What are the wires on a dimmer switch?

1:303:57How to Install a Dimmer Switch (Single Pole/Three Way - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFor three-way switches there should be three house wires not including the ground wire in theMoreFor three-way switches there should be three house wires not including the ground wire in the electrical box the hot wire is connected to the black screw it carries the power to the switch.

How do you wire a 4 wire light switch?

2:348:25How to wire 4 way intermediate light switch - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe then run a brown cable from l2 of switch two over to l2 or switch three. We then run a blue wireMoreWe then run a brown cable from l2 of switch two over to l2 or switch three. We then run a blue wire from l2 of switch one over to l3 of switch two.

What is the black wire on a dimmer switch?

When you turn on a light switch, power goes to the light through the “hot” (black) wire and then back through the neutral (white) wire to the ground. The bare or green-wrapped ground wires serve as a backup to divert the power safely away in case of an electrical fault.

Why are there 4 wires on a light switch?

Since the switch cuts the power on and off, there will be a black wire coming into the switch and a black wire leaving. The whites are normally just connected together with a wire nut and the coppers are connected together with a wire nut or grounded to a metal junction box. So the new switch has four wires.

Can you change a normal switch to a dimmer?

Most dimmers are designed to fit a standard wall box opening, which makes it easy to replace the switch for any incandescent or halogen light with a dimmer. Safety Tip: Always cut the power to the dimmable switch at your circuit breaker box or fuse box before installation.

Do all light switches have 4 wires?

A light switch has 4 wires sometimes – 2 white and 2 black wires. The whites are connected together with a short third wire; which is called a pigtail, connecting to the silver screw on the pull chain fixture.

What happens if you wire light backwards?

Tip. The fixture still works if you reverse the wires, but the socket sleeve will be hot, and anyone who touches it while changing a bulb can get a shock. When wired correctly, the socket sleeve is neutral and only the small metal tab at the base of the socket is hot.