How to Install a Touch Dimmer Switch

A touch dimmer switch provides the user with the same functionality as any other type of dimmer switches. However, instead of a sliding plastic an adjustable knob, it uses a touch sensitive metal plate. The touch dimmer switch controls the brightness of light through the control of voltage.

Step 1 – Remove the Old Switch

Turn off the power supply in the room where the switch is installed. Remove the cover plate on the switch. If the cover does not come off easily from the wall, use a flathead screwdriver to pry it open. The switch is secured to the electrical box by two holding screws. Loosen the screws and pull the switch out of the box.

To disconnect the switch, loosen the two brass screws and one green screw on both sides of the switch. A bare wire is connected to the green screw and two black wires are connected to the brass screws. Detach the wires from the screws and pull out the old switch. Set it aside.

Step 2 – Wiring the Touch Dimmer Light Switch

The dimmer switched is already prewired and is easy to install on the electric box. There are three wires on the switch: two black hot wires and a bare wire for the ground. Sometimes, there is one black, one red, and one bare or green. The two hot wires (red and black) can be connected to any of the hot wires on the electrical box.

One of the black wires connects to the electrical panel while the other black wire connects to the light fixture. Before connecting the wires on the switch to the wires on the box, make sure to strip an inch of the insulation on both hot wires on the switch (black/black or black/red). Connect the black wire from to the electrical panel to one of the hot wires on the switch, and twist the stripped wires together. Then cover them with a wire nut and twist again until no bare wire is visible. Connect the black wire at the light fixture to the other hot wire on the switch in the same manner as the other hot wires. Hook the bare wire from the electric panel into the green screw on the switch.

Step 3 – Mount the Switch

Push all the connected wires at the back of the electrical box and secure the switch on the box using the two screws included in the switch package. Make sure to follow direction arrows to know which part of the switch goes up and which one goes down. Attach the cover plate for the switch by simply snapping it into position over the switch. However, procedures may vary depending on the switch model.

Step 4 – Testing

Switch on the power supply on the main electrical panel. Scroll up on the switch’s metal plate, using a finger to turn the light on. Scroll down to dim or switch off.