Lighting, Light Fixtures, Ceiling and Exhaust Fans - Dimmer Switch

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CSSheldon
03-13-06, 06:27 PM
Okay, so now I'm having a bit of a problem with a dimmer switch. The two black wires and ground are hooked up correctly, but I can't get the switch to dim. It will turn the light off and on, but not dim.

The hot wire does come in and connect to a line that runs constant to some plugs, and that junction is pig-tailed into the dimmer.

It seems like this should work.

Cheyenps
03-13-06, 07:29 PM
The two black wires and ground are hooked up correctly, but I can't get the switch to dim. It will turn the light off and on, but not dim.

That's a pretty typical mode of failure for a dimmer switch. Sounds like it's toast.

What kind of lights are you trying to dim and how many?

Did it ever work?
John Nelson
03-13-06, 09:38 PM
As previously said, it's a typical failure mode. It usually happens when too much current flows through it. Often this happens when the dimmer is installed incorrectly and creates a short circuit, and then the problem is corrected. Sometimes it happens simply when a bulb burns out.

So what's your story?