Installing a Dimmer Switch in an Old Home
#1
02-05-03, 01:06 PM
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Installing a Dimmer Switch in an Old Home
I bought some dimmer switches which have two wires for the circuit and a separate ground wire. My home is quite old and there is no ground wire available.
Is it ok to install these switches and just use a wire cap on the wire that would normally go to ground, or should I buy switches that don't have the ground wire?
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Is it ok to install these switches and just use a wire cap on the wire that would normally go to ground, or should I buy switches that don't have the ground wire?
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#3
02-05-03, 02:58 PM
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Hmmm... I have little experience with home wiring, so I am not exactly sure what you are asking me.
The house has one fuse box with 4 fuses that control everything. One fuse for most of the lights, one for most of the (two prong) outlets, etc....
When I removed the light switch that was already installed, I saw that it only had two wires.
The house has one fuse box with 4 fuses that control everything. One fuse for most of the lights, one for most of the (two prong) outlets, etc....
When I removed the light switch that was already installed, I saw that it only had two wires.
#4
02-05-03, 03:02 PM
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Ahh.. an internet search shows me that BX cable refers to armored cable.
Well, the wiring attached to the previous switch has a thick cloth like insulation around it, if that helps.
Well, the wiring attached to the previous switch has a thick cloth like insulation around it, if that helps.
#5
02-05-03, 03:14 PM
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sounds like old RHW cloth extruded thru tar. really brittle stuff as it ages. are you sure there isn't a bare wire screwed into the back of the box??? that will be your ground. if this wire is there, you could just do the same w/ the ground from the switch!
#6
02-05-03, 03:32 PM
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I will definitely look more carefully for a ground when I get home today.
I suppose my real question is: if there isn't, is it still safe to install the switch with the ground wire from the switch capped, or do I need a different model for the wiring I have?
I suppose my real question is: if there isn't, is it still safe to install the switch with the ground wire from the switch capped, or do I need a different model for the wiring I have?
#7
02-05-03, 03:39 PM
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my answer to you would be to check the box that the switch goes in. it should be a metal box with the bare from the wire attached to it somehow (usually w/ a screw). if the box is indeed metal, you can get a grounding tail, available at the depot, lowes or elec supply, this is simply a solid piece of #12 wire about 8" long with a green screw on one end. the screw would screw into the back of the box and you can then wirenut the switch ground to it.
#8
02-05-03, 03:43 PM
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Thanks for the information.
I will check the box when I get home from work today.
I will check the box when I get home from work today.
#9
02-05-03, 05:18 PM
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Is it ok to install these switches and just use a wire cap on the wire that would normally go to ground?
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