I understand what your saying but i'm confused with the "dimmers with a metal front plate." As my dimmer has a metal touch device, is this classed as a "metal front plate" even though the rest of the front plate is plastic ? I'd rather check than get it wrong.
1 way switch to 1 way dimmer switch
- Thread starter ghadaway
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S
sparkyspike
No! Don't use tape to terminate the black wire!!! 
If your light worked with the original switch as you described, then your dimmer should work now! Did you buy it new?
If your light worked with the original switch as you described, then your dimmer should work now!
Did you buy it new?
S
sparkyspike
No, the small metal circle you have to touch does not mean you have a metal switchplate. If the rest of the switchplate is plastic it probably doesn't need earthing. I only say 'probably' because I cannot see it for myself. If there is no earth terminal then don't earth it. And DON'T connect to 'S', in case you were wondering....
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sparkyspike
Does it work then?
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I can't see the fault in taping up a disused conductor.
Does the switch have an earth terminal?
If you're not sure what it looks like, maybe you should not be doing this in the first place!
It's just that number 5 in the instructions says it needs an earth.
Call an electrician.
Does the switch have an earth terminal?
If you're not sure what it looks like, maybe you should not be doing this in the first place!
It's just that number 5 in the instructions says it needs an earth.
Call an electrician.
S
sparkyspike
Do you really do this? What if it's live?
No.5 says "dimmers with a metal front plate must be earthed!
S
sparkyspike
Just put the blade end on the terminal you're testing and your thumb on the end of the handle. It'll light up if there's voltage, but won't tell you how much voltage. I hate these testers. They're potentially dangerous because they get misused. I prefer the 'Volt stick' which doesn't require contact and has no metal parts.
How can you potentially misuse it so i don't and could i use this possibly to determine the live feed for my dimmer switch or is that what you mean by misuse ? Also, how does it work so you don't get shocked ? Is there an earth in the driver itself ?
S
sparkyspike
If you use it to open tins of paint etc, or making holes in the wall, you can damage it, possibly exposing the user to mains voltage. There is no earth connection; a small current goes through your body which is limited by a device in the handle. If it's in good condition, then by all means use it to test the live cable in your lightswitch. You sound pretty unsure of electrics, so be careful what you're doing. This should be a simple job though. Fit the dimmer with the power off!
S
sparkyspike
BTW, shouldn't you be in bed with your girlfriend by now?
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