Outlets are not supposed to be dimmed! While this might seem like a good idea if you wanted to plug in a table lamp that lacked its own dimmer, it creates a dangerous situation since outlets can accommodate any device with a plug, and some devices, such as many motors, react very badly to the output of a dimmer.
Can you install a dimmer on a switched outlet?
General-use dimmer switches shall be used only to control permanently installed incandescent luminaires (lighting fixtures) unless listed for the control of other loads and installed accordingly. Simple answer is that you cannot dim any device other than a permanently installed incandescent luminaires.
Can I change any switch to a dimmer?
Most dimmers are designed to fit a standard wall box opening, which makes it easy to replace the switch for any incandescent or halogen light with a dimmer. … Safety Tip: Always cut the power to the dimmable switch at your circuit breaker box or fuse box before installation.
How do I add a dimmer to an existing light switch?
A dimmer switch can be installed anywhere that an existing on or off switch is in place. Replacing the current toggle switch with a dimmer switch will allow you to change the lights’ brightness, so long as you are using a light bulb that is compatible with the dimmer you have chosen.
Do you need extra wiring for dimmer switch?
Remember: Dimmer switches don’t work on most fluorescent fixtures, and low-voltage lighting requires special low-voltage dimmers. … Remove the wires from the old switch. Dimmer switches are usually connected to the house wiring by short lengths of wire coming out of the switch body rather than by screw terminals.
How easy is it to fit a dimmer switch?
To replace an ordinary, one way, on/off switch with a dimmer is easy. Simply (TURN OFF THE LIGHTING CIRCUIT FIRST) remove the face screws and pull out the face plate. You will find a red and black wire connected to the switch. Both of these wires are live wires when the circuit is reconnected. You may also read, Can you put a doggie door in a storm door?
Can any light be dimmable?
Most light fixtures will work with standard dimmer switches, including those with halogen and incandescent lamps. … LED fixtures, for instance, may work with standard dimmers, but some may need a specialized dimmer. Likewise, not all compact fluorescent (CFL) light fixtures can be dimmed. Check the answer of Can you put a family business on your resume?
Can you have 2 dimmer switches for 1 light?
You can only have one dimmer per group. You can put the dimmer at either location, but not both locations. There are “companion” dimmers available from some companies, that allow you to place additional dimmers in the circuit.
Can you put a dimmer on a 2 way switch?
If you have a 2-way circuit (where the same lights are controlled by two switches) you must choose a push-on/push-off dimmer and replace one of the switches with that dimmer. You can only use one push-on/push-off dimmer in a 2-way circuit. … Push-on/off dimmers can also be used in 1-way circuits. Read: Can you put a fence under a power line?
How much does it cost to install a dimmer switch?
Dimmer switches cost between $10 and $35 on average, although some higher-end models can be more expensive. On top of this, installation costs can be between $100 and $200, depending on the service and your location.
Can you put a dimmer on a 4 way switch?
Correct, no 4 way dimmers. The 3 way must be at either end of the switch legs, whatever it takes. If the dimmer is desired in a location where only a 4 way switch makes sense, the only solution is to extend the power and double back the switch legs so that it becomes the “end”.
Can I install a dimmer switch without ground wire?
In that case, an exception in article 404.9(B) of the current National Electric Code (NEC) allows a dimmer without a connecting ground wire to still be installed if it is a replacement. Simply remove the dimmer wire, or cut it short and cap it with a wire nut.
How do you wire LED lights to a dimmer switch?
A standard dimmer switch cannot be used with an LED light as you will never be able to dim the LED light either completely or not very well. LED lights need their own special electronic dimmer switch to have a fully functioning and dimming light.
Why are my dimmable lights not dimming?
Trying to dim something that isn’t dimmable isn’t good for your lights, the dimmer switch, or your sanity. … Double check compatibility between lamps and dimmer. Check that the maximum wattage of the dimmer has not been exceeded. Have an electrician check the fixture.
Why does my dimmer light switch buzz?
Dimmer switches work by chopping up the AC current flowing between the switch and the light. … The interrupted current can produce a vibration in the electromagnetic field within the light bulb filament or within the switch itself, which can cause a humming or buzzing noise.
