Buying a Dimmer Switch

Dimmer switches are available in many designs and configurations, which include slides, knobs and touch-sensitive dimming mechanisms. However, Look at these vital things:

Capacity (the number of lights it can Management). The capacity will likely be measured in watts. Incorporate up the wattage of the bulbs in the many fixtures the swap controls to ensure it falls in the change rating listed about the package or Directions.

One-pole or three-way. Buy a ‘single-pole’ switch if 1 swap controls the lights or perhaps a ‘three-way’ When you have two switches managing the same lights.

Mild variety. Normal and halogen bulbs have to have normal incandescent dimmers. A few fluorescent lights can be dimmed with Specific dimmer switches, but most can’t. Minimal-voltage lights may additionally demand Exclusive dimmers. As well as: They are The ten factors your electrician seriously would like you to grasp.

Don’t Reverse Very hot and Neutral Wires

Connecting the black warm wire on the neutral terminal of the outlet creates the potential to get a lethal shock. The difficulty is the fact that you may not understand the mistake until finally somebody will get shocked, mainly because lights and most other plug-in units will however work; They simply gained’t do the job securely.

Constantly link the white wire for the neutral terminal of outlets and light-weight fixtures. The neutral terminal is always marked. It’s typically recognized by a silver or mild-colored screw. Connect the recent wire to the opposite terminal. If there’s a eco-friendly or bare copper wire, that’s the bottom. Connect the ground to your eco-friendly grounding screw or to a ground wire or grounded.

Cutting Wires Way too Short

Wires which have been cut way too Electrician Glasgow brief make wire connections complicated and—because you’re extra prone to make very poor connections—unsafe. Depart the wires very long more than enough to protrude no less than three in. within the box.

When you operate into short wires, there’s an uncomplicated correct. Basically add six-in. extensions on to the present wires. The Image reveals a kind of wire connector that’s much easier to setup in restricted places. You’ll discover these in hardware retailers and residential centers.