Dimmer Switch

[toots]

Hi,

I would like to change my living room light to a dimmer switch instead of the usual on/off switch but I am unsure whether I can do this.

I have two switches in my living room, 1 single one (beside the door) which works the living room light and 1 double switch with 2 switches on it (at the bottom of the stairs), one which works the living room light and the other works the hall light. So technically the living room light has 2 feeds to it at different ends of my living room?

So I was wondering if I can just change the single switch (one beside the door) to a dimmer switch?? Or will this affect the other light which works the living room/hall light and will I have to change that one too?

Thanks for your help!!

 

[i=p/u]

sounds like you need 2way dimmer and you sorted

 

[trev]

2 way switching is a little more complicated than 1 way and without knowing your skill level it's difficult for us to advise properly. What one person would be confident to take on would baffle and scare others. Post up your location and I'm sure one of us will come to do this properly for you and the peace of mind that comes from knowing it's been done right, by a properly qualified person will vastly outweigh the pretty small cost involved in the job.

 

[toots]

Hi, thank you for your reply! so I will just need 1 two-way dimmer switch for the single switch beside the door? sorry this is a very grey area for me. Thanks

 

[cogsey133]

As has been pointed out if you are unsure please call an electrician as it can be costly and dangerous if you get it wrong.

 

[toots]

Electrical skill level is minimal, I know how to change a light switch and turn power off ect, just unsure of what type of dimmer switch i need and can use. thanks trev

 

[cogsey133]

You need to know the rating for the switch. If the switch back box is deep enough to accommodate a dimmer, be able to fault find if the switch doesn't work etc, etc.

 

[i=p/u]

always ends up more than bargained for, i installed about 15 dimmers this morning, so i wont be calling round

 

[drew35]

Also dimmer switches are much deeper than a standard switch so there may not be enough depth in the back box.