• Lance Burley | Burley Electrical
    South Florida Residential & Commercial Electrician
  • Lance Burley | Burley Electrical
    Master Electricians in Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton & Pompano Beach
  • Lance Burley | Burley Electrical
    South Florida Residential & Commercial Electrician
  • Lance Burley | Burley Electrical
    Master Electricians in Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton & Pompano Beach
  • Lance Burley | Burley Electrical
    South Florida Residential & Commercial Electrician
  • Lance Burley | Burley Electrical
    Master Electricians in Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton & Pompano Beach
  • Lance Burley | Burley Electrical
    South Florida Residential & Commercial Electrician
  • Residential, Commercial & Industrial Lighting Specialists

Tips On Converting from a Standard Regular Switch to a Dimmer Switch Lighting Upgrade in Boca Raton FL

There are quite a few home improvement or upgrades that would turn the ordinary into extraordinary. They range from big and extremely obvious extravagant changes to small, simple changes that can really improve your home.

Burley Electrical Service, Inc. would like to offer a few tips in converting to a dimmer switch in any room. The simple upgrade can be a fun little feature that not only creates mood and ambience, but makes life more convenient.

Benefits of a Light Dimmer Switch

Energy conservation. Dimming a light can save a substantial amount of energy and can improve your utility bill. Not only will energy be conserved, and savings experienced on your utility bill, but you will also notice the bulbs life being extended, which can save a few bucks on replacing them.
Lighting options. Controlling the lights to create good lighting for important projects, or keep it more ambient for relaxing occasions. Having the control to create the appropriate lighting could prove very beneficial.

Step by Step Dimmer Switch Wiring Conversion

1. Turn off the power at the circuit breaker box or fuse box. Confirm the power has been terminated by using a voltage tester and testing the light switch.
2. Utilizing a flat head screwdriver, remove the light switch cover plate. Replace the flat head screwdriver with a Philips screwdriver, and remove the switch box.
3. Using the appropriate screwdriver, loosen the screws holding the electrical wires on the side of the switch, and then detach the wiring. Pay close attention to the wire colors and where they had been attached on the old switch, as they will be important in the next step. (Tip: Take a picture with your phone to help you remember or write notes.) Keep the wires separated by bending them to opposite corners of the box. If the switch is grounded, disconnect the grounding wire last. (Tip: Using needle nose pliers will be helpful while working in this small space.)
4. Time to attach the dimmer switch. There will be three wires: a black, a white, and a separate ground wire that may be bare copper or sometimes wrapped in green. Follow your picture or notes to identify the different colored wires, and attach the wires to the dimmer as the previous light switch was connected. If your wires are solid copper, create a loop in the end of the wire with the pliers and guide it around the screw on the side of the dimmer. Tighten the screw, making certain that the wire is fastened securely beneath the screw and is not splaying to the perimeter of the screw. If your wall wire is composed of a group of smaller wires, use the pliers to gently twist the ends of the wires together to make them one unit and then follow the same direction.
5. Once the wires are connected appropriately, carefully fold any excess wire and compress the dimmer into the electrical box. Use caution and care to ensure the wires don’t loosen or receive damage if you have to apply pressure to get the switch into position. Tighten the screws to secure the switch to the box, and fit the switch plate. Once the cover is in place, turn the breaker or fuse back on.

Professional Dimmer Switches Lighting Upgrades & Full Service Electrical Work in Pompano Beach, Boca Raton, Davie, Fort Lauderdale & South Florida.

Tip: Not all light bulbs are designed for use with dimmer switches. The incorrect bulbs can damage the bulb as well as the dimmer electronics. The bulb’s label will usually indicate if it is dimmable. If you are not familiar with working with electricity, hire a professional from Burley Electrical Services, Inc. to make easy work out of installing your dimmer switches. Call us today!

Call Now Button