Once correctly positioned, pop each screw through each hole and then screw it up tight, ensuring that it’s level. Step 6 – Test Switch For the purpose of this project we will be swapping and existing 1 gang 1 way switch for a similar 1 gang 1 way dimmer switch. Step 1 – Isolate Circuit Traditionally, dimmer switches used a variable resistor that essentially restricts the flow of electricity by converting it to heat. This not only caused the resistor to get hot but also, this was a massive waste of electricity. Most incandescent and halogen bulbs are compatible with dimmers, but generally CFL’s (or compact fluorescent lights) or those that are controlled by a transformer generally don’t, unless they are made specifically for use with dimmer switches. Today, modern dimmer switches are much more efficient and instead of using a resistor, essentially turns the light on and off very rapidly every second. As both UK and US electricity is AC (alternating current) it turns from positive to negative every cycle.

LED dimmer module has auto-detect function for either leading edge or trailing edge with 5-150W load, 230-240V 50Hz To fit a dimmer switch in place of a standard light switch you will need the following tools and materials:The SureSlide from Leviton is a slide dimmer first and a light switch second, which is why it’s our favorite slide dimmer switch. Dimming is provided by a large sliding bar that’s easy to operate. It also includes a toggle switch, so you can set your desired dimming level, turn the lights off, and then return directly to your chosen illumination setting the next time you turn the lights on. It works with a variety of bulb types, including compact fluorescent, LED, and incandescent, and you can also install it in both single-pole and 3-way configurations. As we have now looked at what a dimmer switch is and how it works, it’s now time to see how they are fitted. Fitting a dimmer switch in place of an existing standard light switch is a fairly easy and straight forward job as long as you know what you are doing. Wattage refers to the amount of power drawn by the light bulbs, so it has a direct impact on the type and number of bulbs that you can control with a dimmer switch. “To determine the appropriate wattage capacity for a dimmer switch, calculate the total wattage of the bulbs it will control,” says Jason Brady, owner of Above and Beyond Service Company. “For example, if you have five 60-watt bulbs, the total wattage is 300 watts.” You can then select a dimmer switch that’s capable of handling over 300 watts, because it’s important to leave a safety margin.

The Cloudy Bay in Wall Dimmer Switch for LED Lights is a toggle switch with a small dimming slider, and it functions in both single pole and 3-way installations. The dimming slider is a little on the small side, but it doesn’t get in the way of the switch. It’s fully compatible with all Cloudy Bay LED light fixtures right out of the box, and it also includes a trim dial that allows you to adjust it to work well with other fixtures and dimmable LED bulbs. It comes with everything you need to complete the installation, including screws, wire nuts, and even a decorative wall plate. This article was written by Jeremy Laukkonen, a freelance writer for The Spruce. Laukkonen has more than a decade of experience writing about and reviewing consumer technology. He prefers smart light switches and bulbs, because who has time these days to operate the lights manually? His writing has also appeared in Digital Trends, Lifewire, and Entertainment Weekly. For more information on staying safe when working around electricity, see our electrical safety project here. What is a Dimmer Switch? Aside from the main differences in how they operate, dimmer switches are also available in several different operation:

Can you put a Dimmer Switch on any Light Switch?

Once done, put the 2 screws to one side and pull the faceplate away and turn it to reveal the internals on the rear of the face. Adding a dimmer switch to the lighting in a room can have a dramatic effect on the overall ambience of a room, allowing you to lower the lighting levels to create a much more relaxed environment.