Dimmer switch terminals not labled

[Claire C]

Hi this is my first post here. I have had a look and cant find anyone else asking this question so I hope u can help me

I bought a dimmer for my sons room and have lost the instructions. The problem is that the terminals inside the dimmer are not labled. my ex once told me it doesnt really matter which terminal the wires go in, as long as its earthed is the main thing. is this true?

thanks for your time

Claire x

 

[Diyisfun]

How many terminals?
How many wires coming into the old switch?

 

[Steve]

if there's just two wires it generally doesn't matter which way round you connect them to the two terminals on a 1-way switch.

 

[Diyisfun]

if there's just two wires it generally doesn't matter which way round you connect them to the two terminals on a 1-way switch.

I could have written that, but I didnt want to bring something new into like 1 way dimmer.

I thought I would wait for the reply to my question.

So Claire you now know what I would have said, if you had replied 2, terminals 3 wires (plain copper being earth).

 

[Claire C]

yep thats wot its like. 2terminals and 3 wires. well 3terminals if u include the one for the earth, but I know which one that is. thats the only one thats labled.

sorry I didnt think of putting that in my first post. didnt expect a reply so soon. thanks guys!

will give it a try later this afternoon and I'll let u know how I get on. I've done plenty other DIY jobs but not this so I'm a bit wary.

thanks again and dont worry I wont take any risks if I think I cant do it I'll just leave it! and I WILL turn off the elecricity!! lol

Claire x

 

[Claire C]

YAAAY!!!! It works!!

Finaly!!! I have been waiting for 2 years for my bro to fit that dimmer switch for me!!

Thank you so much for your help! I am really greatful to you for taking the time to help me!

If I ever have an electrical question in the future I know where to come! instead of waiting for my brother! who is an electrician by the way, and I know he means well by saying he'll do things for me, but hes just so busy and he never gets round to it!

Thanks again

Claire xx