- Screwdriver
- Inductive voltage detector
- Long-nose pliers and wire-stripping pliers (optional)
- Wire connectors
- Dimmer switch (single-pole type if original switch has two terminal screws; three-way type if original switch has three terminal screws)
HANG WALLPAPER
HANG A BORDER
REMOVE WALLPAPER
Installing a dimmer switch is very straight-forward. You can create a mood in your home with adjustable lighting in just three steps.
 DIFFICULTY:  | ratings key |
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Shut off the power to the switch, remove the cover plate and the switch, and then use an inductive voltage detector to make sure the wires aren’t hot. If a second switch occupies the same box, you may have to loosen it.
Remove all the wires and straighten the wire ends with pliers, or strip the insulation to create 1/2-in. wire ends. Join the dimmer-switch wires to the circuit wires with wire connectors, and attach the ground wire.
Insert switch, folding wires carefully into box, and tighten mounting screws. Be sure top and bottom are aligned correctly. Reinstall cover plate, and then press switch knob onto shaft, if necessary. Restore power, and test dimmer switch.
Standard fluorescent lights can’t be hooked up to a dimmer. You have to buy a fixture with a special ballast to mute them.
Static on the line? Older dimmer switches may interfere with nearby AM radios, audio equipment, and cordless telephones. Static or humming usually results. To cure the problem, replace old dimmer switches with new ones having either an RF or an RFI filter. 
