need help with dimmer swirtch

nancya1952

9 years ago

Tried to install a dimmer switch and heard a loud popping sound. Bought another dimmer and cant get it to work. I have installed them before.

Featured Answer

Vith

9 years ago

What dimmer switch?

How did you wire it?

Which wire is live when disconnected? Always turn off power to that circuit when working on it. For finding the incoming power keep everything disconnected turn on the power and test with a quality non-contact voltage tester. Then turn off the power again so you can work on it.

First guess you flipped the black going to the light and the black that is your power.

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Comments (7)

mike_kaiser_gw
9 years ago
The loud popping sound was probably a short to ground and you likely tripped a breaker, so maybe that's why the second dimmer doesn't work???

If you could post some pictures of the dimmer and wiring it question, we might be able to offer some suggestions. Otherwise, it might be time for a qualified professional.
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nancya1952
Original Author
9 years ago
dimmer is a Lutron TGCL-153PH-WH the black wire with power is on wired to right hand side upper screw and the other black wire is on left side both screws same color it's a dimmer with toggle on/off for single pole or 3-way. thank you
greg_2015
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Did you hook up the neutral wire? If not, that's why it isn't working. Dimmers require a neutral.

Edited to add: At least all of the dimmers I've installed have. I'm taking a quick look at the install instructions for this dimmer and it doesn't seem to. Sorry for jumping the gun.
greg_2015
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
It looks like you shouldn't be using the same colour screws. See diagram below.
Vith
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
You want the live wire hooked to the common (black-ish) screw. It will say common on there also.
nancya1952
Original Author
9 years ago
yes I moved them and wrap electric tape to screw head to make sure they did not touch anything in the back. thanks for all your help everyone