After reading this post by Sara at Russet Street Reno, Peter and I decided that we were qualified enough to install a dimmer switch on our own. Overall the process was pretty simple, but it did involve a fair amount of muscle and cursing.
We opted to buy the type of dimmer switch that wouldn’t require us to purchase a new wall plate. Ours looked like this:
The first thing that you need to do is turn off the the circuit breaker that corresponds to the room that you will be installing the dimmer in. Then unscrew the wall plate from the wall.
Then unscrew the metal plate that corresponds to the light switch. (Don’t do what I did and get part way through this and realize that you’re removing the switch that actually controls the fan.) I decided to take on this project at night while Peter was cooking dinner. After only a few minutes of trying to balance the flashlight and unscrew the plates, I knew I was going to need more hands.
Remove the screws that hold the side wires in place. Be sure to remember which wire was on top and which wire was on bottom. This took a lot of muscle and tugging to straighten out the wires enough to pull the metal part out of the wall.
Reattach the wires to the dimmer in the same way that they were attached to the old metal box. For some reason I opted not to take a picture of this. I’m not sure why.
When both wires are attached, tighten the screws so that there is a solid connection between the metal of the box and the metal of the screws.
Screw the new metal box into the wall and wonder why its not exactly parallel with the fan switch. Watch your fiance as he curses at the switch and pulls and pushes on it until he is able to manipulate both switches into the wall plate.
Now admire your work and think about how much your life has improved now that you can read in bed without feeling blinded by the ceiling light! The one thing that I don’t like about the dimmer switch is that now when the light is on there is an almost imperceptible buzzing sounds. Has anyone else noticed this?
For better photos visit Russet Street Reno. Sara managed to do this project during the day, so her photos are infinitely better than ours.
*Note: Peter and I are not qualified electricians. We’re just too crazy kids who got tired of a really bright light.*
You had quite the weekend task! Keeping the wires straight and remembering where they go sounds like an absolute pain.
I wonder if the Clapper has a dimmer edition. Would you clap softly or clap hard depending on your preference? Obviously my brain is not operating on all four cylinders my first day back to work…
The worst part was really getting everything to line back up. I think a clapper dimmer would be a fun idea but I’ve always thought that I’d turn my lights on and off accidentally with a clapper. Not that I clap a lot, but I am pretty clumsy and drop things frequently…
I’m dragging on my day back too. If I have to get on one more pointless call then I may go crazy.
Wow, I didn’t realize you had linked to me here. You certainly did a great job getting that dimmer to cooperate! I think that is the same one I used, I really like it.
You know Sara for some reason I think my wordpress doesn’t notify people when I like to them or vice versa. I also have issues getting notices about comments. Just fyi. Anyway, it was definitely a pain, especially after disconnecting the power when it was dar outside. i should really plan for these things better.