How to Wire 12V Dimmer Switches | Interior Van Lighting Made Easy!

[@billcoleman7316]

I know that so many appreciate you showing them how to do so many DIY projects.

[@mallorymcguire833]

This is the one I used, super simple to wire up, just a red and black to the fuse block, and two sets of red and black for the lights control. Two lights on one circuit, wire in parallel before the wire to the switch.

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Yeah, perfect! Nice.

[@gsftom]

Great breakdown and illustration of how this works! I love seeing the detail and the parts used to do it. Thanks!

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Awesome! Glad it helped. Thanks for watching!

[@NorthwestLights206]

@@EXPLORISTlife so how does this dimmer switch install into the wall? I bought one and funny enough that’s the hard part. No mountain bracket, and it’s square so you can’t make a perfect hole. Trying to put it on a 1/2 wall. Thanks!

[@2sherrymoore]

You guys are sooo awesome! I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your videos!! Thank you for taking all the time to make such detailed and informative videos! #1 electrical and solar resource, thank you

[@avifeldman1447]

You guys are sooo awesome! I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your videos!! Thank you

[@Fire_Asian24]

Really nice tutorial and high quality, professionally made vid. Thx so much!!! Dallas, TX

[@CraigMullins1]

The one you linked to has 4 wires? Curious how many watts the switch uses with the LED wired directly no dimmer, led wired to dimmer switch full power, and half power. How much power the switch wastes? Some are super wasteful. Does the manufacturer of the LED bulb have a recommended dimmer switch to use?

[@3genac]

Is that a three way switch? Since I can’t find a quality three way dimmer switch combo, I guess I could put a good dimmer in-line like this? Thanks!

[@georgebarthel6621]

Hello Nate & Steph, in your 12v circuit diagram for a dimmer with 2 switch locations you have the: fuse panel > dimmer > S1 > S2 > lights. Could the dimmer be located after or in between the switches? Thank you!

[@madcow3417]

I suggest people pay attention to the maximum current of their dimmer switches. In this case 10 puck lights use 2A total current. This switch is capable of 6A max. It's all good. In my case I'm going to use somewhere around 8-10A current draw (larger space/more lighting) so I found a larger/uglier/more cumbersome dimmer.

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Absolutely! A good idea on switches as well. If I needed that kind of dimming amperage, I'd be going with this Blue Sea unit so I could use a Carling Switch that would match the rest of my switches. It's rated at 12A: amzn.to/3M1w0yG

[@madcow3417]

@@EXPLORISTlife This looks so much cooler than the one that I bought. I'll think I'll keep my current one in reserve and buy a Blue Sea dimmer instead. Thanks for the suggestions!

[@EXPLORISTlife]

No problem! Let me know how it goes. I haven't messed with that unit before in-person.

[@ernestomoreno1847]

What size fuse did you use for 6 lights? A lot of videos they show how to wire them but fail to mention the fuse size required to run those lights. In my case I have 6 of them. What size fuse is needed at the bus

[@mattpistritto1424]

Could I wire this exact setup to a normal male power plug after the fuse block instead of battery terminals?

[@daviscrt]

Great job on the video instructions. Thanks Don

[@grahammatthews8350]

Most items on my van use the chassis or body for connecting negatives, via a number of busbars. Will this wiring system work with that?

[@EXPLORISTlife]

I wouldn't recommend that, personally, but you could always try it out and see.

[@luckyli]

if i did this with multiple lights wired in parallel and 3-way switches, could I connect the dimmer to the second switch? would the negative dimmer wire have to go after all the lights?

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Try it out and see! Bench test it.

[@mermaidvanvb]

Is there a way to do an on off in front of van with dimmer & a simple off for the puck.lights by a bed? I purchased a rocker style dimmer w/ on off & simple rocker for that back - but my electrician friendvsays it can't be done 😢

[@iamjmiley]

Hey do you guys have a video on how you connected your cutoff switch to the battery?

[@goanddo2020]

Great (clear) video! Thank you. Could you do a video comparing a 12-volt system to a 24 or 48-volt system for a van build? I keep hearing that the 24-volt system is less expensive and works better/ safer??

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Just wanted to follow up and let you know that the video comparing the pros and cons of 12v vs 24v vs 48v systems is now live. Here's the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qXa6Xo2XhLSfp5I

[@idordonez]

Hello Nate, I see that the caliber of the dimmer cable is very thin, for those 10 lights in parallel it supports the total current of that system? I could have wired everything then with that thinner caliber and saved money!!

[@EXPLORISTlife]

The thin wire will support the amperage, but the thin wire will not prevent voltage drop if it were used for the whole circuit.

[@Earthcraftfabrications]

not sure this is current but my question pertains to a 3 wire dimmer. I tested it prior to installing with just one puck light like the ones you are showing. Problem is the brightness. itsl like half as bright when wired to the dimmer and super bright wired direct using the 2 wires to batt and earth. is there a problem with the quality of dimmer or do i have it wired wrong?

[@FishingwithKeir]

Super helpful!

[@calluna5030]

So this is a low side dimmer, modulating the negative (grouind) side? Most for sale online seem to be high side dimmers, modulating the positive (live) side.

[@Yukonjackman1]

So my trailer has a system already installed i know + and - with my fluke 77 any issues with this dimmer ? I need to install it

[@nevleeuwen]

Hello, we really like youre channel. We are building a overland truck (MAN HX60). august 1 2023 we will leave with our kids for 1 year to travel across Europe. I am currently looking in to the lights and want to use LED strips in 4 zones. Does this set up work with LED strips, that have two colors (white and warm white) is this possible wit a on-off-on switch to switch between the lights and have the option to dim the lights? Would be great to hear from you guys. Kind regards from Europe, Niels and Agnes

[@EXPLORISTlife]

You may just have to bench test and use the concepts I've taught in this video to see if what you are proposing will work.

[@jeroenbonamie8311]

Hey, super helpfull videos! Do you know of any two way 12v touch dimmer switches. So we can minimalise and cancel out the additional on off switches? Eternal thanks and keep posting 😁!

[@EXPLORISTlife]

The two dimmer switches would need to 'communicate' with each other to have that functionality. For that, You'd want to look into something like a Switch Pros control module (with a secondary panel): amzn.to/3CQyzRB

[@jdleschw]

@@EXPLORISTlife I think OP was referring to a switch that is a dimmer and a switch all in one to eliminate the switch instead of having 2 dimmers on same circuit.

[@onionhead5780]

Is it possible to wire a switch for the lights at two locations in the van on the same circuit? Like one switch at the side door area and then one switch at the rear doors near the bed that turn on and off the same lights?

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Yep! That's coming up next week. Stay tuned!

[@RepulsiveGaming]

@@EXPLORISTlifehey man been a while. I’m looking to doing the same thing in my van but I need to add a dimmer switch too. Any ideas on how to do that or what type of dimmer I need ect. Have asked forums no one knows. I have 6 pick lights I want two 3 gang switches one at front one at back so I can turn off sets of 2 puck lights. And I just want one dimmer up front. Any help anyone??

[@Regi869]

Thanks. Did you mention how to connect multiple lights together for the dimmer?

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Yep! We covered that in last weeks video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pV68naOwp9OosKs

[@Regi869]

@@EXPLORISTlife Thanks!

[@benjaminlachance2783]

what wire gauge you used for the light ? the puck light come with a 20 gauge a so does the dimmer, do you think putting 20 gauge for 2 light is too small ?

[@jdcoverland365]

Very helpful ,thank you. OUCH , Really! Canadian prices $ 72.10 + duty per switch. Can you suggest a more affordable option please?

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Look for 'Carling Switches'. That's the type of switches I'm using. Carling makes them and then everybody else white labels them. They should be in the ballpark of $15 per switch USD.

[@hayleybaca376]

I am wanting to use a 5 gang rocker panel switch, so that they are all together. But I’m getting confused on how to wire it. Also, is there any harm in using a standard dimmer switch that is typically found in a house or is it crucial to use the ones made for RVs?

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Even though the switches are in the same location, consider treating each switch as it's own individual circuit and run each switch from it's own spot on the fuse block. Perhaps watching this whole playlist will prove valuable: kzbin.info/aero/PLmvhcyi4n0TUUwvonaPhIPqUqBiC7CiyY At the risk of sounding like an asshole... If we were able to use standard 120V switches and dimmers found in houses, I would have used those in this video. 🙂👍 Standard 120V AC switches and dimmers like in your house are not rated for DC current like the lights in a camper.

[@johnsinghour5263]

Love it good job

[@jasonkeyser6488]

Do you have a video covering grounding the negative busbar? I searched but did not find one. My van is a Ram Promaster. Currently on my setup it is grounded to the underneath outside of the van. I have a spot inside within 1 ft of the negative busbar which is on one of the pillars. I would like to switch to this as then it would not be exposed to the weather i.e. salt. All negatives are on this busbar including the chassis battery.

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Yep! I covered that in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZmKpZYR6i6-Ip5I

[@michaeldiener8148]

Is it possible to add a dimmer where the switch in my van only has positive going in and positive coming out? There is no negative at the switch

[@gilmore00]

I have the same problem, did you figure it out?

[@michaeldiener8148]

@@gilmore00 unfortunately not. I tried mounting lights with a dimmer built in unfortunately they flickered for some reason when dimmed down. They didn't do it on the bench. Supplier refunded so still living with stupid bright lights.

[@dekebell3307]

Great freakin videos! Thanks so much!

[@shs4x8goat]

Can you show how you go about mounting the switches when the van is complete? I can't wrap my head around how that would look.

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Yep! Of course. Will be covering that when we put up the walls. Stay tuned!

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Just a heads up, but that video is now live and you can check it out here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mZeVc52HrbJ-eqs

[@EXPLORISTlife]

*Check out the full electrical installation tutorial for this build:* kzbin.info/www/bejne/e2bUaJJqe61ngrM Watch the previous episode here -> How To Install Puck Lights | Interior Van Lighting Made Easy! (FULL TUTORIAL) kzbin.info/www/bejne/pV68naOwp9OosKs IMPORTANT: There are tons of different 12v dimmers on the market. Please follow the wiring diagram that comes with whatever dimmer you choose. The concepts will be similar, but not necessarily identical to what is shown in this video. Parts shown in this video: ➤Dimmer Switch: amzn.to/3wPVt8V ➤Puck Lights (We used 10 of them): amzn.to/3NpW1sE ➤(or some silver ones if you like): amzn.to/3lw2sOT ➤EXPLORIST.life Puck Light Wiring Kit: shop.explorist.life/shop/all-products/camper-wiring-kits/branch-circuit-wiring-kits/12v-puck-light-branch-circuit-wiring-kit/ If you'd rather buy the parts from the kit from Amazon: ➤Red & Black Wire (we used 16 AWG): amzn.to/3lvFesn ➤2 Conductor Lever Nuts: amzn.to/3wBZY8f ➤3 Conductor Lever Nuts: amzn.to/39Li91W ➤Here is the switch we used: rockerswitchpros.com/product/v1d1-s00b/ ➤Here is the switch face we used: rockerswitchpros.com/product/contura-v-blank/ Not sure what wire size to use? Check out our 12V Branch Circuit Guidebook: shop.explorist.life/shop/all-products/solar-wiring-diagrams/12v-branch-circuits/

[@csteutterman]

I noticed the dimmer on amazon has 4 wires, but the one in the video only has 3. How does the 4th wire come into play?

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Changed the link in the description. In the event you end up with a 4-wire dimmer... just follow the instructions that come with the dimmer. They are usually fairly straightforward given you understand the concepts shown in this video.

[@gpswildride]

How small of a wire guage can you put in that 20 guage levernut?

[@EXPLORISTlife]

The smaller 20A Lever Nuts can accept wires from 12-24AWG. The larger 30A ones accept 10AWG to 20AWG wire.

[@pierrelucbouchard]

In the first part of the video you installed the dimmer after the switch and at the end you installed the dimmer before the switch. What would be right ?

[@EXPLORISTlife]

They will both work. 👍

[@keithperrin1568]

You might want to revisit this one. I know that in 110 volt systems you cannot use an ordinary dimmer to dim so called dimmable LED's. They require a low voltage electronic dimmer or you will get exactly the quick drop off at the bottom end of the dimming range and the strobing exhibited in your example. Amazon has 12/24 volt LED dimmers, but I admit they are more money :(

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Keep in mind, the strobing in question is only visible on camera because the shutter speed of the camera is synching up with the hertz of the light. It's not visible in real life.

[@keithperrin1568]

@@EXPLORISTlife Ah! Got it! Thanks, and thanks for the excellent solar series. We are Canadian but we spend half the year on a narrowboat on the UK canal system (think RV on a canal). I am upgrading the existing solar system and your series is absolutely the best I have found.

[@bikeninja956]

do you ship your wiring kits to Canada?

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Yep!

[@bikeninja956]

@@EXPLORISTlife sweet thanks! thought I read somewhere it was only to lower 48...

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Yah, it's only free shipping to the lower 48, but we still ship all over the world. Just too expensive to offer free worldwide shipping.

[@bikeninja956]

@@EXPLORISTlife yep. Makes sense. Great channel BTW, thanks for all the hard work.

[@heathers_home_videos]

Hmm the one I ordered has 2 red wires, black, and white. I can’t figure it out.

[@heathers_home_videos]

Nevermind! They had the instructions for a 3 wire switch and had the correct instructions on the wire tag.

[@jeffsteinmetz7188]

Any reason why you don’t use a dimmer switch with the on off switch built in?

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Aside from the reason mentioned in the video with the power 'leaking' through... 1: If you wanted to use a 2 way switch with a dimmer, you'll need a dedicated on/off switch. 2: Maybe you want to leave the dimmer at the max setting most of the time and just have an on-off switch. 3: Insert any of the other 1,000 'what-if' scenarios you all come up with here in the comments section. 😂🤣

[@dlechobbies6378]

@@EXPLORISTlife You make a very nice job explaning all the wiring, just a small thing, when you control a light or anything from more then one swith we call it ''3 ways switch''

[@shs4x8goat]

I am trying to figure this out but am not having any luck. Have you found anything helpful on this? I'm stuck on knowing what light switch to pair with the 3 way dimmer.

[@josephdodson3323]

Hey Nate and Steph, I tried to join your private chat but it says that is unavailable. I was interested in purchasing one of your kits however, I am planning on an “800Ah” system and I see that you don’t have anything beyond a 600Ah system available on your site. I do not know much about this stuff so I don’t know what it would take to modify one of your kits. I already have 4 228Ah batteries from Big Battery as well as 3 400W solar panels from Solaria (I know that you recommend more solar but I’m out of room!). Please let me know if this something I could possibly source through you. Thank you in advance!

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Our kits can handle more amp hours than stated, in general. Take this kit for example: shop.explorist.life/shop/all-products/camper-wiring-kits/complete-wiring-kits/600ah-multiplus-3k-12v-orion-12-12-30-wiring-kit-solar-omitted/ It's listed at 600Ah but in reality, it comes with enough wire/lugs/heat shrink to wire 'up to 6 batteries' together regardless of the amp hours. So, somebody could get 6x of the 270Ah Battle Born Batteries instead of the 100Ah batteries, and our kit comes with enough wire/lugs/heat shrink to wire 6x of those batteries together to total 1620Ah of battery bank capacity. That said... Big Battery uses an Anderson connector for their batteries, so our battery bank wiring kit is not compatible, so you'll have to figure out another way to get the battery bank wired together or return those and use a compatible battery type. For the solar array... check this out: shop.explorist.life/product-category/all-products/camper-wiring-kits/solar-charging-wiring-kits/

[@josephdodson3323]

@@EXPLORISTlife First of all! Thank you so much for getting back to me. That makes sense - I’m still learning. I am ordering different batteries to use your kit. I have one more question if you could… I’m assuming that the same idea goes for your solar arrays? Just focus on the wattage and not the amount of panels? Since I have 3 400w panels, I should go with the 1200w option? If I’m understanding correctly, for an 800Ah system and 1200w panel array, I should get your 600Ah (solar admitted) kit, the 1200w solar array kit, the 3000w inverter, and (3) 200w batteries with standard connectors? Once again, I really appreciate your time!! Thank you!

[@MannyWC]

Thank you!

[@EXPLORISTlife]

You're welcome!

[@jayyoung8705]

Why would you keep the other switch on there??

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Instant on/off without dimming or for setting a certain dimness and then being able to turn the circuit off/on.

[@thecarman3693]

2:07 The reason as to why you are seeing the red wire from the pot going to black from the bulb is because if you follow positive current from the battery through the bulb you will see it enter the pot on its positve lead. The bulb shown is a non-polar incandescent, meaning it really has no positive or negative terminals. (The LED and fan are color coded so you connect them properly.) Showing a black line from the bulb to the pot is what's really misleading --- it too should be red and would make more sense in the diagram. And so should the arrow from the pot's red lead have a red arrow as well. What's actually happening is the current is being split between the pot and the bulb (load) so that the source (battery) never sees a low resistance and overheats. As the positive currect enters the circut at the bottom it either goes up through the pot to ground or to the load, back through some resistance in the pot, and then to ground. As you decrease resistance to the load you maintain some through the pot. All the time the battery sees pretty much the same resistance. Pots then usually have a position where everything shuts off and the circuit becomes open --- no current. The one in your video comes close to that but not fully off, hence the flickering. In this application, since LEDs have very high impedances, a simple variable resistor with an off position in series would be the better choice.

[@laurentsilva6572]

super sux to need 2 buttons for complete turn it off, dimmer off stage should be abble to handle it :(

[@EXPLORISTlife]

That's just a personal preference for the most part.

[@davidpatrick1813]

cute

[@alessandroconcas]

I'm the only one that have color wiring "problem"? I see the wire coming out from the dimmer switch to NEGATIVE LIGHT was RED to connect the BLACK negative... In my opinion, I prefer the white for negative and not + and the RED , again for me , a calssic POSITIVE, but who knows?

[@EXPLORISTlife]

We would prefer that too, but alas... nobody asked us when they were making the switch, so we just follow the manufacturers instructions.

[@Auxbeam]

Hi Do you need some great lighting for your car to help you better driving, off-road. We're the pro auto lighting manufacturer for nearly 20 year and we're looking for sponsorship!

[@ShortCrypticTales]

lol why did they just not make the white = switch neg. and the red = positive

[@EXPLORISTlife]

I know... So confusing for no reason.

[@anonanons163]

Hey guys thanks on all these videos I just ordered most everything you guys said to do a project I'm working on Kinda expensive dimmer switch though, jeesh $30 Anyhow after I'm done I'll show ya pics on Instagram if ya want me to Also just curious , why do people prefer those blue $1000 + batteries as opposed to a $69 one at Walmart????? Well thanks again

[@harrycorcoran2827]

My dimmer switch has four wires; 2 x red, 1 x black, 1 x white. Help 🥲

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Really the only 'help' I can offer is to follow the instructions that came with the dimmer.