Dimmer switches can be a convenient, simple upgrade to your lighting, and they can have far more uses than you think. While you might think dimmers are just for “mood lighting,” they’re also great for movie nights, dinner parties, or simply not blinding yourself when you turn on the light at night. But how difficult is it to upgrade to a dimmer switch? Read this article to see just how simple it can actually be.

Step 1: Selecting a Dimmer Switch

First, you’ll need to choose the right dimmer switch for your needs. To do this, you’ll need to determine three things: the type of light you’ll be using with the dimmer, the number of switches that control that light, and the number of lights connected to each dimmer switch:

1. Type of light – All dimmers are rated for a specific kind of light, and choosing the wrong one can cause issues. So, if you’re using an LED lightbulb, make sure you choose an LED dimmer; if you’re using CFL bulbs, get a CFL dimmer. And when you buy new lightbulbs, make sure you’re selecting ones that are compatible.
2. Number of switches – If you have one light switch that controls the fixture you want to convert to a dimmer, you’ll need a single-pole dimmer; if it’s controlled by two separate switches, you’ll need a 3-way dimmer in both locations, or a 3-way dimmer in one location and a 3-switch in the other.
3. Number of bulbs – Add up the wattage for all the bulbs in the fixture you’re upgrading. Check the rating on the dimmer switch you chose to make sure it can handle the total wattage.

Please also note that not all fixtures can be upgraded with a dimmer. For example, dimmer switches don’t typically work for fluorescent lights with ceiling fans that are operated on the same switch as the lightbulbs.

Step 2: Removing the Old Switch

Now that you’ve chosen the correct dimmer, turn off the power to that switch at the breaker box. Remove the wall plate and gently pull the switch away from the wall. If replacing a 3-way switch, you’ll see one wire connected to a screw that is colored differently or labeled “common.” Label this, and disconnect all wires from the switch.

Step 3: Connecting the Dimmer Switch

Connect the ground wire in your new switch to the green or bare copper wire in the switch box. Connect the dimmer wire from your switch to the common wire you marked earlier. If connecting a 3-way dimmer switch, you’ll also need to connect the two traveler wires separately to the remaining wires in the wall box. Screw the switch into place with a screwdriver, replace the light switch covers, and turn the power back on to test out your new dimmer switch.