How to Install a Dimmer Switch | Beginners Electrical Guide

In this DIY electrical guide i will be showing you how to change a light switch for a dimmer switch. I will show you step by step how to easily wire up a new dimmer switch. If you like the content leave a like and please subscribe for more content like this as I've got a lot more to come and there will be something that will help you out.
Check out my other videos on my channel, there are a lot more electrical guides!
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If you are not confident undertaking electrical work then you should have this work undertaken by a qualified electrician.

[@chisharpe3304]

37 just bought my first house. your channel is brilliant for people like me. thanks so much for taking the time. my current dimmer is arcing so need to replace it.

[@billyblackie9417]

This is really great I always wanted to install dimmer switches in my house but too scared to do because on the common thing most people are afraid of that is "The Fear Of The Unknown." But I should have done what I usually like to do which is to buy one and examine it. I usually like to keep things I'm not sure of for a few weeks so I can look at it from time to time to get to know and understand its characteristics first and then feel confident enough to try using it. Just like I do with tutorial videos. I know when I watch a video but then after watching the video a few more times I understand it much better and become more knowledgeable of the item in the video and eventually build up confidence to attempt the task but I always apply it to an area that mistakes won't harm or cause problems and when I'm certain it works ok I examine it further before applying to the intended place I need it. Great tutorial guides in your videos and a great asset for teaching ordinary household folks that can feel the problem is bigger than it actually is. Thank you so much for your expertise and great quality teaching? I'm going to send this video to a few friends I know who would love to learn these and follow you for your advice and techniques

[@TheDIYGuy1]

👍

[@AccountantDoesDIY]

Enjoying your channel mate. I’m a relatively competent DIYer but electrics is my weak area. For dimmers it’s probably worth mentioning Leading edge vs Trailing edge. This caught me out when doing a similar job to your video a few months ago and I ended up having to do a bit of Googling on the topic!

[@rymo353]

Glad I came across your channel. Great content and format - very clear and concise. Keep up the good work!

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Thanks, glad you like the channel

[@gordonboyd4347]

Very professional really well presented with super video quality backed up with a great delivery and as a novice DIY you've given me the confidence to change my broken dimmer switch. My Mrs will be pleased as we have had no lights in the kitchen for weeks and Xmas is 2 weeks away!!! Well Done The DIY Guy.

[@2702simmo]

Cheers Helped me massively this morning

[@101ckes]

Thank you ever so much for this video. I was pulling my hair out about the earth wire. Old metal plate switch had the earth, but new plastic one has not. It's now fitted and working perfect. Thanks again

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Glad it helped

[@dragonwolf3215]

Excellent. Simple and clear.

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Thanks a lot 😁

[@jeanbrown6472]

Managed to do it !! thanks

[@gulshankhan78]

Thank you this helped alot! Nice step by step

[@garranstvall1442]

Top channel! Full of great content! Thanks for sharing your knowledge. 👍🏾

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Thanks, your welcome.

[@mohammedmubark4834]

Thanks mate. You’re amazing

[@sycko80]

Great Video, thank you

[@OllyDawson]

Nice tutorial thanks

[@kamaljitlall9329]

Excellent video. Very concise and stepwise details. Thank you. Kam

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Glad it was helpful!

[@samiulhoque5865]

This is one of the best video I have ever watched in my life. I was always scared of changing even simple light bulbs. Getting confident everyday after watching your video. Bless you and Thank you.

[@stewartroberts2983]

Thanks for the video it will come in handy in the future😄🤔

[@jackhouldsworth8640]

love your videos mate keep them coming :)

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Thanks very much 👍

[@brettwainwright512]

The best DIY channel! So clear and precise.. Thanks DIY guy. Can't wait for the next one. 👍

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Thanks very much. Glad you like the content

[@Pronto2399]

Glad I found you ,Great information easy to follow

[@TheDIYGuy1]

👍

[@DjGiluk]

Useful video, I really enjoy your content. Thanks

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Thanks a lot!

[@hollypotts721]

Very well explained.

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Thanks 👍

[@paulpinto8691]

Thank you brilliant 1 question why do you sleave the L1 wire with a brown sleave ?

[@manval7183]

Electrics scare the life out of me. So thanks for the video. Dimmer fitted and working perfectly 👍

[@nhcharmedone]

I just love watching him 😁

[@TheDIYGuy1]

👍

[@andrewsinclair6236]

Hi DIY Guy! An excellent tutorial in a clear voice with precise instructions and warnings of pitfalls to avoid ( e.g. Lighting types, and power Loads ). Do you have ( or plan to have any videos ) for Double or 2-gang light switches on the same plastic plate which cover large rooms with 2 or more lighting circuits? For example, one push dimmer switch controls the kitchen area LEDS and the second dimmer switch on the same plastic plate controls the rest of the LEDS (each of 8 watts ) lighting of the sitting room. It would be of great help to many. Thanks in advance.

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Hi. Thanks for your comments. You might want to keep your eye on next Saturday's video 🤔😉

[@jo-9432]

I'm dendist and he helped me so much

[@S.p.h.2021]

Going back to the pir video, can u also use in halls, can u retain the switch or is it removed completely, for example landing hall stair switch up and down, so u would need 2xpir linked?

[@sladechriss]

Thank yoooooooo. Absolutely perfect 😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@TheDIYGuy1]

You're welcome 😊

[@lukeokafor3870]

Hi, thanks for the videos, they really do help. I tried to fit a dimmer switch to my light but there are two brown wires one to L1 the other to L2. No common connected to the switch. How do I go about that? Thanks

[@anwarbutt4403]

Hi love you videos!. Really helped me out I actually fitted downlights in 3 rooms because of your video so thanks!. I wanted to ask if you have a video for a double dimmer switch?.

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Thanks

[@george_davituri]

Nice

[@Hornetpasan]

thank you very much

[@TheDIYGuy1]

No worries!

[@ayaantoqir9879]

This man is soo diy and has is soo smart.Also, thanks for the tutorial. By the way I'm literally a 14 yr old watching this.

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Lol thanks very much

[@jurekmagda1]

Thanks

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Very welcome

[@deans6571]

I’m looking at doing the reverse - changing a dimmer switch to a standard on/off switch. Is the procedure the same - detach blue and brown wires and re-attach to standard switch (UK) ?

[@Dg-zj6jo]

in the good old days it was live and neutral marked on the inside of the switch very easy

[@darrenmackenzie1892]

Great video straight forward instructions. I'm about to fit a dimmer switch but the one I have has 2. 1. And c. I'm wanting to know what the 2 is for? Thanks again

[@darrenmackenzie1892]

I'm have a room that has 2 switches but I'm planning to install a dimmer that will control 4 led downlighters. I connect the live to c terminal? And the neutral to 2?

[@ARPC_jb78]

Great vid and very informative. We have two lights on a double switch in our front room anychance of doing a vid on how to install a dimmer switch on them pls. Your channel is a god send. Just gained yourself another subscriber my good fellow. 👍

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Noted!

[@tomfleming1924]

Excellent. Thank you! Nice clear delivery (ie not talking like a machine gun) and easy to follow. No unnecessary details to muddy the waters. Subscribed..

[@01andy17]

Just installed a dimmer switch thanks to this video, but now lights take a second or two to come on. Checked the wiring and connections but can understand why. Just installed some luceco f type 5w spot lights.

[@ses6jwg]

Can you fit a dimmer to any pedant provided the bulbs are dimmable?

[@gordonmccrae5975]

Hi love your videos could you tell me what the L2 means I have a British general dimmer switch to install it has L2 on it. What does it mean? Is this the Earth that I attach to the box if it’s metal back box. Thanks

[@focusfanatic123]

Hi What about regarding a standard halogen on/off switch …. I’ve Changed the lights to LED (cutting back the earth and leaving it disconnected)….. with installing a dimmable switch do I just cut back and tape up the earth same as the lights…. Then only using the live and negative? Thanks

[@CGRealStudios]

Can the neutral wire still be connected even if the back box and face plate are made of plastic ?

[@JohnDundee-el2ro]

Should have put a 6A wago on or 6A connector strip on the cpc sleeving can slip off

[@JonasBilly-iw2mw]

This is useful, I just wanna ask if I can connect a dimmer switch as a two way switching position

[@douglasgreaves188]

Yes, It was mentioned. Only 1 dimmer 2 will cause lights to stobe. Take photo of connections before disconnection, few different methods of wiring 2 way switch. Also check instructions so you can set dimmer range.

[@Ashpad83]

What switch would I need for 9 bulbs?

[@Devil_Z786]

Wow

[@lindybeige]

And if the recess behind the old switch is not deep enough for the new dimmer switch, then... Also, remember that not all light bulbs are dimmable.

[@jbmurphy4]

I had this issue without having enough space. I went and bought a light switch bracket/spacer in my local DIY shop for about 1-2$ when I realised I had this issue.

[@isaac_k98]

I always imagined you as more of an oil lamp kind of chap :)

[@sharonchandler2909]

Ive got 5 50w 12v GU5.3 2 pin bulbs which are dimmable.....can you please tell me what voltage is needed in a dimmer switch? I know the bulbs say 12v...but do you stick with 12v for 1 bulb or times that voltage by how many bulbs you have?.....ie 1 bulb= 12volts....or....5 bulbs= 60volts? I just need to make sure im getting the right switch thank you

[@darklugia7]

Thank you for the video. Is there any reason to worry about switches with metal faceplates?

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Your welcome

[@miteshsoni-ew8yy]

Could you please tell me how to connect the double dimmer. ?

[@danstrain285]

Hi, my light switch has a wire going into L2 and a wire going into COMMON. My dimmer has an L1 and a squiggly line with an arrow through it. Do i put the COMMON wire into the squiggly line one and the L2 into the L1?

[@dominic6599]

What if you don't know the voltage to the lights is there harm in just getting a high voltage dimmer switch just so your sure it'll work?

[@adriankempinski4691]

What about if my touchable dimmer need a neutral in the box and have only earth and live ? Have LED downlights dimmable and smart dimmable switch. Downlights flikkering.

[@mineralisk]

I have the same switch but with two knobs. I have only three wires (two black and one brown). Can I still use my switch with two knobs?

[@eltontsang9079]

Hi,my bathroom got extractor is buy 1 grang 2 way pls ? Thanks

[@marmadukewinterbotham2599]

When I took the old plate off, there was a third - going into the 'loop' connection? Where should this go in the new dimmer switch?

[@manuelcaeiro7779]

One question. I changed one, but it makes a small noise. Is that normal? I put the red wire in L1 and the other one in the middle one.

[@matchmasters...solochallenge]

Hi bud, I have a metal front and back on my current switch which needs changing, so the earth is attached to the front of the switch I'm going to take off, the switch I'm replacing it with is plastic and not meta like the old one, my question's are 1. Can I replace the metal switch with a plastic one? 2. If so where does the earth wire need to go? Do I attach it to the new plastic switch? Thanks for any help you can give

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Hi, yes you can use a plastic switch. The earth wire(CPC) only needs to connect to metal. It will need to be attached to the metal back box but can either be terminated in an earthing terminal on the plastic switch or can be folded over and left inside some sleeving for a later date should it be needed.

[@williamneves4290]

I have a dimmer switch using a normal bulb (not LED) and I want to have a LED bulb. Can I use my current switch with any LED bulb? or do I need a specific dimmer switch for a LED bulbs? or can i use my current switch but need to get a dimmable LED bulb? thanks for your help.

[@benstephens6869]

You need an LED specific dimmer switch I'm afraid.

[@DerekHundik]

1:06 its not MCB aka breaker but RCBO. I wonder whats the install here as next to it is RCD....?

[@jameshaliday1929]

cheers mate ,uuh ,common in united states could be common ground,or and I never put white or green tape on a hot that is black red orange blue yellow , white neutral, wich at times carries current, all the best enjoyed the vid ,check out the great american baking show.

[@JYAR1]

HI - ive installed a dimmer on a LED fixture that states its dimmable. Since fitting its now buzzing, never buzzed while on a normal switch and doesnt buzz when the light is full "on" - as soon as we dim it it starts to buzz. All wires are connected securely and earthed properly, doesnt throw the breakers. Any ideas?

[@DerekHundik]

You need dedicated dimmer for LED they come with some adjustement screw.

[@raymondfairlie4386]

Tryd that and the buzzing from the dimmer switch. Was loud. , just changed it back

[@timmarshall9614]

So fitted a dimmer switch to my sons bedroom flickers very bad had to change it back to a normal switch .any ideas what’s causing this thanks

[@ArikCool]

Check if the lights are dimmable. Most lights aren't dimmeable

[@benarlow6707]

Great content, are you but any chance a fellow norfolk or Suffolk man ?

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Norfolk 😃. Thanks

[@benarlow6707]

@@TheDIYGuy1 Suffolk here, but I suppose we are neighbours ha

[@JG-fg1ye]

Why does my LED rated dimmer buzz when on ? I have the correct wattage of led and they dim perfectly and don’t flicker but the dimmer unit itself buzzes when on ? Any ideas much appreciated

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Quite a common issue. You can try changing the bulb and dimmer to see if one on those fixes the issue.

[@JG-fg1ye]

@@TheDIYGuy1 I got a sparky in, it turns out there are 2 types of dimmer leading edge and trailing edge, the former is the old type and typically needs incandescent bulbs and the latter is for LED, apparently the buzzing on the leading edge is normal, the trailing edge are silent. Apparently its not a fire risk just annoying and most people pay for trailing edge dimmers as they're silent, I will upgrade mine.

[@MaxRyderDragKing]

What does it mean if you have 2 common wires ?

[@DerekHundik]

How many wires are in back box

[@elainedelwiche6178]

Is this a UK connection?

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Yes it is

[@DerekHundik]

4:67 what he is saying here ? Two dimmers on one light cercuit ? One dimmer per circuit So if you have two way onstalation you can use only one dimmer switch

[@oscarw1976]

Yes, one dimmer max. If you need another switch just use a normal light switch as the second switch

[@weemanling]

My light switch seems to be installed into a noggin, so i don't have the depth for a dimmer.

[@jmoz]

I have a dimmer switch that’s buzzing really loud. Any ideas?

[@thegoon-w3g]

Strange

[@thegoon-w3g]

What is a dimmer switch anyway

[@thegoon-w3g]

I've never Hurd of one

[@timmarshall9614]

I there I have also got the same problem did you get this resolved if so how .

[@KM-gt3xx]

I have 3 wire's 😳😳😳 so what happens with that

[@robertpowell7672]

Job done so long as the lamps are dimmer compatible.

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Absolutely

[@glynknox4089]

You cannot and should not rely on a volt stick to prove a circuit is dead. You also have to check that your lamps are suitable for dimming switches. Not all switches can dim LED. Just checking the wattage capacity of your switch is not enough. No explanation for putting a switch into a plastered wall where you may need to recess a new box into the wall structure. DIY the job once then call a qualified electrician to sort it out properly.

[@waddahrasengan3414]

Waaaaaay tooooo much details

[@philipgreenwood746]

The blue wire is a switch wire not a neutral, get your facts right you are only confusing people who shouldn't be doing it in the first place

[@TheDIYGuy1]

The blue wire is a switched live indicated by brown sleeving. Originally a blue wire(neutral) Let me know if you need any help with this.

[@philipgreenwood746]

hi again, I know it's a switch wire (50years domestic electrician) just retired, however in the video you mentioned at 6. 27 mins it was a neutral, regarding the old colours, I know what you ment but the novice won't,

[@toshbrown674]

Well done, great channel and very easy to follow, thank you.

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Thanks 👍