Dimmers can definitely help create a mood. It seems even the dingiest dive bars have dimmers to create low-key ambience, saving the harsh, "ugly" lights for 2 a.m. to help shoo off the barflies.
If you're ready to ditch the one-light-fits-all scheme to dress up a room, hallway or any other area in your home with dimmers, here's what you'll need to arm yourself with the right tools and get the job done.
What you'll need:
- Screwdriver
- Circuit tester
- Wire stripper
- Twist on wire connectors
- Wire cutter
To install the dimmer switch:
- Using a screwdriver, remove the cover from the light switch.
Unscrew the two screws that hold the switch inside the wall box.
When the screws are removed, gently pull the switch out from the wall box.
If needed, use the circuit tester to determine which wire is the hot wire.
Turn off the power to the switch from the circuit breaker box. Use your circuit tester again to verify that the power is off.
Unscrew the wires from the switch. Remove the switch and set it aside.
You will see three wires coming out from the wall and three wires on your new dimmer switch. There should be a green wire (or bare copper wire) on your dimmer switch; this is the ground wire. Connect the green wire to the ground wire from the wall (the wall ground wire is the one without insulation).
Take the two black wires coming out from the wall, and using a wire stripper, expose about a half inch of the wires.
Take one black wire from the switch and one black wire from the wall, line the two ends up side by side and twist on the wire cap clockwise.
Repeat with the two remaining wires.
Once the wires are secure, gently push the switch into the box.
Screw the switch and the plate back into the box.
Screw the cover plate back on and replace the knob.
Restore the power to the switch and turn it on. If you don't have any loose connections, you're all ready to set up your best mood lighting!
Bring in a qualified designer or handyman to help you with your lighting solutions. Our local, trusted partners are reliable, affordable and ready to help.
[Images: maridesign via flickr, bruninghaus via flickr]
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