To fit a dimmer switch in place of a standard light switch you will need the following tools and materials:

Once the power to the circuit and switch are isolated, the next job is to use a flat blade screwdriver to unscrew the 2 screws on the front of the faceplate. Upgrade your lighting experience with Lightwave Smart Dimmers. These innovative devices transform your standard switches into incredibly versatile smart home controllers. Say goodbye to the same old light switch and embrace the future of smart lighting. Aside from the main differences in how they operate, dimmer switches are also available in several different operation: LED dimmer module has auto-detect function for either leading edge or trailing edge with 5-150W load, 230-240V 50Hz If you have a metal face plate for your switch there should also be a green and yellow earth wire to a small terminal on this. If not then it should be connected to the metal box in the wall called a pattress box. If the pattress box is plastic then it should be screwed into the earth terminal somewhere inside.Once correctly positioned, pop each screw through each hole and then screw it up tight, ensuring that it’s level. Step 6 – Test Switch If the new dimmer switch has a metal faceplate then you will also need to connect the earth to the earth terminal on the faceplate. With the old switch out of the way, take your new dimmer switch and connect the wires in the same place as the old one; brown live to COM and blue switched live to L1 Smart dimmers: Use smart automation technology and wifi to enable you to control a single or set of lights using an app

For the purpose of this project we will be swapping and existing 1 gang 1 way switch for a similar 1 gang 1 way dimmer switch. Step 1 – Isolate Circuit

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Traditionally, dimmer switches used a variable resistor that essentially restricts the flow of electricity by converting it to heat. This not only caused the resistor to get hot but also, this was a massive waste of electricity. To release each wire on the switch, use your flat blade screwdriver to loosen the small screw in each terminal and then pull the wires free. If the earth is also fixed to the faceplate, unscrew this, if attached to the pattress box leave it where it is.

Adding a dimmer switch to the lighting in a room can have a dramatic effect on the overall ambience of a room, allowing you to lower the lighting levels to create a much more relaxed environment.

BULB COMPATIBILITY.

Once done, put the 2 screws to one side and pull the faceplate away and turn it to reveal the internals on the rear of the face. Control From Anywhere: Whether you're at home or on the go, the Lightwave app empowers you to control and monitor your lights from anywhere. Illuminate your space before you even step in or create the illusion of occupancy. With Lightwave, you're always in control. As we have now looked at what a dimmer switch is and how it works, it’s now time to see how they are fitted. The very first job to do before doing anything else is to isolate the circuit you will be working on by turning off the MCB/RCD in your consumer unit or pulling out the fuse if you have a fuse box.

The names refer to the way in which they control light levels. As mentioned above, modern dimmer switches work by rapidly cutting the supply of electricity to the light half way through it’s cycle when the current hits zero. Intuitive Automations: Craft custom 'Automations' to suit your lifestyle. Set your lights to mimic your presence, creating a lived-in look even when you're away. Explore timers, scenes, and the power to create a master switch for your entire home. A leading edge dimmer cuts the front off of the second part of the wave cycle, where as a trailing edge dimmer cuts the second part of a waves cycle. Today, modern dimmer switches are much more efficient and instead of using a resistor, essentially turns the light on and off very rapidly every second. As both UK and US electricity is AC (alternating current) it turns from positive to negative every cycle. For more information on staying safe when working around electricity, see our electrical safety project here. What is a Dimmer Switch?A dimmer switch is a type of light switch that allows you to control the amount of electricity that flows to the lights it controls, which, when turned down dims them or when turned up brightens them, manually enabling you to set the light level in a room. In this DIY guide we look at how to fit a dimmer switch in place of a standard light switch. Regulations for Fitting Dimmer Switches