Most light fixtures will work with standard dimmer switches, including those with halogen and incandescent lamps. Likewise, not all compact fluorescent (CFL) light fixtures can be dimmed. If you install dimmable CFL lights, youll still need to check your dimmer to make sure it works with these types of bulbs.
Can you hook up a dimmer switch to any light?
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 dimmer lights need special wiring?
Remember: Dimmer switches dont 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.
What happens if you put a dimmer switch on a non dimmable light?
If you use non-dimmable LEDs on a dimmer, what happens? The bulb will not dim properly. The circuitry inside non-dimmable LEDs wont be able to handle low or pulsing current levels and will eventually become damaged, because they are only designed to be either fully powered ON or off.
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.
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.
How many LED lights can I put on a dimmer switch?
Varilight recommend putting no more than 10 LED lamps on one dimmer module. You can put multiple lamps on one plate, so if you have a three gang dimmer plate you can put thirty LED lamps on the plate in total (10 on each module).
Will a dimmer work without a ground?
Sometimes in an older home or apartment, you may have a switch box that has no 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.
What happens if you dont ground a light?
The main issue is the likelihood of a user touching something metal on the fixture that could be accidentally live. If the fixture is out of reach, the lack of a ground is probably a low risk. If it is a pull chain light, use of a string pull rather than metal is a good idea.
Will a regular dimmer switch work with LED lights?
Use an LED 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.
How many LED lights can you put on a dimmer?
Varilight recommend putting no more than 10 LED lamps on one dimmer module. You can put multiple lamps on one plate, so if you have a three gang dimmer plate you can put thirty LED lamps on the plate in total (10 on each module).
How do I install a dimmer without a ground?
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.