Install a Dimmer Switch

Adds mood and saves ~10% on lighting cost. Wiring is the same as a regular switch — but match the dimmer to your bulbs or you'll get flickering and buzzing.

Difficulty: Easy Time: 20 min Cost: $15–$45
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Match dimmer to bulb typeNon-dimmable LEDs on a dimmer = flickering and shortened bulb life. Buy dimmable LEDs AND a "CL" or LED-rated dimmer. Cheap incandescent-only dimmers won't dim LEDs smoothly.

Tools

Materials

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Steps

  1. 1

    Power off, verify, remove

    Breaker off → tester confirms dead → unscrew the old switch and pull it forward.

  2. 2

    Identify the wires

    Two black wires (or one black + one red on a 3-way) = the switched legs. Bare/green = ground. White is usually the neutral — most modern dimmers need a neutral; older single-pole installs may not have one.

    Tip: No neutral in the box? You need a "no-neutral" dimmer (Lutron Caséta Diva makes one) or you'll have to run new wire — not a DIY job.
  3. 3

    Connect the new dimmer

    Match the dimmer's pigtail wires to the box wires: black to black (line/load), red to red (3-way traveler), green/bare to ground, white to neutral. Twist each pair clockwise with a wire nut.

  4. 4

    Mount and test

    Push wires back, screw the dimmer to the box, attach the wall plate. Power on, test through the full dim range — if it flickers, your bulbs aren't dimmable.

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