Quck answer
To install a standard switch from a dimmer switch, follow these steps:
1. Turn off the power: Locate the circuit breaker or fuse box and switch off the power to the dimmer switch’s circuit.
2. Remove the dimmer switch: Unscrew the faceplate and unscrew the dimmer switch from the electrical box. Disconnect the wires by loosening the terminal screws.
3. Prepare the wires: Strip the insulation off the ends of the wires and twist the ends together to make them easier to connect.
4. Connect the wires: Attach the black wire from the electrical box to the black wire on the new standard switch. Do the same with the white wires. If there is a ground wire, connect it as well.
5. Secure the switch: Screw the new switch into the electrical box and attach the faceplate.
6. Restore power: Turn the power back on at the circuit breaker or fuse box.
7. Test the switch: Turn on the lights controlled by the switch to ensure it is working properly.
By following these steps, you can easily replace a dimmer switch with a standard switch.
Dimmer switches are great for controlling the brightness of a light fixture, but they may not be necessary or safe in certain areas like closets or hallways. If you have a dimmer switch that you want to replace with a standard switch, you can easily do it yourself. Here’s how:
Step 1: Safety First
Before you begin, turn off the power to the room at the circuit breaker box. Double-check that the power is off by testing the light switch and outlets in the room.
Step 2: Accessing Wires
Once you’ve confirmed that there’s no electricity running to the room, use a screwdriver to remove the screws holding the dimmer switch’s faceplate. Take off the dimmer knob if necessary. With the faceplate removed, use a circuit tester to check the two black wires connected to the dimmer switch. If the tester reads zero, you can proceed. Remove the screws securing the switch to the switch box and pull the switch out to expose the wiring.
Step 3: Getting Ready
Take caution as you work and consider taking reference photos of the wire layout. If you’re unsure, it’s always a good idea to consult a professional electrician. Make sure you have the right type of standard switch for your setup. Identify the wires: the thick green or copper wire is the grounding wire, and the black and red wires are the traveler wires. If you have a three-way switch, there will also be an additional wire, which may have reversed colors or a different color altogether. This is the common terminal.
Step 4: Wiring Switches
Remove the wire splice connectors (wire nuts) connecting the wires from the dimmer switch to the switch box wires. Disconnect the traveler and/or common wires from the dimmer switch. Loosen the screw holding the grounding wire and remove the dimmer switch. Use needle-nose pliers to wrap the bare ground wire around the green screw on the new standard switch. Tighten the screw to secure it. Attach the traveler and/or common wires from the switch box to the screws on the sides of the new switch.
Checking Light Fixtures
Carefully push the switch and wires back into the switch box, and then use a screwdriver to fasten the new switch to the switch box. Attach the new faceplate to the switch. Go back to the circuit breaker box and turn the power back on for the room, and then toggle the new switch on and off to check if the installation was successful.
