PROJECT TOOLS:

Replacing a Three-Way Switch In the event that you are dealing with a three-way switch, the same principles apply. The name three-way switch is a little misleading because such a switch controls lights from two locations, not three. The basic principle is that the common or hot wire (the dark-colored one) proceeds from the power source to the first switch. Two lighter-colored traveler wires link the two switches together. The common wire then runs from the second switch to the light fixture. A white wire runs from the power source to the light fixture, which completes the circuit. All that you need to remember is to make a wire diagram before unfastening the wires to the damaged switch. Install the new three-way switch with the same wiring pattern that you found in the damaged switch. Dimmer Switches Lights can be strategically placed to highlight a particular piece of furniture or a specific area of a room. Bright lights make a room look cheerful while dim lights create a sense of intimacy and relaxation. Installing a dimmer switch allows you to control the amount of illumination a light puts out. These switches also help to conserve energy and increase the life of your light bulb because a dimmed filament burns at a lower temperature, which slows the burn-out process. It is important to note that dimmer switches can only be used to control lighting — not appliances or the functioning of an electrical outlet. Also, incandescent and fluorescent lights require different types of dimmer switches. Tool to Have on Hand: straight-slot screwdriver Installing Incandescent Dimmer Switches. Installing an incandescent dimmer switch is really a simple project. You install it the same way you install any lighting switch. 1. Turn off the power to the switch at the circuit breaker. 2. Remove the switch cover with a screwdriver and you will see two screws holding the switch in place on the wall. 3. Remove these screws and pull the switch out of the wall. You will now see two wires connected to the switch. They will either be attached to two screws on the side of the switch or they will be inserted into the back of the switch. 4. Loosen the screws and disconnect the wires or press a small screwdriver against the release slot on the switch and pull out the wires. Note where the wires were attached because you will repeat this procedure in reverse order when you reconnect the dimmer switch. The old switch will now be free. 5. Take this switch to a hardware or electrical supply store and replace it with a suitable dimmer switch. 6. Reconnect the dimmer switch to the wires in the wall, screw it back onto the wall, replace the cover, and turn the power back on. If you are dealing with a three-way switch, it is best to install only one dimming switch and to leave the other switch alone. Make sure you attach the black wire from the box (the common wire) to the black switch wire. Then connect the two red wires from the switch (the traveler wires) to the traveler wires in the box — one will likely be red and the other white.

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