How to Install a Dimmer Switch - Ace Hardware

Learn how to replace a dimmer switch. As you replace incandescent light bulbs with energy-saving LEDs or CFLs, your old dimmer switch might not be compatible. You'll need a universal dimmer switch and LED or CFL bulbs labeled as dimmable. Learn basic instructions for installing a single-pole universal dimmer switch including how to use a wire stripper, using a voltage tester and connecting wire nuts.
Featured Products:
Slide Dimmer
www.acehardwar...
Voltage Tester
www.acehardwar...

[@cindyyoung8602]

Thank you. You're video is the first one out of many that told me what to do with the ground wire on the new dimmer when my outlet box did not have one in the wall. Thank you again.

[@brightgarinson3099]

That was explained much better than Home Depot's video, thank you.

[@JBrodo]

The ultimate own 😂

[@bayleewiswell1130]

Dude which wires go where and how do you ground it to itself

[@wellblowmedown7645]

Grounded to the box, not the switch.

[@jefflebowski918]

Pertaining to the green grounding wire: dwellings built before 2011 didn't require a grounding wire on switches so if you don't have a green grounding wire then just cut the green wire or cap it off with a wire nut. If you are mounting the dimmer switch to a metal box then most likely it is grounded(bonded).

[@heidislz]

hello big lebousky. Mine came with the same green wire, I can make it an on and off switch but nothing more. I am looking into it further

[@gwynn1983]

Perfect demo video. Thank you!

[@carnation334]

For the green wire, where should we connected to? Ground wire! Where is that located? I wish you showed a closer look inside

[@MariaPeng23]

Please, where the green wire goes? I have one green, two red and one black. My wall only have two. What a headache! 🙄

[@jimh3267]

Clear as mud!

[@NasserAlhameli]

Did not explain the colores which in which,, you had 3 wires in the new swich, and 2 wires in the wall! This also I wish to know where did the 3rd wire go?!

[@tallxtal]

Great instructions! Thank you

[@blackfaceturdo9122]

He doesnt explain the wires properly, but it seems that the switch is at the end of a run, which means the power wire is fed through the lights first and then the switch at the end. I would check a diagram on that out to understand that better. Anyways if you are in a situation where your light(s) are controlled from one location you should buy a single pole switch it is cheaper and simpler. Unless you are wiring more complicated stuff or multiple switches that control the same lights (3 way switch) you will have 6 wires in your box. 2 bare wires, 2 whites and 2 blacks. The white wires are your neutrals and will most likely be conndcted together with a marettes. The bare wires are grounds, in the past i guess they didnt have these so, not sure what the code would be on this if you would have to update your wiring but techbically it will work without connecting a ground if you dont have one but I am not recommending that I would check with an electrician on that. Then you got your black wires these will be your hot wires the ones that can zap you. One should come from the breaker and the other one should go out to the light fixture. The dimmer switch should should tell you which wire connects to what. Also some boxes are plastic and some metal if you have a metal one the bare/ground wire should be connected to a screw on the metal box as well as your switch.

[@pookiehunter742]

Thanks you explained it very well.

[@tammyhood238]

How to connect a switch to a duplex outlet

[@sergiopuerta5538]

Thanks very useful!

[@AceHardware]

Thank you Sergio! Glad we could help!

[@eternalklothgardengangsta685]

Appreciate this

[@yiuleung-gk9nq]

My dad connects wires in these power sockets and never puts wirecaps on them. Never an issue or is it just miracle we never had an accident? Please comment 😊

[@AceHardware]

Oh boy! Yes it’s a miracle and wires connected should have wire nuts for a solid connection and safety

[@jackiroberts5451]

So it doesn’t matter how the black wires are hooked up

[@jackiroberts5451]

My dimmer has 1 black. 2 red and 1 green

[@debmnmn5054]

What if the box has no ground wire for connection?

[@AceHardware]

Hi There, If it’s a metal box and your home has conduit throughout then it’s known as a bonded system and when the device is properly installed that becomes the ground. Hope this was helpful!

[@angelc7984]

What if the box is plastic ? What do you do with the green wire if there’s no other wires?

[@AceHardware]

Hi Angel, Great question! This varies by dimmer switch. Since this pertains to electrical we want to be cautious of your safety. We suggest taking some photos to your local Ace of your plastic box, available wires and the dimmer switch package.

[@angelc7984]

@@AceHardware the switch that’s on there now is just a basic up and down switch, with two wires connections. With a plastic box.

[@MariaPeng23]

I have in the wall only two wires, but the new dimmer came with 4 wires, I don't know where they go. 🙄

[@chuganip1]

Can I use a dimmer switch on normal LED bulbs or do I need to use dimmable bulbs?

[@AceHardware]

Hi Pooran, You'll need to use dimmable LED bulbs as well as a universal dimmer switch in order to compensate to the LED Technology. Hope this helps!

[@carnation334]

I got mine today and it has 2 black and one green in the bottom. I can do 2 black to the 2 black in the wall. But what should I do with green wire one that had no wire to go to

[@AceHardware]

Hi There - We suggest you bring a photo of your light situation to your neighborhood Ace. Since we're not able to see the entire situation with the switch we want to air on the side of caution since electrical can be dangerous.

[@carnation334]

@@AceHardware Thanks for the reply

[@jefflebowski918]

Don't worry about the green grounding wire, it isn't needed, cut it off or cap it.

[@fredishabanks4601]

Just threw me off with the extra cord on the dimmer.

[@runamuckretreatmccarthy1554]

I got the new switch that looks exactly like the one he's installing but the one I got has a black, a red, a red with stripes and a green wire. Meanwhile I have one black and one white coming from the receptacle :0(

[@saaah707]

You got the three-way dimmer mentioned @ 1:00

[@carial69]

not helpful. didn't what wires from dimmer to connect wires in box..

[@ChristianDaughter1]

You go by the color

[@papawd3991]

Useless video unless you’re 9 years old

[@billjones3071]

Get an electrician, people don’t mess with electric really not worth it