Page 1 of Installing a dimmer switch

I want to replace a normal toggle switch with a dimmer switch, but have been told I can`t because our house isn`t earthed. Does anyone know if this is right?

If it isn`t, I would be grateful if anyone could point me in the direction of instructions regarding installing a dimmer in an unearthed house.

Cheers

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"There are things known and there are things unknown, and inbetween are the doors."

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I`m no electrician but any time I`ve fitted a dimmer switch it`s always been a straight replacement wire for wire.
If the existing toggle switch works,I can`t see why a dimmer wouldn`t... :/

Disclaimer;
If Jim electrecutes himself,or ends up looking like Ken Dodd,it`s sod all to do with me.

Downloaded this off the net
I typed in `fitting dimmer switch` and found it;

First switch off the mains supply at the consumer unit and remove the fuse for the circuit you are working on. Undo the two fixing screws on the switch and pull out the switch from the mounting box. The existing light switch should have two terminals only. If it has three - one at the top and two at the bottom, then it is a two way switch.

Unscrew the terminals and remove the conductors from the original switch. Replace the conductors in the new dimmer switch in the same positions as the old switch. Ensure the terminals are tight. If the dimmer switch is metal e.g. brass or chrome, then it should have an earth terminal on the metal case. This should be connected with a short length of earth wire to the earth on the mounting box inside the switch.
Replace the new dimmer switch in the mounting box and secure it with the two screws.
Power can now be restored at the consumer unit.

Not earthed? eh? how`s that then?

I`ve fitted the rotary type dimmer switches upstairs in the kids bedrooms.
Only two wires. Just remember where each wire came from.

Oh, isolate the floor that you`re working on :D

Ste.

You know of course that you can`t operate fluorescent lights with a dimmer ? :)

JohnF

GW6UFO is QRT at the moment

Quite straight forward here. As there are two types of light switch/ dimmer available--plastic and matal framed, the plastic one directly replaces the existing toggle switch and needs no earthing. The metal (brass effect) dimmer or switch does need earthing as it constitutes a hazard in the event of an overload.
Therefore, go ahead and fit the plastic one but ensure to kill the power before fixing.
By the way, if you are fitting to regular light bulbs, ensure that the load does not exceed 400 wats or you`ll need a high load dimmer (more expensive) and if you are using to dim halogen spots, look for a dimmer that can be used with these type of bulbs.

Good luck!!

Be aware dimmer switches come in different ratings usually in watts. Make sure the load is less than or equal the dimmers rating. typicaly 240 watts. Just add up all the lights on the dimmer circuit. e.g a 9 lamp fitting say, with 40 watts per lamp would require a 360 watt dimmer at least.

Dimmers do not necessarily need to be earthed, but if an earth point exists always use it. All modern houses are, and it should be done if possible. If not make sure you put a good consumer unit in with earth leakage detection.Cheaper that setting fire to you house.

Cheers guys

__________________________________________

---

"There are things known and there are things unknown, and inbetween are the doors."

My Top 20 Movies
My 64 Strong DVD collection