#Skylark dimmer for led lights install#
Step 6: Install the New Dimmer and Grounding Clip You will know that the box is grounded when the tester lights. To test for ground, switch on the power.Īfter that, position the leads of the voltage tester between the metal box and screw terminal. You must also make certain that the bare metal parts are not exposed.
#Skylark dimmer for led lights code#
Luckily, an article in the National Electric Code provides provision for dimmers to still be installed without a connecting ground wire.įirstly, such a dimmer is required to have a cover plate that is non-combustible and is made of plastic. However, what if your switch box is not grounded? Mostly, older homes may have switches that are not grounded. If the metal box is grounded, attach a short ground wire to it using a green grounding screw or metal grounding clip. If your wiring system uses a metal conduit, you first need to test the metal box to determine if it’s grounded. If your house has bare copper ground wires, you need to first test it with the help of a neon voltage tester to verify if it’s connected to a ground before connecting it to a dimmer switch. New dimmers typically come with a green grounding wire that is connected to a grounding source. If it is too small, you could replace it with a larger model by removing a 16-inch square of plaster or drywall. This may not be necessary for plastic boxes as the volume is usually stamped inside. If you are using a steel box, take measurements of the height, depth, and width to determine its volume and ensure that it’s large enough. It is also important to know that a 15-amp circuit breaker will require a 14-gauge wire while 20-amp circuit breakers will need a 12-gauge wire or heavier. Once you get the figure, compare it with the volume of the box. You will know the gauge of the wire by checking the amperage of the fuse or circuit breaker of the electrical service panel.
To get the minimum volume of the box in cubic inches, multiply the figure by 2.25 for 12-gauge wires and 2 for 14-gauge wires. Add 2 for every device including receptacle or switch that is installed in the electrical box. To help determine the minimum box size for your electrical code, be sure to add 1 for all ground wires combined, for all clamps combined, and for every neutral and hot wire going to the box. The volume of steel boxes is usually specified in the electrical code while that of plastic boxes is stamped inside. Some of the common metal box sizes include (measured in inches): In order to reduce this risk, the National Electrical Code spells out minimum box sizes. This is important because too many wires in a box can increase the risk of short-circuiting, overheating, and even fires. You need to determine the minimum box size that is necessary for the electrical code. Step 3: Figure Out the Minimum Box Size Required If it doesn’t light up, you can be certain that the power is off. Use the detector to probe for hot wires inside the electrical box.
There are many types of dimmer switches in the market to choose from.
Before you start, you will need these handy tools: