Dimmer Switch Wiring Diagrams

The dimmer switch is an easy-to-use switch that controls the brightness of lights. It either provides easy control of the lighting process and saves us money on bills or is a common part of our home wiring system. Here, we will discuss the wiring process of the dimmer switch and learn how it is practically performed. So, let’s get started.

How Dimmer Switch Work

The working of the dimmer switch helps it to be used effectively for good results. Dimmer switches are based on the type and working of electrical principles. The normal dimmer switches minimize the power flow in the circuit for controlling light brightness.

To switch on and off lights in the latest types of dimmer switches use current in the existing circuits. If this occurs light bulbs power diverted.

When we use a dimmer switch to increase or reduce the light brightness current direction changes. That control switch to on or off with changes.

Dimmer Switch Terminals and design

Single Pole (2 Way) Dimmer Switch Wiring Diagram

• For the wiring of the 2-way dimmer switch first, make the connection of the ground point with a power source to the ground point of the dimmer switch according to the below diagram. Make connection of live or hot wire of power supply with line point of dimmer switch. For this purpose, black or red wire can be used.
• Make connection of load terminals of dimer switch with one point of bulb or light source. For this connection, black wire is normally used.
• After that make the connection of the neutral of the power supply with another point of the bulb.

Do we need special wiring for a dimmer switch?

For dimmer switches normally 12/2 wire with 3 tables used that connected with light fixture. Ther can be 12/3 wire used having 4 cables that connected between dimmer and on-off switch.

Some new switch types have ground wire or green screws. On this green point, we can connect the ground wire coming from the switch casing. It could be that the wall has bare copper wire for the ground and we needed to connect the ground wire with 3-way dimmer switch.

Here we has listed wire colors for dimmer switches and their uses

• Nuetraul wire= white color
• Ground wires= Green, bare copper, or brown
• Hot wires= Black wire or Red
• Traveler wires= any colors.

How we can know if the switch is a 2-way or 3-way switch?

If the light is connected with a single switch to turn on or off it means it is 2 way switch. Here we can use a single pole switch. In circuit two switches controlling single or many lights, it means a three-way switch

For connection of the dimmer switch make sure to use the load device configured for 3-way dimmer switch wiring. For dimmer use just a single device for controlling brightness. Two dimmers can also used for a single set of lights. As the dimmer have on and off button another switch must be on/off.

How to Install a Dimmer Light Switch

Tools & Materials Required

• 4-in-1 screwdriver
• Voltage tester
• Wire stripper/cutter
• Dimmer switch
• Needle-nose pliers
• Tape measure
• Wire connectors

How to Wire

Follow these points for the installation of the dimmer switch.

1. First of all buy a dimmer switch according to your requirements and the lightbulb used. Uses a switch that has features to control LED or incandescent bulbs.
2. In your main box locate the circuit breaker that controls switch and light load and then off it to remove the power supply to the lights or switch.
3. Remove the switch cover plates with the use of flat head screwdriver.
4. Now unscrew the mounting screw with a light switch. Do not touch screw terminals on the switch or any wire.
5. use a circuit tester to check each wire to avoid shock. Check each screw terminal on the witch with the use of a tester. If the test lights up it means live wire.
6. Now disconnect the wires by losing screw terminals on the switch and free the wires from the switch.
7. Now connect the dimmer switch for this purpose connect wires on a dimmer switch with wires coming from the electrical box. The black wire of dimmer switches with one black line wire. Other black switch wires with one black load wire. Green dimmer switch wire with two bare copper box wires. Make a connection of 2 white box wires with a wire nut.
8. Now put the switch after the connection in the box and over the box and tighten the screw. Now ON the circuit breaker and check that all connected lights are working well or not
9. So our wiring process for installing of dimmer switch

How to Choose a Single-Pole Dimmer Switch

• The selected dimmer switch watt rating must be according to load demand. Normally dimmer switcher rating is LED150 watts. For LED bulbs having 800 lumens 13 watts.
• Based on circuit demand single-pole and three-way switches are used.
• The conventional dimmer can regulate both dimmable LED and incandescent bulbs so not connect the incandescent dimmer with LEDS
• The main use of Dimmer switches is for ceiling mounting lights and not for ceiling fans or electrical outlets

3-Way Dimmer Switch to new 3-Way Circuit

3-way Dimmer Switch Wiring Diagram

• The wiring diagram for 3 was a dimmer switch can seen here

How many wires have single-pole dimmer switch?

• The single pole switch comes with 3 wires that move to the switch. 2 wires are connected to the circuit wire box. 3rd wire that connected with the ground wire circuit.

Can we connect the dimmer to a single-pole switch?

• We can connect the dimmer on a single pole switch for controlling light with one switch. The dimmer switch wiring is a regular switch.

Why are there two black wires on a dimmer switch?

• The 2 black wires are live or hot wires one coming in the switch and the other coming out from light.

Does a dimmer switch need 3 wires?

• The dimmer switch uses 3 wires for a single pole switch, one black, one red or black, and the third is green.