Take Control of Your Lighting with Dimmer Switches

Light. It's one of the most important features in your home. If there's not enough of it, it can be uncomfortable. The same goes for when there's too much of it. One of the best ways to control light levels is with a dimmer switch. Dimmer switches replace the current on/off single-pole switches that normally control the lighting circuits. Once a dimmer switch is installed, you have complete control of the amount of light in any given room.

Dimmer switches can add a special ambiance to a room, just by turning a dial or sliding a lever. Believe it or not, some are even controlled by a remote. Imagine sitting down in your living room to watch a movie on your entertainment center. Just before the movie begins, you gently dim the lights ... just like a real theater! It makes the experience much more exciting and dramatic. Perhaps you're having a get together with friends, or just spending some time alone with a loved one. Dimming the lights can set a tone and ambiance for whatever you have planned.

Some benefits of replacing a single-pole switch with a dimmer switch include:

• You have control over the amount of light in a room.
• You can leave bathroom or hallway lights dimmed for small children or overnight guests.
• The way dimmers tend to make a room look more romantic and cozy can actually increase your house's re-sale value and give you an added edge over other houses on the market.
• Dimmer switches offer versatility and add richness to any room.

 

While dimmer switches do offer plenty of benefits, there are a few things you should consider before running to your local hardware store to replace all the switches in your house.

• Dimmer switches will increase your electric bill slightly. Due to the resistance in the circuit being raised when you dim the lights, the excess voltage is turned into heat through the resistor, causing more electric usage. We're not talking huge numbers here, so don't get scared, but it's something you should be aware of if you're concerned about electric costs.
• If the box you're planning on installing the dimmer in is overloaded with wires, it may not be a good idea to install it. The heat created by a dimmer, while not blistering, can be dangerous with all those wires pressing up against it. Dimmers are also much bigger than single pole switches, and space should be allotted for the size. An experienced electrician can always install a new box to fit all the components safely.
• Dimmer switches are noticeably more expensive than single pole switches. The cost can range anywhere from $5.00 for a basic dial dimmer to more than $100.00 for a multi-room controller.
• Unless controlled by a dimmable ballast, fluorescent lights cannot be dimmed.
• Before installing, always turn off the electricity to the circuit you're working on. In addition to the obvious safety reasons, if you wire up a dimmer with the electricity on, it could damage the switch and send you back to the store for another one.

 

Dimmer switches can add depth to just about any room in your house, including dining rooms, bedrooms, a den or study, living rooms, kitchens, and even bathrooms.

Before installing a dimmer switch yourself, be sure to read the packaging for proper installation instructions. For more help, check out our DIY tutorial for installing a dimmer switch.

Dave Donovan is a freelance copywriter living in Atco, N.J. An electrician for 15 years, an injury forced him to pursue his true passion - writing.

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