How To Install A Dimmer
Tools Needed to Install a Dimmer:
- Screwdriver
- Neon Circuit Tester
- Needless Pliers
- Wire Connectors
- Masking Tape
Procedure to Install a Dimmer:
Before you start installing a dimmer, make sure you take all the important
safety precautions. To install a dimmer is fun but can be dangerous if
the safety precautions are not taken. Turn off the main power at the breaker
panel or fuse box (Fig 1)
After you have turned off the power, remove the wall plate of the dimmer
and then the switch mounting screws. Do not touch the wires, check with
the neon circuit tester that there is no power in the wire and they are
not live. If your dimmer is ground able, then the dimmer has a green hex-head
screw at the end. Connect the ground cable first before you connect the
remaining cables. If there is no green cable, then there should be a bare
copper cable as a ground.(Fig 2)
Most of the dimmers have standard termination screws and can be easily
hooked up using the screwdriver or they can be connected by slicing the
wires and tighten them using the screwdriver.(Fig 3)
Once you have connected the wires carefully, its time to check the new
installed dimmer. Turn on the main power and check the dimmer. If it works
successfully, turn off the main power again. Now use a good masking tape
to cover all the bare connections behind the cover plate with the tape.
After you are done with the wires, put back the face plate and screw it
back to the wall. (Fig 4)
Safety Precautions for project 'How to install a Dimmer'
- Make sure to turn off the main power
- Tools and Hands are dry
- Do not short the wires
- Keep children away from LIVE wires.
Where the Dimmers cannot be Installed
- Circuit Controlling a motor, for instance, a fan.
- Circuit Controlling a receptacle, for instance, a fluorescent light.
Fan and Fluorescent lights come with special dimmers which are to be installed
with them. We cannot install the regular dimmers for such circuits. These
dimmers have their own special 'How
to install a Dimmer' instructions and should be followed carefully.
The installation of such dimmers need at least intermediate level of experience
of dimmer installation.
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