmer switches work?
The project starts with shutting off the power at the breaker and confirming the power is off before touching any wires. Once you have the old switch out of its electrical box, you can examine the circuit wiring.
What wires are used to connect a dimmer switch?
Whatever the circuit configuration, the two wires attached to the switch, along with the green ground wire, will be the wires that will connect to the new dimmer switch.
What to do if your LED bulb is off?
If you’re using an LED bulb and it flickers or it turns off well before the dimmer reaches its lowest setting (most LEDs cut out a little bit early, even when they are well matched to the dimmer), try a different bulb, preferably a model recommended by the switch manufacturer.
What is the wire on a switch?
The cable may have two "hot" wires (usually black and red) connected to the switch's side terminals, a neutral wire (usually white) not connected to the switch, and a ground wire connected to the switch 's ground screw .
How to test a switch for voltage?
Remove the screws on the switch's cover plate, and remove the cover plate. Without touching any wires, use a non-contact voltage tester to test the switch terminals and each wire in the box to confirm that there is no voltage. If the tester lights up, indicating live voltage, return to the breaker box and switch off the correct breaker, then retest for voltage at the box.
How to test a switch without touching wires?
Without touching any wires, use a non-contact voltage tester to test the switch terminals and each wire in the box to confirm that there is no voltage. If the tester lights up, indicating live voltage, return to the breaker box and switch off the correct breaker, then retest for voltage at the box.
How many wires does a switch have?
If the switch is at the end of its circuit (called end-of-run), it will have only one electrical cable (containing multiple wires) in the box. If the switch is in the middle of the circuit (middle-of-run), it will two and sometimes more cables in the box.
What happens when you use a conventional light dimmer?
So if you use a conventional light dimmer, what happens after is that the light in the fluorescent will be in a constant state of restarting if you try dimming it. It is likely the bulb won’t light if you attempt to dim it.
What is a dimmer?
A dimmer is a rheostat that is used to control the intensity of domestic electricity. A dimmer switch, on the other hand, is an adjustable light switch that can be used to adjust the level of intensity or brightness of a switched lamp from dim to bright and vice versa.
Why do people use fluorescent lights?
Because it is expensive, it is mostly used in institutional or commercial outlets. You can also adopt the use of fluorescent lighting in your home as most homeowners are now embracing it, even if it’s expensive. If the energy used in your residence is high, and if you are having energy utilization/efficiency difficulty.
Can you change the brightness of fluorescent bulbs?
Note, that changing the brightness of fluorescent is not as simple as changing the switch of a regular bulb. For you to achieve this aim, there are some simple fixtures and dimming control measures you have to arm yourself with. In the past, homeowners were not as concerned with the intensity of the light that the fluorescent radiates out as they ...
Can you use a dimmer switch with a CFL bulb?
On the other hand, it is possible to make use of dimmers for both CFL bulbs and fluorescent. They both require a different method of achieving this goal. In the course of this post, I’ll be explaining to you how you can make use of a dimmer switch with a fluorescent bulb.
Can you install a dimmer switch on a fluorescent light fixture?
Do not attempt to install a dimmer switch if you have an older fluorescent light fixture that’s not compatible with dimming. You’ll have to replace the entire system with a new one. This same rule is applied to the CFL. If you fit a dimmer switch to a fixture that is not compatible, you’ll overheat the bulb, and this will cause them to burn in no time.
Can you dim fluorescent lights?
Well, the good news is that, yes! You can dim the fluorescent light, but specific considerations must be applied, explains a professional and experienced electrician in Hertfordshire, Theedam Electrics. On the other hand, it is possible to make use of dimmers for both CFL bulbs and fluorescent. They both require a different method ...
