Add Dimmer Switch
Dimmer adds ambiance and extends bulb life. Control your bathroom's mood instantly.
Time Required
15-30 minutes
Cost
$15-50
Difficulty
Moderate
Safety First
ALWAYS turn off power at the breaker before working on switches.
- • Flip the breaker, not just the switch itself
- • Test with a voltage tester before touching wires
- • Take photos of existing wiring before disconnecting
Types of Dimmers
Slide Dimmer
Slide up/down to adjust brightness. On/off toggle at bottom. Classic design.
Rocker/Paddle Dimmer
Tap to turn on/off, hold to dim. Modern appearance, matches rocker switches.
Rotary Dimmer
Turn knob to adjust. Push to on/off. Simple and intuitive.
Smart Dimmer
Control via app, voice, or schedules. Works with Alexa, Google, HomeKit. Requires neutral wire.
Before You Buy
- • LED compatible: Make sure dimmer is rated for LED/CFL bulbs, not just incandescent
- • Wattage rating: Dimmer must handle total wattage of all bulbs on the circuit
- • Single-pole vs 3-way: Single-pole for one switch location, 3-way if two switches control the light
- • Neutral wire: Smart dimmers usually require a neutral wire (white). Check your box first.
Installation Steps
Turn off power at breaker
Find correct breaker, flip it off. Test switch to confirm power is off.
Remove cover plate and switch
Unscrew cover, then remove screws holding switch to box. Pull switch out gently.
Photo and disconnect wires
Take a photo for reference. Note which wire goes where. Disconnect wires from old switch.
Connect dimmer wires
Follow dimmer instructions. Usually: green to ground, black to hot, other black to load. Use wire nuts.
Mount and install cover
Tuck wires into box carefully. Screw dimmer in place. Attach cover plate.
Test and adjust
Turn on breaker, test dimmer at all levels. Adjust low-end trim if bulbs flicker.
Troubleshooting
Lights flicker at low settings
Adjust the low-end trim (small screw or button on dimmer). Or bulbs may not be dimmer-compatible.
Lights buzz or hum
Usually incompatible bulbs. Try different LED bulbs rated for dimming. Some dimmers buzz with certain bulbs.
Dimmer is warm/hot
Slight warmth is normal. If hot, you may be exceeding wattage rating. Reduce bulb wattage or get higher-rated dimmer.
Pro Tips
- •Match switch styles: If you have rocker switches elsewhere, get a rocker-style dimmer.
- •Lutron is reliable: Lutron Diva and Caseta dimmers work well with most LED bulbs.
- •Night light feature: Some dimmers have a small LED that glows in dark. Great for bathrooms.
- •Keep receipts: If bulbs flicker, you may need to try different bulb/dimmer combinations.