A Bright Idea That’s Not That Bright

Last week I discussed how to change out that old, outdated ceiling light to a new, more aesthetic style which will fit with your new décor. Here is a tip that will make that new ceiling light even more appealing; add a dimmer switch.






Dimmer switches add a dramatic effect to any light and are really simple to install. There are a multitude of styles to choose from in many different colors.

Smart Dimmers – can turn on or off your light at a preset time or dim the light for a romantic mood.

Remote Control Dimmers – you don’t have to take your arm from around your “Diva” to dim the lights.

Glow-in-the-dark Dimmers – so you can find your way to the switch even in the dark.

There are; Touch Control, Slides, Buttons, Toggles, or Rotary dimmers. Just about anything to suit your taste and pocket book.

Even though there are a wide variety of dimmer switch styles there are really only two basic wiring types.

Two Way Switch – This is the most basic type of switch. One switch turns on or off one light.

Three Way Switch – This type of switch is also very common. With two three-way switches wired to one light you can turn that one light on or off from either switch.

There are also four way switches where you can control one light from three different switch locations but these are fairly uncommon.

Check out my links to great web sites which describe in detail how each switch works. Lutron, depicted here, has a great selection of dimmers.

If you have three way switches (two switches controlling one light) you only have to buy one dimmer. However, the light will only dim as long as that switch is in control of the light. If you turn off the light with the dimmer switch and then go over to the other switch… no dimmer.

Once you have decided on the type and style of dimmer switch for your light open up the box and read the instructions. Installation is really very simple for either a two way or for a three way dimmer.

First things first; as with the ceiling light installation, first turn on the light at the wall switch and then go to the breaker box and turn off the breaker which controls that light. Once you have the correct breaker the light will be off. Use an inexpensive circuit tester just to be sure.

Remove the existing switch and make note of the wire connections. Cut off the existing bare wire and strip back about 3/8” of the insulation to allow fresh wire to be connected to the dimmer. Following the instructions, connect the wires using wire nuts. Pull slightly on each wire to make sure they are firmly connected. It is a good idea to wrap a loop or two of good quality electrical tape around each wire nut and its wires just to be sure nothing comes loose during re installation.

Reinstall the dimmer into the wall box and turn on the power at the breaker. Test out the dimmer be sure everything works as it should.

One word of caution, you should not use dimmers with florescent lights and not all Compact Florescent Light (CFL) bulbs, those curly kind will work with dimmers. Phillips now offers a CFL bulb that will work with a dimmer. Check the bulb package if you intend to use these bulbs with a dimmer.

Now sit back with your Diva and enjoy the ambiance of your new mood lighting.

Mr. Handsome