How to install a dimmer switch

This video shows how to replace a standard light switch with a dimmer switch. Dimmer switches are popular because the light in the room can be dimmed to make the room lighting less bright. Before installing a dimmer switch you have to be certain that the lamps are of a dimmable type, some energy saving lamps, LED’s and fluorescent lamps are often not dimmable so you need to check this first.

[fesy]

Hello! Great video, also your attention to safety is very good. not everyone is this concerned about safety which is a darn shame.

[icandodgebullets]

I bought a 1 gang 1 way dimmer switch to install as I would like to dim the chandelier which is the only light in the room. When I take the old switch out, I see a blue, red, yellow wire, there's also a green earthing wire which isn't connected to the switch. On the dimmer switch there are 3 slots, L1, L2 & a crossed out arrow. Which colour wires do I need to connect to the dimmer switch? Help would be greatly appreciated.

[ultimatehandyman]

@andy johnson
Label each wire up with some masking tape before removing them. You can write on the tape with a pen where each wire goes ;-)

[strangersgarden]

I'm extremely confused, my outlet has two switches I can press but there is outlets that are sold that have two dimmers on a single outlet. So am I able to change my outlet to a double dimmer outlet, each switch controls a single light on the double outlet

[ashleysarginson]

On the switch I want to replace with a dimmer there are three brown wires one in L1 and two put into L2 AND L3 IS empty.

1 - What wires go where in regards to putting a dimmer in and

2 - should I be concerned that there are two wires into one terminal?

[paulperrin]

Are standard light bulbs used or do you use light bulbs specifically for dimmer switches??

[joemills]

If once I’ve replaced a normal switch with a dimmer the light simply switches on and off (when pushing the dimmer knob in), but doesn’t dim when I turn the knob, does that simply mean the lightbulb isn’t dimmable?

[Hixx_wz]

What colour is the dimmer for you and which did you put it in?

[miketravis]

Do we in the U K do the push button light switches like they do on the continent? You know, the ones that you push and have 30 seconds to get up the stairs after a skin full before the light goes out. My kid are forever leaving lights on.

[TheAudiostud]

Hello Chap. Is it at all possible that you could produce a demo video that explains how to wire a 3 way switch, I'm re-wiring my bedroom and would really appreciate it if you could explain how it's done, thank you very much for all the time you've taken to produce a excellent series's of videos

[allthingsTechrelated]

My old light switch only have 2 red wires in it. The earth wire is attached to the metal back box and the 2 black wires are connected using a plastic connector. I bought a dimmer switch but and connected the two red wires from the old switch to its common and L2 terminals as per the instructions but the light can only switch on and of but not dimmed. I using an LED bulb and I’m not sure if it’s the wiring or the bulb or both why it’s not dimming. Can you help please?

[glynnhancock]

What make is you tester? It looks really simple to use. - thank you.

[skedtm]

HOW DO YOU CHANGE THE BACKBOX? Where do you get the backbox from?

I just waisted £18 on a dimmer that doesn't fit even though i measured it. (Because there's not enough space for the wires)

[solie]

I got one issue though! When I opened my dimmer switch from the wall -to connect it, I found different color of wires from your white and black, does it matter which one goes where?
I found 2 red and 1 blue wires, my dimmer switch also has 2 screws, one labelled A, another labelled L

Please advise.

[damienmcloughlin]

Hiya. Mine has two wires goin into the common slot. When I wire it up and switch is On it makes a humming noise is that normal

[thomastuchel]

What lightbulb would u recommend with a 60-250w and 200-250v dimmer switch?

[cafevibeout]

Hello, does your light go completely off when you totally lower your switch?
I bought one and it won’t dim my light completely. What can be the cause of that?

[neilobusk]

Yo chez..the ones that have an infra remote are best..impresses the ladies
and more so when you say you had to make the back box fit  :)
informative as usual :)

Neil

[ImranAli-cqoz]

I don't have a black one, Where does the yellow one go?

[leon]

Very professional video. That light dimmer is it also working with light bulb cold light or with cold light neon?