1/6/2024 0 Comments Installing dimmer switch![]() If you are using a steel box, take measurements of the height, depth, and width to determine its volume and ensure that it’s large enough. It is also important to know that a 15-amp circuit breaker will require a 14-gauge wire while 20-amp circuit breakers will need a 12-gauge wire or heavier. Once you get the figure, compare it with the volume of the box. You will know the gauge of the wire by checking the amperage of the fuse or circuit breaker of the electrical service panel. To get the minimum volume of the box in cubic inches, multiply the figure by 2.25 for 12-gauge wires and 2 for 14-gauge wires. Add 2 for every device including receptacle or switch that is installed in the electrical box. To help determine the minimum box size for your electrical code, be sure to add 1 for all ground wires combined, for all clamps combined, and for every neutral and hot wire going to the box. The volume of steel boxes is usually specified in the electrical code while that of plastic boxes is stamped inside. ![]() Some of the common metal box sizes include (measured in inches): In order to reduce this risk, the National Electrical Code spells out minimum box sizes. This is important because too many wires in a box can increase the risk of short-circuiting, overheating, and even fires. You need to determine the minimum box size that is necessary for the electrical code. Step 3: Figure Out the Minimum Box Size Required If it doesn’t light up, you can be certain that the power is off. Use the detector to probe for hot wires inside the electrical box. Once you have ascertained that the power is off, the next step is to take out the switch’s cover plate and pull the switch away from the box.We recommend using a non-contact voltage detector because it helps check the voltage and potential hot wires without making any direct contact with the metal conductor. Use a non-contact voltage detector to help you detect the voltage and check if there are any hot wires.You can turn off the circuit breaker or unscrew the fuse until the light goes off. Turn off the power to the electrical circuit of the switch.Step 2: Turn off Powerīefore you start to do any repair or installation, make sure that the power of the circuit is turned off. However, if you want the light to be controlled from 2 or more switches, consider buying a three-way dimmer switch. In addition, a single-pole dimmer is a great choice if you intend to switch the light on and off from one switch. Trailing edge dimmers have a lower wattage range and can easily read and control LED bulbs. Leading-edge dimmers are designed to work with incandescent bulbs while trailing edge dimmers work well with LED bulbs. There are 2 common household dimmers: leading-edge dimmers and trailing edge dimmers. ![]() For this project, you will need LED compatible dimmers. This includes 3-way dimmers, LED, and CFL dimmer switches. There are many types of dimmer switches in the market to choose from. If your dimmer doesn't have terminal wires, place a hook at the end of the stripped wire, wrap around the screw, and then tighten the screw.Before you start, you will need these handy tools: Many new dimmers no longer have terminal wires and use screw terminals that might be similar to the ones on the switch you removed instead. If the wires are flattened, nicked, or damaged, clip off this portion of the wire and strip a 3/4-inch fresh section. Straighten out any loops in the copper wires, using needle-nose pliers. ![]() ![]() The new dimmer switch will be connected to the circuit wires using wire nuts or another form of wire connector, so the circuit wires may need to be straightened. If your switch is attached via push-in fittings on the back, you can remove them by pushing a small nail into the release slot next to each push-in screw terminal, or simply clip them off with your wire cutters and re-strip them to the proper length. If that's the case, simply unscrew them and untwist the wires. Alternatively, your old switch might be connected with wire nuts. If a ground wire is also attached, disconnect it from the green ground screw. The Spruce Home Improvement Review Boardĭetach the circuit wires by loosening the screw terminals on the side of the switch and pulling the wires free. ![]()
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