View Full Version : Dimmer switch to single pole
jchoo
Oct 10, 2010, 08:44 AM
I want to convert a dimmer switch to a single pole switch. How do I go about it ? I've got 3 lines coming in the box. See pics
creahands
Oct 10, 2010, 09:28 AM
Take the wires hooked to dimmer and hook on new switch.
Black to brass screw and white to silver screw.
Chuck
stanfortyman
Oct 10, 2010, 02:54 PM
Black to brass screw and white to silver screw.
Sorry Chuck, this is completely wrong.
A switch has two brass screws and typically both wires are black. From the extremely blurry pictures it looks like this is the case here as well.
jchoo, that dimmer IS a single pole switch. It is just one that dims.
Hook the same two wires that are connected to the dimmer to the new switch.
Replacing it with a new dimmer would actually be much easier.
creahands
Oct 10, 2010, 05:50 PM
Sorry Stan. My bad as far as screw colors. I agree that it is a direct replacement.
Chuck
jchoo
Oct 10, 2010, 05:54 PM
Actually one of the black wires coming off the dimmer is going in on the right side of the switch. The other black wire is going to a common black
massplumber2008
Oct 11, 2010, 05:54 AM
Hi Jchoo...
As you said, "the black wire coming off the dimmer is going in on the right side of the switch. The other black wire is going to a common black"...
More likely here is that the black wire comes from the right switch to feed power to the dimmer switch and then the other black wire feeds out to the light itself... ;)
As mentioned above... simple swap out. Here, shut the power off and confirm the power is off using an electrical tester. Next, cut the black wire from the dimmer and pull back a 1/2"of the black sheath and attach to the new switch. Attach the other black wire (going out to light) to the switch and attach the ground wire (if present) to the green screw on the switch. Push the wires and switches back into the box and test your work. That should be all you need to do here.
If the black wire from the dimmer switch to the old switch on the right is too short after you cut it then you will need to get a small piece of #14 wire to replace that wire and just connect from the old switch to the new switch.
Hope that helped...
Mark
jchoo
Oct 11, 2010, 03:25 PM
Worked. Thanks guys