dimmer switch
#1
10-19-03, 12:37 PM
dimmer switch
i am attempting to install a dimmer switch for the first time and am pretty sure it is a single pole. there are 3 light switches next to eachother and the one i am changing has only 2 screws holding wires[one apiece] and both wires look the same. is it possible that there is no grounding wire?
thanks for help...lex
thanks for help...lex
#2
10-19-03, 12:55 PM
Yes, it is possible that there is no ground wire, depending upon what state you are in and how old the wiring is.
Look at the wires that enter the box. Do you see ground wire anywhere? Does the switch you removed have a ground screw?
Look at the wires that enter the box. Do you see ground wire anywhere? Does the switch you removed have a ground screw?
#5
10-19-03, 02:40 PM
The third screw on the old switch is likely a ground screw. If it is green, or if it visibly connects to the exposed metal of the switch then it is a ground screw.
The fact that a white wire is connected to a switch does not mean anything. This is acceptale. According to code, it should be reidentified as a hot wire. This is usually done by marking the insulation with a permanent black marker. Over the years this black mark may have faded.
Yes, just hook up your dimmer switch without a ground.
The fact that a white wire is connected to a switch does not mean anything. This is acceptale. According to code, it should be reidentified as a hot wire. This is usually done by marking the insulation with a permanent black marker. Over the years this black mark may have faded.
Yes, just hook up your dimmer switch without a ground.
#7
10-19-03, 03:25 PM
No, do not remove the ground wire. Simply do not connect it to anything, unless there are ground wires in the box. (You never answered that question, regarding whether there are ground wires in the box or not.)
