Install A Dimmer Switch In 10 Minutes And Feel Like A Boss

Whatever you do, don't cut the red wire.

Emily Shwake / BuzzFeed / Nifty

So you've decided today's the day you're going to be a grownup.

NBC

Let's start with electrical work. Because after all, DIY dimmer switches are grown-up AF.

Supplies:

Dimmer switch

Wire nuts

Wire stripper

Phillips head Screwdriver

Flat Head Screwdriver

Grounding Wire

Voltage Tester

1. Go to your breaker box and turn off the switch for the light/outlet and the wall switch.

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2. Use your screwdriver to remove the light switch cover.

BuzzFeed / Nifty

BuzzFeed / Nifty

3. Use your voltage twister to check that there isn't a current running through the screws. If there isn't, unscrew the switch from its socket.

BuzzFeed / Nifty

BuzzFeed / Nifty

4. Unscrew the screws holding the wires in place until there is enough slack to pull the wires out. Remove all other wires so that you can remove the switch.

BuzzFeed / Nifty

BuzzFeed / Nifty

5. Got it?

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Good.

6. Use a wire stripper to strip the wire insulation by approximately half an inch. Bend them over so that you can curl them over the screws.

BuzzFeed / Nifty

BuzzFeed / Nifty

7. On the new dimmer switch, curl the green wire clockwise around the ground wire.

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8. If your dimmer switch has wires, this is going to go a bit differently.

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But no worries, you've still got this.

9. Twist the green wire on the new switch around the wire from the outlet. Cover with a wire nut or electrical tape.

BuzzFeed / Nifty

BuzzFeed / Nifty

10. Screw everything back into place and you're done!

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11. Watch the full tutorial here.

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