Brighten Your Home with Dimmers

Many forms of home lighting can be dramatic, including accent, primary, task and more. And, all varieties become more versatile when controlled by a dimmer switch.

Many forms of home lighting can be dramatic, including accent, primary, task and more. And, all varieties become more versatile when controlled by a dimmer switch.

Lighting is a major design element in any room, and a simple way to make a dramatic change is to replace a conventional toggle switch with a dimmer switch. It has been said that dimmers are most effective with dining room and living room lights and in family rooms where television viewing takes place. But, in fact, dimmed lighting can be every bit as important in the master bedroom and bath and even the kitchen.

The switch, which can be installed in about 15 minutes ö regardless of the type chosen improves the versatility of an existing light fixture by allowing one to decide when bright light is wanted and when a special mood is preferred. By using one dimmer switch to control overhead lights, one can transform any room from a bright work space to a room for quiet contemplation.

Dimmer switches are available in a wide range of styles and prices and the lower priced models work just as well as the expensive ones. They all do the same thing: control the intensity of illumination at the light fixture.

Dimmer switches are available in five basic types:

1) rotating dial
2) toggle
3) toggle and lever
4) slide
5) touch control

Each type is available for single and three-pole switch types. So, whichever type you select, make sure it has the right number of poles for your application.

The cost is about the same for rotating and toggle, a bit more expensive for the toggle with a lever, and the slide and touch control types are the most expensive. Prices range from about $7 to $50 each. On occasion the rotating-disk type has been known to hum. Since even the most expensive switches can make noise, be sure to insist on a written money-back guarantee before making the purchase. Slide dimmers range from the middle of the lot to the top end in price with the major difference being quality of operation. Choice will probably boil down to which one you like best and how much you can afford. Most home improvement centers carry a relatively limited inventory of the various types. Your local electrical supply house will provide the best selection.

Many folks believe that all electrical work is dangerous. And in many cases this is true. However, changing a wall switch is a relatively safe task. You have only to remember to turn the main power switch off before you begin your project. It is also wise to place a sign on the power panel door cautioning others that the electrical system is being worked on. And don't make the mistake of turning off only the breaker that controls the light to be worked on. Occasionally, more than one light circuit is fed through the same electrical junction box. TURN OFF THE MAIN BREAKER!

Because of space limitations only the single-pole switch replacement can be covered here: Before disconnecting wires and removing switches make sure that the electric box that will contain the dimmer has sufficient room to hold the new device. Some dimmer-switch housings are large and can be difficult to fit into electric boxes that contain an excessive number of electrical wires or splices.

With the power disconnected, remove the switch cover plate and then the switch itself. An electric screwdriver can save a great deal of time. The switch mounting screws are finely threaded and seem to take forever to remove when using a conventional screwdriver. Next, pull the switch out of the box and note that it is connected to two wires. Disconnect the wires from the switch. Clean and straighten the wire ends making sure that they are not cut or damaged, and connect them to the new switch. Then, reverse the removal order to install the switch. Finally, dim the lights, and serve wine and cheese.

See more weekly projects in the Electrical and Lighting category!