metal dimmer

mick319 · 17 Oct 2007

Hi, I am trying to wire a single dimmer in place of old switch. The wires coming out of thre wall are black and red and there is a copper wire attached to the back of the box. Is this the earth wire as all information is telling me to make sure it is earthed. Please help and thanks in advance. Mick

Steve · 17 Oct 2007

Yes the bare wire is the circuit protective conductor. AKA earth. If your switch has a metal plate, you must earth it.

davelx · 17 Oct 2007

And don't forget to insulate that bare wire with green/yellow sleeving

mick319 · 17 Oct 2007

Thanks all for your help. The switch is fitted and working but the bulb is flickering and lightly buzzing when dimmed to low. Any ideas? Thanks again.
ps Its an energy saving bulb,would that make a difference.

Steve · 17 Oct 2007

mick319 said:
ps Its an energy saving bulb,would that make a difference.

YES IT WOULD

You cannot dim compact fluorescent lamps! Though dimmable versions are available online.

PS you may have buggered the dimmer, and the CFL.

mick319 · 17 Oct 2007

Cheers all, just checked it and changed the bulb and seems much metter except for a very small buzzing in the switch which you can only hear if you put your ear to it. Is this ok? Thanks in advance Mike

bongos · 17 Oct 2007

Dimmers often buzz. It's what they do generally when turned down but sometimes all the time.

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metal dimmer

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