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T. Singh · Joined: 22 Sep 2008 Posts: 1 Location: Toronto

I am replacing a light switch with a dimmer. I'm not sure how to attach all the wires.
The inside of the box has one black wire beside a white wire (this configuration occurs three times inside the box -twice on the top and once on the bottom)
All the white wires are connected together.
One of the black wires on the top and the one on the bottom are attached to the old switch by screws.
The other black wire is connected to the old switch through a small hole. I cut that wire off and am now trying to connect all the wires, but can't figure it out.
There are some plain copper wires as well, which I assume are the ground.
Can you tell me which wires to connect with which wires?

b · Posted: Mon Sep 29, 2008 2:22 am Post subject:

I am unsure as to what you mean by a "hole"... it sounds as if the wire was connected to one of the connection screws through the back of the switch... that would probably be the hot wire and it probably goes on to another device from there... you should connect the two black wires together that were on the same contact and another 6" piece of wire for a pig tail (to take to the dimmer) with a wire nut... connect the pig tail to the top of the dimmer or the contact marked line... connect the other black wire that was on the other contact of the old switch to the bottom of the dimmer or the contact marked load... if you are at all unsure get a reputable licensed insured sparky out there to figure it out for you.
B