Replace Dimmer Switch

Always wear protective rubber gloves when replacing old-style glass fuses. (click to enlarge) Figure A (click to enlarge) Figure B (click to enlarge)

Help Around the House host Henry Harrison helps a guest replace a worn-out dimmer switch. On his elbow grease scale of one to four, Harrison gives this job a one.

Tools:

reversible screwdriver
voltage tester
rubber gloves
dimmer switch
faceplate

Steps:

1. Turn off the power to the switch by turning off the circuit breaker or removing the fuse if your electrical box older glass-encased fuses.

2. Remove the knob and then use the reversible screwdriver to take off the faceplate (figure A).

3. Next remove the screws holding in the dimmer switch and pull it out of the wall (figure B). Use a voltage tester to make sure the power is off.

4. Unscrew the wire nuts and disconnect the old switch. Go to the hardware store and find a replacement switch.

5. Connect the wires to the new switch and seal with wire nuts. Fold wires neatly back into the wall and secure new switch with screws. Make sure the switch is installed right-side up. There should be a marking for "top" on the front of the switch.

6. Install new faceplate, pop on the knob, turn on the power and test your new switch.

Also in this Episode

Help Around the House : Episode ARH-224
•	Dog-Damaged Doorjamb
•	Chain-Link Fence Post
•	Replace Dimmer Switch
•	High-Tech Circuit Finder