Around the House: Installing a Dimmer Switch

Installing a dimmer switch may seem overly complicated, but not after Home Depot spokesman Dave White explains the process to us!

Why Use a Dimmer Switch:

• Dimmers add flexibility and control to lighting while reducing energy consumption

• They're great for rooms that serve multiple functions, like dining rooms, family rooms and bathrooms

• Light bulbs last longer — By dimming lights just 10 percent, you save 10 percent on the energy for that light and you double the life of the bulbs. Dim lights to 50 percent to save 40 percent on energy and bulbs last 20 times longer. The triac component in a dimmer actually cycles the light on and off very rapidly — up to 120 times per second

• The longer the light is ON versus OFF, the brighter the light output. Likewise, the longer the light is OFF versus ON, the lower the light output and the greater the energy savings

Important Considerations:

• Before tackling this simple job, it’s important to know your switch type and wattage rating

• The new dimmer switch should be rated for the total wattage of the fixture. A chandelier with eight 100-watt bulbs is too much for a 600-watt dimmer to handle

• Don’t use a standard dimmer for a fan, or you will burn out the motor

Dimmer Options:

• You can buy rotary dimmers (the least expensive), dimmers that look like standard switches or models with a separate on-off switch so the dimmer will turn on at the level of your choice

• There’s even a dimmer switch for table lamps that plugs in just like an extension cord for instant dimmer capabilities

• Your local Home Depot tile department associate can help you determine what the best option is for your project

Install Dimmer:

1) Turn off power to the circuit at the main service panel

2) Remove standard light switch

3) Connect the wire leads of the dimmer switch to the circuit wires using wire connectors

- The switch leads are interchangeable and can be attached to either of the two circuit wires

- If your dimmer switch happens to have a third (green) wire, this is a grounding lead; attach it to the grounded metal electrical box or the circuit's bare copper grounding wire

Note: A three-way dimmer has an additional wire lead. This "common" lead is connected to the common circuit wire. On a three-way switch, the common circuit wire is the one attached to the darkest (or copper) screw terminal on the old switch; it also may be labeled with the word COMMON on the switch itself. Only one of the pair of three-way switches may be a dimmer switch; both switches will turn the light fixture on and off, but only one can control its intensity.

Product:
Lutron model Maestro — Retail $29.95

• Imagine your lights fading up and down smoothly, allowing your eyes to adjust
• This dimmer is packed with features including fade off, preset, full bright and soft glow LEDs
• Single-pole wiring for single-location dimming
• 3-way wiring for multi-locations
• Lutron Claro wallplate included
• Lutron technical support 24 hours a day/7 days a week
• Center button turns lights on to favorite level
• Lights fade up and down smoothly allowing your eyes to adjust fits large designer wallplate opening
• Soft LEDs show light level

Lutron model Dalia — $22.99

• Enhance your décor in as little as 15 minutes with a Dalia dimmer from Lutron, Style Made Simple
• A Dalia dimmer in any room will improve ambiance, enhance comfort and ensure you have the right light for any activity
• Plus saves energy and extends bulb life
• Features intuitive operation with easy to use and locate slide dimmer and on/off switch. Includes integrated locator light to find the switch in a dark room
•Available in an array of colors to compliment any decor
• Push button returns light to your favorite level
• Slide adjusts light to suite any activity
• Integrated locator light
• Saves energy and extends bulb life
• Laser beam guide for precision cutting
• Cutting dept. up to 2-1/4" thick tile
• Includes light telescoping stand with wheels

— For more information, visit: www.HomeDepot.com