Dimmer Switch Wiring Connections

Electrical Wire Connections for a Dimmer Switch – Many times it is found that a white wire may be used for a switch leg which will carry current or electricity to the light fixture. If you discover this, make sure to identify the wire as a switched wire.

© By: Dave Rongey

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Identifying Dimmer Switch Wiring Connections
[ad#block]Wiring a Dimmer: I am connecting a light fixture to a dimmer switch.

I have a red wire, black wire, and a white wire coming from the box.
I have three non colored wires from the fixture labeled GRN, LN, and N.
What connections should I use to complete this task?

This electrical question came from: Garry, a Homeowner from Calgary, Canada

See more about Home Wiring for Canada

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Garry

Dimmer Switch Wiring Connections

Garry, with a lot of switch wiring, the actual use of the wire should be identified using a voltage tester, and this would help out with your dimmer switch wiring project. There are some designations for wiring that can be easily identified, such as the following:

Typical Electrical Wiring Connections for a Dimmer Switch

GRN is for the Ground Wire connection.
LN is for the Line and is typically the Black Wire which is the power source.
N is for the Neutral or White Wire

Electrical Tip for Dimmer Switch Wiring

It is best to use a voltage tester to positively identify what the designation is of the wires in the switch box.
Many times it is found that a white wire may be used for a switch leg which will carry current or electricity to the light fixture.
If you discover this, make sure to identify the wire as a switched leg or wire by wrapping a piece of electrical tape over the white insulation of the wire.

Generally most new switches come with an explanation for the wires found on the dimmer switch. Typically two wires will be one color, usually red which identifies the traveler wires, and the third wire is typically black. Most all dimmer switches are made to be used for either a single switch or a three way switch, so if you are replacing a single switch then cap off one of the two red traveler wires with a wire connector.

The Following will assist you with Wiring Dimmer Switches:

Wiring a Dimmer Switch

3 Way Dimmer Switch Wiring Diagram
Fully explained 3 way dimmer switch wiring diagram will take the mystery out of wiring a 3-way dimmer switch.

Guide to Home Electrical Wire

Electrical Wire for the Home
Complete listing of electrical wire types and parts used for home projects with electrical code information serves as selection guidelines.

Lighting For The Home

The following may also be helpful for you:

A Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring

Be sure to get your copy of my BIG Book:
Perfect for Homeowners, Students and Electricians
Includes:
Home Electrical Wiring - Room by Room
120 Volt Circuits
240 Volt Circuits
Multi-Wired Circuits
Wiring Methods for Installing Home Electrical Circuit Wiring
Electrical Codes for Home Electrical Wiring
....and much more.

Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.

Electrical Tips to Help You Wire it Right

The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!

The Non-Contact Electrical Tester
This is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use.

The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring!

The Plug-In Outlet Tester
This is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring.
It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect Very handy and easy to use.

Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire!

The Wire Stripper and Wire Cutter
My absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires.
This handy tool has multiple uses:
The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation.
The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets..

The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use.

Electrical Parts to Help You Wire it Right

Switches Parts and Accessories

Light Switch Single Pole

3 Way Light Switch

4 Way Light Switch

Switch and Outlet Combo

Dimmer Switch

Wiring 3Way and 4Way Dimmer Switches
Electrical Question: How can I wire a 3way dimmer switch to one of the switch locations?

I want to add a dimmer switch to one of the switch locations. I replaced one of the three way switches with a 3 way dimmer switch.

I have a four way switch set up like your diagram shows and it works great.
The dimmer switch now acts like a master switch.
As long as the switch is on, the other switches in the circuit work and I can dim the lights.
However, if I turn the dimmer off, the other switches will not turn the light on. Is there a special type of dimmer switch in this circumstance?

Thanks

This electrical question came from: Terry, a Handyman from Bermuda, New York.

Additional Comments: Great Website.

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Terry and Mary.

How to Wire 3Way and 4Way Dimmer Switches

Application: Wiring a Dimmer Switch.
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate – Best if wired by a Licensed Electrical Contractor.
Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools and Voltage Tester.
Estimated Time: Depends on personal level experience and ability to work with tools.
Precaution: Identify the light circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the dimmer switch wiring.
Materials: Make sure the replacement dimmer switch has the same amperage and voltage rating as the original switch, and is fully compatible with the electrical circuit, the light fixture and the type of light bulbs being used. The dimmer switch must be rated for the amount of watts that will be controlled.

Common Problems When Wiring a Dimmer Switch and How to Fix Them

Dimmer Switch Wiring Connections
The wiring for the dimmer switch that you installed may be incorrect, or you may need to install the dimmer at the other switch location.
Installing Multiple Dimmer Switches
When there are multiple dimmer switches you will need to install dimmer switches that have a Master switch and one or more Slave switches.
Types of 3Way and 4Way Dimmer Switches
Brands such as Lutron, which have the Maestro series of switches are perfect for this type of multiple switch application.

More About Wiring 3Way Dimmer Switch Wiring

3 Way Switch Diagram

Wiring a dimmer switch

3 Way Dimmer Switch Wiring Diagram
Fully explained 3 way dimmer switch wiring diagram will take the mystery out of wiring a 3-way dimmer switch.

4 Way Switch Wiring

4 Way Switch Wiring
Fully explained 4 way switch diagrams. 4-way switches are a convenient way to operate lighting fixtures from three or more locations. The electrical wiring adds additional wiring to the same principles of 3-way switching.

Electrical circuit

Electric Circuit Listing
The size of the home electrical service panel is designed by calculating the square footage of the home and factoring in the code requirements for the electrical circuits that are required.